Abstract
Purpose :
Using nationwide survey data, we explored the factors influencing career decisions for U.S. medical students pursuing ophthalmology; a better understanding in this area may help improve recruitment efforts to promote a more diverse eye care workforce.
Methods :
This was a cohort study of medical students who responded to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) from 2013-2021, and the Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) from 2017-2022. We compared survey responses at matriculation and graduation for students who planned to pursue ophthalmology, versus all other specialties and surgical specialties. Comparisons were made by ANOVA, and p < 0.05 was statistically significant.
Results :
Of 134,723 students who responded to the MSQ and 98,628 students who responded to the GQ, 2425 (1.8%) and 2150 (2.2%) were interested in ophthalmology, respectively. Matriculating students interested in ophthalmology were more likely to value income, secure future, and work-life balance (all p < 0.001), and less likely to value social change (p < 0.001) compared to other specialties. Graduating students pursuing ophthalmology were more likely to report income, length of residency, family considerations, and work-life balance influencing specialty decision (all p < 0.001). Students who pursued other surgical specialties were more likely to report mentorship, fellowship options, and specialty content influencing specialty decision (all p < 0.001). Students who chose ophthalmology were more likely to find extra electives, group panels, and outside resources helpful for specialty choice (all p < 0.05), and more likely to have research experience (p < 0.001) and express interest in a research career (p < 0.001).
Conclusions :
Students pursuing ophthalmology more strongly valued factors pertaining to quality of life than those entering other specialties, and rely on extra electives and outside resources in making their career decisions. They are also more likely to conduct research and express a career interest in research. Understanding these factors may help guide recruitment efforts, such as improving mentorship and school events.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.