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Financial barriers for medical students attending ophthalmology conferences: an analysis of registration fees
David Hutchins1, Meghan K Berkenstock2
1Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Purpose:
Ophthalmology conferences are vital for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional development in ophthalmology. However, financial barriers may limit medical students' participation. This study assesses the costs associated with attending major United States conferences and examines disparities in funding availability based on institutional and conference-specific factors.
Design:
A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted using publicly available data.
Subjects Participants Or Controls:
Not applicable; this study analyzed publicly available data on conferences and institutions.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess conference-related expenses from January to December 2024. Data on registration fees, travel and accommodation costs, and available travel grants were collected from official conference websites and the publicly available websites of U.S. allopathic medical schools. Data were organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA), with comparisons made between general and subspecialty conferences and between virtual and in-person participation to illustrate cost variability.
Results:
Conference registration fees varied substantially, with a mean in-person registration cost of $670.83 (SD = $391.65), ranging from $0 to $1,100. Virtual fees averaged $541.67 (SD = $166.46), ranging from $400 to $725. Student discounts were inconsistently offered, and some conferences provided no financial relief. Travel and lodging added a significant expense. Institutional travel stipends ranged from $0 to $2,500 (mean = $428.33, SD = $144.83), often falling short of total costs.
Conclusion:
Medical students encounter considerable out-of-pocket costs when participating in ophthalmology conferences. Addressing these financial barriers through expanded travel funding, standardized student discounts, and reduced registration fees could enhance equity in access to professional development and foster greater inclusion within the field.
