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VA residency programs in optometry: characteristics of the applicants
1VA Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Optometry residency applicants are predominantly women, with a 2:1 applicant-to-position ratio. Stronger National Board scores and GPAs improve matching success in optometric residency programs.
Area of Science:
- Optometry
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Optometric residency programs are crucial for advanced training.
- Limited research exists on optometry residency applicant characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic and academic characteristics of optometry residency applicants.
- To establish baseline data for future trend analysis in optometric education.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of applicant data from VA optometry residency programs (1991-92, 1992-93).
- Comparison of applicant data with national optometry data where applicable.
Main Results:
- Applicant-to-position ratio exceeded 2:1.
- The majority of applicants were women.
- Higher National Board of Examiners in Optometry scores and GPAs correlated with successful matching.
Conclusions:
- Applicant profiles in optometric education are subject to change.
- This study provides baseline data for tracking future shifts in applicant characteristics.