A Study of Prospective Ophthalmology Residents’ Career Perceptions

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A Study of Prospective Ophthalmology Residents’ Career Perceptions

JR Scott, EdD, MPH and CA Gunderson, MD

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences;

University of Texas Medical Branch

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in ophthalmology
resident candidates and practicing ophthalmologists’ career perceptions. A secondary aim was to
evaluate specific demographic factors (e.g., gender, ethnicity, career interests, etc.) among
residency candidates regarding their career perceptions.

Methods: A survey instrument (Critical factors in Career Perceptions) was sent by e-mail to
prospective residents (n= 122). Group differences were calculated using a one sample t-test
analysis.

Results: Compared to practicing ophthalmologists (n = 56), residency candidates were more likely
(p < 0.05) to expect greater professional job satisfaction from a number of career factors (e.g.,
time with patients, physician teamwork, etc.); family-personal factors (e.g., diversity of job skills,
sole professional responsibility, etc.); and financial factors (i.e., income and security) than those in
practice. Gender differences between candidates revealed that women were more interested in
spending time with patients and in computer technology applications.

Conclusions: These results suggest that medical school and residency program leaders to consider
specific factors ophthalmologists encounter in their profession so that residency candidates have a
more realistic view of their chosen profession. Several recommendations for resident recruitment
and curriculum development are provided.

Key Words: resident career perceptions; ophthalmology career satisfaction; ethics/professionalism

Personal as well as professional goals, values,
and interests are often formulated prior to
commencing a professional career. Applicants to
residency programs frequently chose their field of
specialty based upon rather naive perceptions of that
specialty. These initial perceptions may differ from
those of physicians practicing within that specialty
and may differ by the applicant’s gender. Although
their viewpoints are further refined during residency,
significant career choices are based on those initial
perceptions. In particular, understanding the career
perceptions of ophthalmology resident applicants
may provide a greater understanding of their unique
capabilities and preferences for this medical
specialty. In fact, ophthalmology is recognized as a
medical specialty for the high degree of patient
contact across all age groups; the amount of surgical
procedures; and the potential for a favorable life-
style.¹ Not surprisingly, long-term physician job
satisfaction is shown to relate to career turnover ² as
well as satisfaction during the residency training
experience.³

The purpose of this study was to more accurately
assess and describe the perceptions of ophthalmology
residency training candidates towards their chosen
profession. By understanding these perceptions,
residency programs may be better able to select
applicants able to achieve greater career satisfaction.
Methods

An electronic survey was delivered to resident
applicants qualified for review to the University of
Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB),
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences,
for the entrance year 2003. The survey was based
upon a validated and administered survey of Critical
Career Factors among practicing ophthalmologists
developed by the American Medical Association
(AMA). Modifications in the survey were made to
measure anticipated perceptions without changing the
original survey’s intent. The instrument consisted of
twenty items using a Likert-type rating scale on a 10-
point continuum (e.g., “1” having lesser value to “10”
having greater value) as well as five open-ended
questions added to the original instrument. The
modified survey was piloted among similar resident
respondents for clarity, appropriateness, and
comprehension. IRB approval was obtained in
accordance with established ethical standards for
expedited institutional research. This study was a
cross-sectional survey of residency candidates using
an e-mailed questionnaire with survey responses
stored within the departmental web page.

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