Impact of the EyeSTAR Ophthalmic Physician-Scientist Training Program at UCLA

Importance: Training physician-scientists in ophthalmology is crucial for advancing translational research and enriching academic medicine. Programs that effectively train and retain these professionals are essential. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Specialty Training and Advanced Research in Ophthalmology and Visual Science (EyeSTAR) program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in producing physician-scientists who remain in academia and secure competitive research funding. Design, Setting, Participants: This study reviewed the career outcomes of EyeSTAR graduates from 2002 to 2021, utilizing program records and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RePORTER database. Main Outcomes: Metrics for success included the retention of graduates in academic positions and their ability to obtain significant research funding from NIH K08 and R01 awards. Results: The EyeSTAR graduates account for 8.6% of all ophthalmology residents from UCLA during the study period. Among the 13 graduates of the EyeSTAR program, 46.2% currently hold academic positions. A notable 30.8% of the graduates have been awarded K08 funding, and 15.4% have successfully obtained R01 grant funding. Of UCLA residents not trained in EyeSTAR 19.0% hold academic positions, with 2.9% obtaining K08 or K23 funding. Conclusion: The EyeSTAR program has proven to be a valuable model for training physician-scientists in ophthalmology, demonstrating success in fostering academic careers and securing research funding. This program stands out as a viable solution to the declining number of physician-scientists in ophthalmology.