Educational and Scholarly Opportunities for Medical Students and Residents in Professional Ophthalmology Organizations

Abstract

How can we enrich the educational experience of medical students despite a steady decrease in ophthalmology content and exposure in the standard medical school curriculum? 1 We report a range of educational and scholarly opportunities offered by professional US ophthalmology organizations that may potentially be used to complement formal clinical teaching and maximize exposure to ophthalmology.Methods | Two investigators (A.Y. and X.Z.) independently reviewed the websites and bylaws of 17 major national ophthalmology organizations. Policies on membership, leadership (such as committee service and voting rights), annual meeting attendance, research and travel funding, annual membership fees, and early registration nonmember annual conference fees were recorded. Data were verified for accuracy through direct telephone and/or email correspondence with all organizations. The Yale Institutional Review Board determined this study to be exempt from review; therefore, no informed consent was obtained.Results | Of the 17 organizations, 4 (24%) offered membership to medical students, with 2 (50%) offering free memberships, and 9 (53%) offered memberships to residents, with 6 (67%) offering free memberships (Table ), all with restricted statuses distinct from regular or full membership. Overall, mean (SD) membership fees were $43

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