A Study of Prospective Ophthalmology Residents’ Career Perceptions



Scott JR, Gunderson CA. A study of prospective ophthalmology
residents’ career perceptions.

of interest because of a perceived lifestyle, career and
family balance
.

Although ophthalmology has historically tended
to produce greater private practice opportunities1, the
changing medical profession workforce (i.e.,
increased gender and ethnic diversity; older resident
age; increased expectations for career satisfaction; as
well as changing child-rearing roles for either parent)
may contribute to increased interests in academic
medicine or other medical practice options.

Another career factor of increased interest is the
application of information and diagnostic
technologies. Computer technology and mechanical
devices were found to be more an interest to
residency candidates than those in practice, perhaps
explained by the fact that younger generations are
more informed about technology.

Surprisingly, prospective female residents
revealed the most interest in computer technology
applications perhaps due to its time-saving
efficiencies. This has additional implications for
evidence-based practice and telemedicine. Patients
who are better informed will use information access
via the Internet and physician e-mail than ever before
5. In this way, computer based resources will benefit
resident training and professional practice.

The influence of candidate family and personal
values were found to be more highly rated than those
in practice. Women residents appear to be concerned
about balancing family and career issues for career
satisfaction. Women physicians are found to have
20% fewer work hours than males 5. This may be an
important consideration in resident recruitment and
curriculum that allow for a balanced career-family
lifestyle.

We recommend that resident faculty include
career factors related to graduate medical education
general competencies (e.g., Patient Care;
Communications and Interpersonal Skills;
Professionalism; etc.) during the recruitment
interview process. Such recommendations may be of
special concern to residency programs affiliated with
academic health centers where shorter patient
hospital stays and a lesser emphasis on teaching in
out-patient clinics place added burdens on faculty to
teach important career factors 10. Residency programs
need to consider the critical factors that determine
career satisfaction when recruiting prospective
colleagues. In addition, core curriculum designs
should incorporate practice management objectives
related to Career and Financial Issues in clinical

Med Educ Online [serial online] 2003;8:9. Available from
http://www.med-ed-online.org

practice. The perceptions of Personal-Family Issues
are important for both recruitment and instruction of
residents as well as medical students. Career planning
during medical school and residency training should
be offered so that career, personal and financial
issues are effectively explored. In this way, important
core competencies for interpersonal communications,
professionalism and medical practice are considered
particular strengths associated with women
candidates.

Therefore, guiding the process of career
expectations assists medical students and residents
towards effective career decision-making. A
changing patient population by ethnicity and age
demographics coupled with greater competition in
the ambulatory care setting will further influence
decisions for practice options. Creating experiences
that include private practice role modeling may
likewise create a more realistic perception of
ophthalmology practice. Moreover, assessing career
critical factors may fortify resident general
competencies in such domains as interpersonal and
communications skills; professionalism; and systems-
based practice. Therefore, resident career critical
factors may enhance their career satisfaction and
longevity as future ophthalmologists to meet the
vision care needs of a changing and diverse patient
population.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Tom Prager (UT Houston) provided statistical
and graphical support.

References

1. Pankratz MJ, Helveston EM. Ophthalmology:
The resident’s perspective. Arch Ophthalmol
1992 110:37-43.

2. Kay LE, D’Amico F. Factors influencing
satisfaction for family practice residency
faculty. Fam Med 1999 31 (6): 409-14.

3. Weaver SP, Mills TL, Passmore C. Job
satisfaction of family practice residents. Fam
Med 2001 33 (9): 678-82

4. Debas H. Surgery: A noble profession in a
changing world. Ann Surg 2002 236 (3) 263-9.

5. Gabram SG, Hoenig J, Schroedeer JW Jr.,
Mansour A, Gamelli R. What are the primary
concerns of recently graduated surgeons and
how do they differ from those of the residency



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