MICCAI 2016 Daily - Wednesday

Another example is in the area of pay and promotions. Women are routinely paid less than men, have less success in negotiating raises, and are more often overlooked for promotion. Finally, I think one of the most positive and effective ways we can try to address these issues is open dialogue and discourse, such as through your column. I really think that moving towards gender equality in science is the responsibility of everyone, not just women, as I think science will be its best when everyone's contributions are included. MICCAI Daily: How will you balance your career with family? This is something that men normally do not think about because they know they will have to sacrifice less. What’s in your mind about that? Lei: This is another example of bias that goes against women. The idea that child raising is for the woman only or affects the woman more is something that we would like to see corrected. MICCAI Daily: Well, it does affect women more. Lei: Yes, biologically, it does. I think that once the child is in the world, I think that it is the shared responsibility of the couple to raise the child. MICCAI Daily: Do you see that in the scientific community? Lei: I see it more in the scientific community. It’s coming up more and more which I am happy to see. I think that the idea that a woman should have to choose between her career and her family, when a man wouldn’t have to, is something that should be addressed. MICCAI Daily: How should it be addressed? Lei: I think having equal maternity and paternity leave and longer lengths of time. In the US, we have shorter lengths of maternity leave. I think access to childcare is something that would benefit both genders. There are a lot of different solutions that could be put in place. MICCAI Daily: What would you recommend to a young woman entering this field? Lei: Well, I have a slightly different answer. I think one of the other solutions for women entering science is mentorship and having more direct mentorship. That means having more female mentors that actually sponsor you, put you forward, and provide the opportunities. For instance, research shows that that women-led startup companies tend to thrive the best when they’re funded by venture capitalists that also has a woman on the board. I think there are ways for women to help to promote other women. I think that that’s really important. MICCAI Daily: Do you mentor? Do you like it? Lei: Yes, I love it! CVPR Daily: Thursday Women in Science 12 MICCAI Daily: Wednesday