Ocular Oncologists and Ophthalmic Pathologists in Academic Ophthalmology: A Descriptive Analysis of the Current Workforce in the United States.

Abstract

To characterize the academic profiles, leadership roles, research productivity, and gender disparities of ocular oncologists and ophthalmic pathologists (OOPs) and compare them with all other ophthalmologists (AOOs). Cross-sectional study. Faculty from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited US ophthalmology residency programs for the 2024-2025 academic year were included. OOPs were identified by fellowship training in ocular oncology or ophthalmic pathology; all other faculty served as the comparison group (AOOs). Publicly available data from institutional websites were used to identify demographic characteristics, training history, academic rank, leadership roles, and Scopus-based research metrics. Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and ordinal regression models were used to assess group differences, with significance set at P < .05. Academic rank, leadership roles, H-index, and gender representation. Among 86 identified OOPs, a significantly greater proportion held graduate degrees and had completed multiple fellowships compared with AOOs. A majority of OOPs were international medical graduates. OOPs had higher odds of holding leadership roles and attaining full professorship and demonstrated significantly higher research productivity across all career stages. Gender disparities in H-index and academic rank were observed on univariable analysis but were not significant on multivariable analysis. H-index was the strongest predictor of academic advancement. OOPs were geographically clustered in states with major academic centers. OOPs demonstrate unique academic profiles marked by high research productivity, advanced degrees, and greater representation in leadership. Gender disparities diminish when accounting for academic output, suggesting that research productivity remains the key driver of promotion in this subspecialty.