Abstract
Purpose :
While some data about the ophthalmology fellowship match has been reported, studies investigating the details and trends in retina fellowship positions are lacking. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study of the San Francisco Match Central Application Service (CAS) database to identify program characteristics and trends for retina fellowships.
Methods :
The CAS database was reviewed from 2010 to 2019. The total number of retina fellowship positions were recorded and classified by location, association with an ophthalmology residency, as medical-only or medical/surgical retina, and compliance status set by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology - Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO-FCC). Programs that did not provide sufficient information to make the above classifications were excluded.
Results :
The number of retina fellowship positions offered annually increased 57% (102 to 160) from 2010 to 2019; medical retina-only and medical/surgical fellowship programs increased 257% (7 to 25) and 40% (67 to 94), respectively. In 2019, 59% (95 of 160) of positions offered were compliant with AUPO-FCC standards and 71% (114 of 160) of positions offered were associated with an ophthalmology residency. The state with the greatest number of fellowship positions in 2019 was California (20) and 20 states did not offer any positions. Of the 37 vacant positions in 2019, 78% (29) were not certified by the AUPO-FCC.
Conclusions :
The number of retina fellowship positions offered has grown over the last decade. With the increasing prevalence of retinal diseases, further study is needed to determine if the increase in workforce will be commensurate with future needs.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.