Pathways to Leadership and Mentorship in Canadian Ophthalmology: A Cross-Sectional Study

Theme: Equity, diversity and inclusion
What: Equity, diversity and inclusion
Part of: EDI Symposium II: EDI in Action / de diversité, d’équité et d’inclusion II : L’EDI en action
When: 5/31/2024, 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Where: Room | Salle 716 B

Abstract

Purpose:

Attaining leadership roles within the Canadian ophthalmology community is a complex and multifaceted process with limited prior research. This study explores pathways to reach influential academic leadership positions in ophthalmology to provide insights for aspiring ophthalmologists and enhance opportunities and support in the field. 

 

Study Design:

A cross-sectional online survey.

 

Methods:

An online survey designed on Google Forms was distributed in English and French to Canadian ophthalmology faculty, facilitated by the Association of Canadian University Professors of Ophthalmology (ACUPO). ​​Participants received three reminders to complete the survey, which was accessible for a duration of five months (October 17, 2022, to March 17, 2023). 

 

Results and Conclusions:

Thirty-seven ophthalmologists completed the survey (31 in English, 6 in French), with near-equal representation of men (51.4%) and women (48.6%). They represented 10 (66.7%) of the Canadian ophthalmology programs, exclusively practiced in urban settings, predominantly within academic hospital-based practice (56.8%), Ophthalmic specialties represented included: comprehensive (40.5%), glaucoma (16.2%), pediatrics (16.2%), oculoplastics (10.8%), retina (10.8%), cornea (8.1%), neuro-ophthalmology (5.4%), and genetics (2.7%), with 4 participants (10.8%) with dual specialties. 

 

Participants held a variety of roles including Committee Member (32.4%), Department Chair (18.9%), Committee Chair (16.2%), Program Director (16.2%), Division Head (10.8%), Subspecialty Coordinator (5.4%), and various role combinations. Notably, a significant proportion of participants (73%) attained their initial and most senior leadership roles within the first five years of their careers, emphasizing the importance of early leadership education and mentorship. Many reported having benefited from informal mentorship throughout their academic journey (48.6%).

 

Prior to assuming their most senior leadership roles, 67.6% identified their predecessor as male, 21.6% as female, and 8.1% stepped into newly created positions. This data reinforces the need for increased female representation in leadership roles to provide mentorship and serve as role models. 

 

Support was mainly received during practice (32.4%) and residency (21.6%), with faculty development programs playing a smaller role (10.8%). This raises the question of awareness and accessibility of the resources at academic institutions. 

 

In summary, this research advocates for a comprehensive approach to leadership development in Canadian ophthalmology, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, raising awareness of faculty development programs, and championing diversity in leadership positions.

Presenter(s)

Presenting Author: Emaan Chaudry

Additional Author(s):

Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen, University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology

Nina Ahuja, McMaster University, Department of Ophthalmology

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