MD/MBA Dual Degree Trends in Ophthalmology Residency: A 12-Year Analysis (2013-2025)

Background: The number of Medical Doctor and Master of Business Administration (MD/MBA) dual degree programs has grown fivefold in the last two decades, reflecting an increased integration of business training in medical education. Despite this growth, the role and prevalence of MD/MBA degrees among ophthalmology residents remain largely uncharacterized. Purpose: To characterize trends in prevalence, demographics, and educational patterns of MD/MBA dual degree holders among U.S. ophthalmology residents who entered residency between 2013 and 2025. Methods: Ophthalmology residents in the United States who entered residency between 2013 and 2025 (n = 5,684) were included, with 80 MD/MBA dual-degree holders identified. Residents were grouped into pre-COVID (≤2020) and post-COVID (≥2021) cohorts. Publicly available data were collected in June 2025 from residency program websites, LinkedIn, press releases, alumni databases, and the Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Variables included MD/MBA program type, MBA timing, fellowship training, practice setting, and sex. Statistical analyses were performed with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Of the 5,684 residents, 80 (1.4%) held MD/MBA degrees. Pre-COVID, 38 MD/MBAs entered residency compared with 42 post-COVID. Pre-COVID, odds of holding an MD/MBA degree per year increased significantly (OR = 1.171; 95% CI, 1.012-1.368; p = 0.039) but showed no significant increase after the pandemic onset (OR = 0.893; 95% CI, 0.717-1.109; p = 0.309). Female representation among MD/MBA residents increased significantly post-COVID (OR = 1.672; 95% CI, 1.067-2.791; p = 0.033). Most residents completed the MBA before residency (pre-COVID, 89%; post-COVID, 95%), primarily in 5-year combined programs. Fellowship pursuit was common (pre-COVID, 74%; post-COVID, 83%), with retina, cornea, and oculoplastics as the most prevalent subspecialties. Practice data showed 50% of pre-COVID MD/MBAs entered private practice. Conclusion: Our analysis of MD/MBA dual-degree trends among ophthalmology residents demonstrates a significant increase in the prevalence of MD/MBA residents pre-COVID, stabilization post-COVID, and a significant increase in the female representation of MD/MBAs post-COVID. Most MBAs were completed during medical school in combined programs. Fellowship and practice patterns highlight the dual degree’s applicability across academic and private career pathways