Why Are Black Doctors Underrepresented In Ophthalmology?
Published 2023 - 41st Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO0900 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/m04f-jr84
Authors: Josephine Bates* 1 , Chanelle Smith 2 , Riddhi Shenoy 3 , Mousindha Arjunan 4 , Sunil Mamtora 5
1Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust,Devon,United Kingdom, 2East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust,Lancashire,United Kingdom, 3The British Medical Journal,London,United Kingdom, 4Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust,Halifax,United Kingdom, 5The Royal College of Ophthalmologists,London,United Kingdom;Bristol Eye Hospital,Bristol,United Kingdom
Purpose
Recently published data from the GMC and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) has highlighted underrepresentation of black doctors within ophthalmology. Reasons for this are unclear. Significant efforts are being made to address equality and diversity within the specialty. Understanding the reasons for underrepresentation may assist in the deployment of resources. We therefore undertook a prospective study to identify barriers and facilitators for black medical students and junior doctors applying to ophthalmology.
Setting
Virtual interviews were conducted with medical students and junior doctors.
Methods
Participants were recruited by opportunistic sampling. A Delphi approach was used. Stage one involved individual semi-structured mixed qualitative/ quantitative interviews, comprising 24 questions. The questions explore specifically: ethnic identity, interest in ophthalmology, role models and seniors, direct discrimination and career considerations. Qualitative data was then evaluated thematically by two independent reviewers. A subsequent thematic analysis was corroborated and the quantitative data described. A further second stage will occur following the analysis of a total of twenty interviews. A focus group to further explore apparent themes will be conducted.
Results
First stage interviews conducted thus far have demonstrated that medical-students recognise underrepresentation in ophthalmology, and that there is low discourse about ophthalmology among afro-caribbean societies in comparison to other specialties. Suggested ideas to improve engagement with black doctors include increasing the specialty’s social media footprint, and increasing exposure prior to and during medical school.
Conclusions
Our work highlights key themes underpinning the reasons for underrepresentation for black doctors in ophthalmology. To subsequently explore this issue systematically, further work must be undertaken with the appropriate level of resource and support. Potential solutions, with the ultimate goal of establishing accurate representation of black doctors within ophthalmology should follow.