Abstract
Purpose :
Noticing an increasing number of technicians and scribes in recent years, this study serves as a measure of that phenomenon. Our purpose is to determine the prevalence of scribes and technicians among applicants to our ophthalmology residency program.
Methods :
In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, all applications to the University of Kentucky Ophthalmology Residency program were reviewed between 2018 and 2022. Data collected included applicant’s gender, Under-Represented in Medicine (URiM) status, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and 2 scores, whether the applicant had a physician parents (defined as having an MD or PhD) and worked as an ophthalmic technician or a scribe.
Results :
A total of 2,057 applications were reviewed (54% of all match applicant). 240 applicants served as technicians and 256 as scribes. During the study period, the number of applicants increased by 27% (395 in 2018 vs 502 in 2022), the percentage of ophthalmic technicians by 2% (11% vs 13%) and that of scribes by 6% (8% vs 14%). Applicants that served as technicians were more likely to have a physician parent (χ= 9.135; p=0.003), lower USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores (222 ± 57.6 vs 233 ± 46; p= 0.006 and 246 ± 13.7 vs 249 ±16.5; p=0.014, respectively) and work as scribes (χ= 41.9; p<0.001). Scribes were more likely to identify as URiM (χ= 4.425; p=0.035) and have served as technicians.
Conclusions :
With number of applications increasing, applicants, particularly those that might perceive themselves at a disadvantage (ie. URiM, lower USMLE scores) are seeking opportunities to strengthen their applications.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.