This episode on EyeCan, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Marion Munk, a globally recognized leader in uveitis, retina, and ophthalmic research innovation. With an impressive track record in clinical research, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine, Dr. Munk guides us through the evolving landscape of ophthalmology—from the critical role of standardizing imaging protocols to the transformative power of AI in discovering new disease pathways. In this episode, we unpack her work in establishing global nomenclature through Delphi methodologies, redefining clinical endpoints for retinal therapies, and exploring therapeutic targets beyond anti-VEGF. We also dive into her groundbreaking research on fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and nonperfusion, along with how AI and bioinformatics are revealing links between ophthalmic disease and systemic infections like SARS-CoV-2 and tuberculosis. To round out the conversation, we put Dr. Munk in the “lightning round hotseat” to hear about her life beyond the lab—travel, books, and how she unwinds when she's not pushing the boundaries of eye care innovation. 👩⚕️ Guest Bio: Professor Marion Munk Professor Marion Munk is a physician-scientist and global authority in Uveitis and Medical Retina. She is Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research at Augenarzt-Praxisgemeinschaft Gutblick AG, Professor at Inselspital (University Hospital Bern), adjunct professor at Northwestern University (Chicago), Director of Eyegnos Consulting, and Chief Medical Officer at Isarna Therapeutics. Dr. Munk has authored over 260 scientific publications and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including IOVS, Acta Ophthalmologica, and Ophthalmologica. Her research spans image processing, artificial intelligence, macular disease, and uveitis. She is Research Chair at the International Retinal Imaging Society (InTRIS) and a peer reviewer for numerous journals in the field. Through her work in standardizing OCTA nomenclature, advancing retinal imaging analytics, and leading the charge on AI applications in ophthalmology, Professor Munk is helping shape the future of vision science. With your host Dr. Hady Saheb. Written and directed by Kim Tytler. Produced by John Allaire of Allaire Strategic Works. The EyeCan Podcast is made possible by support from Bayer. Show Notes: Exploring the Molecular Intersection of Posterior Ocular Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis Proteins, Ocular Autoimmunity, and Immune Receptor Interactions. Standardization of OCT Angiography Nomenclature in Retinal Vascular Diseases: Consensus-Based Recommendations. Is it Time to Adopt a New Nomenclature and Classification for White Dot Syndromes Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques? Report 1 from Multimodal Imaging in Uveitis (MUV) Task Force. Expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry molecules in surgically obtained human retinal biopsies. How the immune response to the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 affects the retinal vascular endothelial cells: an immune thrombotic and/or endotheliopathy process with in silico modeling. Recommendations for OCT Angiography Reporting in Retinal Vascular Disease: A Delphi Approach by International Experts. Comments about EyeCan? Contact communications@cos-sco.ca and we’ll get back to you soon!
