DOES OPHTHALMOLOGY TRAINING MATCH STUDENT EXPECTATIONS? – A UK NATIONAL SURVEY

To evaluate the perceptions of a career in ophthalmology among medical students and compare this with the reality experienced by current specialty trainees.

United Kingdom medical schools and specialty deaneries.

This study was conducted in two parts. We first contacted medical students from 31 medical schools to participate. 14 ophthalmology societies at these universities consented to distribute our questionnaire. We then distributed a separate survey to UK ophthalmologists through social media and professional networking groups to explore how their perceptions changed before and after obtaining a specialty post. Responses were collected over eight weeks after two rounds of local advertising and we compared these results.

We received 72 responses from our student survey. 45.8% said that they were “somewhat likely,” to apply for ophthalmology training in the future, while 25% responded with “very likely”. The main factor which sparked an initial interest in ophthalmology was a good experience during ophthalmology placements. The ophthalmologist survey yielded 7 responses from 7 different training regions, with varying levels of experience, from their first (ST1) to last (ST6) year of specialty training. Regarding specialty applications, the main perceived expectation from students was being well published. However, only one trainee also reported this as an expectation from prospective ophthalmology trainees. Instead, m0st encouraged attempting a fellowship exam and evidence of commitment and exposure to the specialty. Furthermore, in line with student perceptions, many (42.9%) trainees had engaged in specialty-related extra-curricular activities whilst at university. Regarding motivating factors to pursue ophthalmology, career flexibility and intellectual stimulation were the most important factors influencing students to pursue ophthalmology, whilst competitiveness of the specialty application was by far the main deterrent. However, in retrospect, doctors reported the work-life balance was not as flexible as expected, and that competitiveness continued post-specialty application as well. Encouragingly, 85.7% of trainees reported that they were “very satisfied” with their decision to pursue ophthalmology.

This study compared medical students’ perceptions to those of current trainees of ophthalmology as a career. Factors such as career flexibility and intellectual stimulation were important motivating factors guiding choice for specialty applications. However, it is vital that students gain a realistic expectation of ophthalmology as a career: current trainees conveyed that certain aspects, such as flexibility and even components of the application were not in line with their prior perceptions. We suggest students to take advantage of taster sessions at their local institutions, and for universities to facilitate more exposure to the spectrum of specialties and their realistic advantages and drawbacks.