The New Ophthalmology Internship: A Trainee Curricular Survey

Abstract

Background The American Academy of Ophthalmology, in conjunction with the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), has mandated the creation of a linked ophthalmology internship year for all programs by 2021. This mandate provides a unique opportunity to tailor a curriculum specific to the ophthalmology trainee. This study reports the results of a national survey of ophthalmology residents and fellows regarding the relevance and applicability of extramural content to their ophthalmology training. Methods Using the online portal SurveyMonkey, an anonymous survey was sent to 119 ACGME-accredited ophthalmology residencies. It consisted of nine questions formulated to measure the perceived applicability and relevance of other specialties to ophthalmology training. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. Outcomes were compared by one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc analysis for between group differences and Benjamini–Hochberg for multiple comparisons. Results Ninety-four respondents (residents and fellows) completed the survey (January–February 2020); 52.1% completed an internal medicine internship, 42.6% transitional, and 5.3% general surgery. Overall, prior internship experience was rated favorably. Otolaryngology and radiology were deemed the most relevant to ophthalmology training. Intensive care unit (ICU) was considered the least beneficial, followed by general surgery, primary care, and pediatrics. Neuroradiology was overwhelmingly preferred over general radiology. The majority of respondents reported minimal exposure to oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) in medical school/internship. When choosing a reason for inclusion in the new curriculum, respondents reported a high level of surgical overlap with otolaryngology, OMFS, and plastic surgery; clinical overlap with neurology; and ophthalmic consultation with emergency medicine. Conclusion Several specialties—notably otolaryngology, radiology, and neurology—were considered highly relevant but lacking in preresidency exposure. The preference for neuroradiology was almost unanimous. In contrast, general surgery and ICU were found to be minimally relevant. Overall, ophthalmology residents reported a high level of satisfaction with their internship experience, an important consideration when building a curriculum that will appeal to potential applicants. The findings of this survey provide a framework to build a curricular plan based on current resident and fellow experience.

Dermatology Education in U.S. Ophthalmology Residency: A Survey of the Program Directors

“…To encourage ophthalmology trainees' exposure to other disciplines, the ACGME created guidelines for integrated internship years, through which residency programs could provide trainees the opportunity to tailor their curriculum for the intern year. A 2020 survey of ophthalmology residents and fellows revealed that 74% of the respondents considered dermatology to be relevant due to its clinical overlap with ophthalmology, though most respondents did not have exposure to dermatology (58.6%) before residency 4 . The top specialties they were exposed to included internal medicine, intensive care unit, radiology, and emergency medicine 4 .…”

“…A 2020 survey of ophthalmology residents and fellows revealed that 74% of the respondents considered dermatology to be relevant due to its clinical overlap with ophthalmology, though most respondents did not have exposure to dermatology (58.6%) before residency 4 . The top specialties they were exposed to included internal medicine, intensive care unit, radiology, and emergency medicine 4 . Our study showed that in residency programs without dermatology rotation, most PDs did not consider increasing dermatology exposure or starting a rotation a priority.…”

The Transition to Ophthalmology Residency: A National Survey of the Combined Ophthalmology PGY-1 Program

“…Research from prior to the combined intern year demonstrated that the transition to ophthalmology residency is even more stressful than the transition to residency (intern year) in general. 3,4 Prior to the integration of the PGY-1 year, the PGY-1 to PGY-2 transition has not always been one for which ophthalmology residents are well prepared, with much of their previous education and practical training geared toward general medicine. 3 There is also early evidence that ophthalmology exposure during the intern year is beneficial.…”