Abstract
Objective This study aims to survey medical students interested in ophthalmology about how
changes in electives and Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) due to the novel
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have affected their attitudes toward
applying to ophthalmology residency.
Design This is a cross-sectional survey.
Participants A total of 32 Canadian medical students interested in ophthalmology responded to
the survey.
Methods A 32-question survey tool used was developed in consultation with medical students,
academic ophthalmologists, and residency program directors. The survey was distributed
through e-mail by local ophthalmology interest groups at all of Canada's medical schools.
Results Respondents felt that changes in ability to travel for electives significantly decreased
their likelihood of applying to ophthalmology residency. Additionally, respondents
expressed concerns that lack of travel for electives and in-person CaRMS interviews
significantly reduced their chances of successfully matching to ophthalmology. Respondents
identified one-on-one video calls with program directors and residents as the initiatives
that would best counteract the negative impacts from COVID-19. Increased presence
of programs on social media were relatively less valued.
Conclusion Canadian medical students interested in ophthalmology have concerns about how changes
in electives and the CaRMS match due to COVID-19 will impact their ability to be fairly
assessed and successfully match to ophthalmology. Lack of travel for electives and
interviews has also resulted in students feeling ill equipped to make informed choices
about program selection. However, there remains a sustained interest in ophthalmology
among applicants.
Keywords
ophthalmology - medical education - residency
