Applicants' choice of an ophthalmology residency program.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the factors most important to applicants when selecting an ophthalmology residency program.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
All 595 applicants who submitted a rank list to the Ophthalmology Residency Matching Program for the 2012 match.


METHODS
Participants anonymously completed a 25-item questionnaire after the submission of their rank lists. A multiple-choice format and ordinal scale were used to query applicants on demographics, career plans, and the importance of factors related to program characteristics. One question allowed a free text response to identify factors that caused the applicant to rank a program lower than other programs or not at all (i.e., "red flag").


METHODS
Factors important to applicants when creating their rank lists.


RESULTS
The response rate was 37% (218/595). The 3 most important factors affecting rank lists were resident-faculty relationships, clinical and surgical volume, and diversity of training. The fourth most important was the interview experience with faculty; poor interview experience was the most frequently cited "red flag." Age, gender, and marital status did not affect how applicants rated factors. Applicants planning a post-residency fellowship or an academic career placed greater importance on opportunities for resident research and a program's prestige (P<0.0001). Female and ethnic minority applicants placed greater importance on the diversity of faculty and residents by gender or ethnicity (P<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Applicants rated educational and interpersonal factors as more important than geographic factors when selecting an ophthalmology residency program. Future career plans and demographic factors influenced the rating of specific factors. The results of this study provide a useful resource to programs preparing for the match.
Department of Ophthalmology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia 20060, USA.
Salman J
SJ
Yousuf
John
J
Kwagyan
Leslie S
LS
Jones
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007586:Job Application; D008297:Male; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult