Discrimination Within the US Ophthalmology Workforce.
Nearly 42% of US ophthalmologists report experiencing workplace discrimination.
Discrimination Within the US Ophthalmology Workforce.
IMPORTANCE: Discrimination in the workforce is a barrier to achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To describe the frequency, nature, and outcomes of discrimination experienced by US ophthalmologists and trainees.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study collected anonymous online survey responses from May 5 to July 22, 2022, from ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists in training from 10 US-based ophthalmology organizations.
over 2 in 5 US eye doctors say they faced discrimination at work
Women more commonly encountered discrimination based on gender than men (73 of 108 [67.6%] vs 2 of 21 [9.5%]; difference, 58.1 percentage points [95% CI, 42.7-73.4 percentage points]; P < .001).
Among women, pregnancy (27 of 108 [25.0%]) and maternity (12 [11.1%)] were the most frequently cited bases of discrimination outside of gender.
Women (19 of 108 [17.6%]) reported discrimination due to race or ethnicity less frequently than men (13 of 21 [61.9%]; difference, -44.3 percentage points [95% CI, -66.3 to -22.3 percentage points]; P < .001).
This study suggests that discrimination remains prevalent among ophthalmologists in the US, with gender-based discrimination being reported most frequently.
Discrimination was negatively associated with income, employment opportunities, job satisfaction, and achievement of career goals for respondents.