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The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program: A Model for Increasing Diversity in Surgical Specialties
Alejandra G de Alba Campomanes1, César A Briceño2, O'Rese J Knight1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Summary
The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program successfully increased residency match rates for underrepresented minority students. This initiative enhances diversity in ophthalmology, improving eye care access for diverse patient populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Ophthalmology
- Health Equity
Background:
- Increasing ethnic and racial diversity in medical schools, with underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students forming 21.5%.
- A significant drop-off exists for URiM students pursuing surgical specialties, with only 5.8% of ophthalmology residents identifying as URiM in 2019.
- Disparities in visual impairment and blindness disproportionately affect minority populations, highlighting the need for URiM physicians to improve trust and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the underrepresentation of URiM students in ophthalmology residencies.
- To overcome barriers and enhance URiM students' competitiveness for ophthalmology residency positions.
Main Methods:
- The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program, established in 2018, offers individualized mentorship, test preparation, a "match prep boot camp," networking, and research support.
- Program components are designed to strengthen URiM students' applications for ophthalmology residency.
Main Results:
- As of February 2025, 97 participants have successfully matched into 54 ophthalmology residency programs.
- In 2022 and 2023, participant match rates surpassed the national average for U.S. students in the SF Match.
- Participant surveys indicate high satisfaction with program activities and resources.
Conclusions:
- The program, renamed VISION Mentoring Program 2025, continues to adapt based on feedback and outcomes.
- The program expands its reach to support all medical students committed to advancing equity in eye care.
- Future plans include enhanced collaborations and tracking long-term outcomes to improve access to high-quality eye care for underserved communities.
