Abstract
Purpose :
To better understand US ophthalmology resident experiences and identify opportunities for improvement, we designed a survey that explores views on mentorship, bias, wellbeing, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods :
A cross-sectional study of US ophthalmology residents was conducted using an anonymous IRB-approved online survey consisting of 59 multiple-choice questions. The survey was distributed to all ACGME-accredited ophthalmology program coordinators, and in some instances also program directors, via email and was posted on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (retweeted by Dr. Glaucomflecken with 81k views).
Results :
Of 115 ophthalmology residency programs asked to distribute the survey over a 10-month period, 60 (52%) agreed to distribute, 2 (2%) declined, and 53 (46%) did not respond. Of 1313 ophthalmology residents (AAMC 2023) in the US, 83 responded (6%). Just over half of respondents were men (53%). Most identified as Caucasian (43%) or Asian (27%); 2% were Black, 6% were Hispanic/Latino/x/a, 8% Middle Eastern/North African, 10% bi/multiracial, 4% deferred. Most residents indicated adequate access to research mentors (75%). Just under 1/3 of residents reported that race (29%) and gender (31%) negatively affected training and access to research opportunities. Of women respondents, 95% reported that someone assumed they were a nurse in the last 12 months. Of underrepresented minorities, 23% indicated that someone assumed they were not a doctor due to their race. Over half of residents (54%) ranked their wellbeing highly (> 7/10). About 1/3 (30%) reported high levels of burnout (> 7/10). Most respondents (86%) training overlapped with the pandemic, but less than half (47%) felt it negatively impacted training.
Conclusions :
Less than 1/3 of US ophthalmology resident respondents perceived differences in access to research opportunities and training based on resident race and gender. Patient bias still exists, particularly with respect to gender. Ophthalmology resident rankings of wellbeing were modest, and 1/3 of residents reported high levels of burnout. Less than half of ophthalmology residents felt that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their training. Continued evaluation and development of proactive measures to address perceived disparities and foster equitable and enriching environments for US ophthalmology residents are suggested.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.