Core Entrustable Professional Activities and Qualities for Entering Ophthalmology Residency: A National Survey

Background Little information is available regarding the competencies and qualities expected of incoming ophthalmology residents by ophthalmology residency program leadership. As exposure to ophthalmology in medical school declines, it is necessary to define the ophthalmology-related skills and qualities expected of ophthalmology trainees at the start of the internship period. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess which core skills and qualities medical graduates are expected to possess when entering the internship period of ophthalmology residency. Methods Development of a 29-question survey was guided by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)-published list of core entrustable professional activities for graduating medical students. The survey was distributed to Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) program directors (PDs) and associate program directors (APDs) on May 10th, 2023. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare responses based on respondent and program characteristics. Results 45 complete surveys were received from 21.6% of queried participants. Thirteen core skills were felt to be at least moderately important by at least 50% of respondents. The three most highly valued skills were collaborating as a member of an interprofessional team (100%), gathering an appropriate ocular history (87%), and giving/receiving a patient handover (80%). Ranking of intern characteristics was highest for “Integrity” (mean ranking 3.9, standard deviation (SD) 3.7), “Professionalism” (mean ranking 4.1, SD 3.4) and “Compassion and empathy toward patients” (mean ranking 4.1, SD 3.6). Conclusions Incoming PGY-1 ophthalmology residents are expected to display proficiency in systems-based practice, patient care skills, and basic specialty-specific skills. This study may aid in curriculum development and guide self-directed learning of trainees pursuing ophthalmology residency.