Ophthalmology. The resident's perspective

M. J. Pankratz and E. M. Helveston
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202.

To determine how and why current residents in ophthalmology chose their medical specialty, we formulated and distributed a questionnaire to all ophthalmology residents in accredited programs. The results of the survey gave insight into not only their decision-making processes in choosing ophthalmology, but also their backgrounds, the factors that were important in choosing their residency program, and their future plans in ophthalmology. A wide variety of factors was involved in the decision to pursue a career in ophthalmology. In addition, we found current residents to be well qualified academically and generally satisfied with their decision to enter ophthalmology.