Evaluation of Medical Students' Perception of an Ophthalmology Career

Training in the year of the eye: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic education

“…At baseline, the time for structured education allotted to ophthalmology during medical school varies significantly, but in general has declined over the years. 14 15 Insufficient exposure, which may result in fewer trainees developing an interest in the field, was cited by students in a study at one US institution 16 as one of the main reasons for not choosing ophthalmology as their specialty. The cancellation of in-person home and away rotations may further reduce opportunities to obtain experience in ophthalmology, engage with faculty and trainees, conduct research and prepare to apply for residency, though some schools are now offering a virtual ophthalmology elective.…”

Factors Influencing Career Decisions and Satisfaction Among Newly Practicing Ophthalmologists

“…301,302 A cross-sectional study evaluating medical students' perception of an ophthalmology career found that URM students more frequently reported insufficient same race or same gender role models or mentorship in the field as a reason for not pursuing ophthalmology compared with non-URM students. 303 The field of ophthalmology should create an environment that supports diversity. Academic institutions and private practices should ensure that all staff receive training to become competent in addressing gender, ethnic, and cultural issues among health care providers and patients.…”

Modulating a summer ophthalmology research experience for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Exposure to a surgical specialty early in medical school is a key differentiator in predicting matching into that specialty, 4 and one recent survey of medical graduates found lack of exposure to ophthalmology as the #2 reason for not choosing this specialty. 5 This lack of exposure is particularly acute for ophthalmology, which forms a shrinking portion of the core medical school curriculum in the United States.…”