June 2023
Volume 64, Issue 8
Open Access
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   June 2023
Website transparency of ophthalmology residency programs: a cross sectional study
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Sruti Rachapudi
    School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States
    Johns Hopkins Medicine Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • Aaishwariya Gulani
    University of Central Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
  • Cherie Fathy
    Johns Hopkins Medicine Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • Fasika Woreta
    Johns Hopkins Medicine Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships   Sruti Rachapudi None; Aaishwariya Gulani None; Cherie Fathy Zeiss, Code C (Consultant/Contractor); Fasika Woreta None
  • Footnotes
    Support  None
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science June 2023, Vol.64, 5361. doi:
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      Sruti Rachapudi, Aaishwariya Gulani, Cherie Fathy, Fasika Woreta; Website transparency of ophthalmology residency programs: a cross sectional study. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2023;64(8):5361.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Purpose : The ophthalmology residency application process is constantly evolving and there is an increasing call for transparency from residency programs. Given the transition to virtual interviews in 2020, up-to-date and transparent websites have become vital for students to gauge compatibility with particular programs. The objective of this study is to identify the level of transparency of ophthalmology residency programs based on their program websites.

Methods : A review of ACGME-accredited programs’ websites was performed from November 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 to evaluate information available for 121 programs. Programs’ transparency regarding four categories were assessed: selection criteria (research requirements, Step score minimums, letter of recommendation requirements, and foreign graduates), the interview process (e.g., interview format, spots, and dates), program priorities (e.g., research opportunities, mission statement, resident and faculty demographics, and diversity initiatives), and program curriculum (e.g., didactics, call schedules, and hospitals).

Results : Variables in the four categories noted above were analyzed with binary results of “yes” or “no.” The program curriculum section was the most well reported with information being provided greater than 90% of the time. The selection criteria section was the least well reported, with letters of recommendation, research, and step score cut offs reported in less than 10% of program websites. Program priorities and interview process variables had a wide range of reporting. Resident and faculty geographical demographics were reported by 91% and 88% of programs respectively. Diversity and psychosocial-wellbeing initiatives were reported in only a quarter of programs. Number of residents per class and interview format were provided 82% and 55% of the time, while the number of interview invites were only provided for 11% of programs.

Conclusions : This study identifies “Selection Criteria” as an area that can be improved upon across the board by programs to provide more transparent information for applicants. Program requirements and priorities, however, are readily provided by programs on their websites. Overall, more transparent selection criteria may help reduce the tendency to over-apply to programs, which is a significant financial burden for applicants and a significant time burden on programs that need to review these applications.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.

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