Factors affecting the decision to pursue glaucoma fellowship training.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with the choice to pursue glaucoma fellowship training by graduating ophthalmology residents.


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


RESULTS
Surveys were completed by 215 (49.2%) residents, including 135 (62.8%) who were pursuing fellowships. Among residents undertaking fellowship training, 17 (12.6%) selected glaucoma and 118 (87.4%) chose other subspecialties. Residents entering glaucoma fellowships performed more glaucoma filtering procedures (P=0.006), and they were less likely to publish a paper (P=0.05) and have time allocated for research (P=0.04) than residents seeking fellowships in other subspecialties. Factors that were rated as less important to those choosing glaucoma fellowships included interest in challenging diagnostic problems (P=0.009), types of patient problems (P=0.015), an academic career (P=0.03), and working with new technology (P=0.04). The decision to pursue fellowship training was made later by residents entering glaucoma compared with those choosing other subspecialties (P=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
A variety of factors affect the decision to pursue fellowship training. There are differences in how these factors are weighed among residents seeking fellowships in glaucoma and other subspecialties.
Gedde
Steven J
SJ
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA. sgedde@med.miami.edu
Budenz
Donald L
DL
Haft
Payman
P
Lee
Yunhee
Y
Quigley
Harry A
HA
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D004501:Education, Medical; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma; D006306:Health Surveys; 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* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States