Factors influencing career choices among graduating ophthalmology residents.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors influencing graduating ophthalmology residents to pursue subspecialty training or a career in comprehensive ophthalmology.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Residents graduating from U.S. ophthalmology residency programs who participated in the ophthalmology match program.


METHODS
An anonymous survey was sent to each graduating ophthalmology resident in the United States between February 1, 2003, and February 28, 2003. Demographic data and information relating to medical school and residency training, career goals, and factors influencing career choices were collected from the surveys.


METHODS
The decision to pursue or not to pursue fellowship training.


RESULTS
The individual response rate was 50.8% (222/437), and 74.1% (86/116) of residency training programs responded to the survey. After completion of residency training, 64% (142/222) were pursuing subspecialty training and 36% (80/222) planned to practice comprehensive ophthalmology. In a multivariate analysis, factors that predicted subspecialty training included a desire to acquire special skills (odds ratio [OR], 13.81) and a perceived more favorable job market (OR, 3.23) and prestige (OR, 3.20). Anticipated work hours (OR, 0.37) and preferred geographic location (OR, 0.47) were predictors of a career in comprehensive ophthalmology. Residents choosing comprehensive ophthalmology careers were more likely to plan to practice in a group private practice, and those seeking subspecialty training were more likely to intend to practice in a university setting or were undecided in their future practice type (OR, 2.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Several factors influenced career choices among graduating ophthalmology residents. A desire to acquire special skills and perceived prestige and job market were major factors influencing ophthalmology residents to seek subspecialty training. Lifestyle considerations were more important to residents choosing a comprehensive ophthalmology career. There were significant differences in practice preferences among residents pursuing or not pursuing subspecialty training.
Gedde
Steven J
SJ
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. sgedde@med.miami.edu
Budenz
Donald L
DL
Haft
Payman
P
Tielsch
James M
JM
Lee
Yunhee
Y
Quigley
Harry A
HA
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004501:Education, Medical; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce