Ophthalmology Virtual Shadowing and Mentorship Program for Undergraduates Underrepresented in Medicine: Framework and 2-year Survey

Background: Increasing underrepresented in medicine (URiM) trainees in ophthalmology is crucial to better serve a diverse patient population. Purpose: To assess the impact of a virtual shadowing and mentorship program for undergraduate students who self-identified as URiM on student interest in medicine, research, and ophthalmology. Methods: A structured, semester-long mentorship program was publicized to premedical undergraduate students at two local universities. Depending on interest, students chose to participate in any of the three following program components: 1) virtual shadowing sessions where faculty presented patient cases and shared career paths, 2) mentorship on a range of topics (e.g. research, career planning), and 3) inperson shadowing in the operating room or clinic. Students completed a voluntary questionnaire at the end of each semester. Results: A total of 59 students, 38 mentors, and 22 faculty presenters participated in the program over the two-year period. Excluding those who joined in the fourth semester, sixty percent (25/42) of students and 75% (15/20) of mentors continued for at least two semesters. Students and mentors participated in the program for a median of 2 semesters (IQR: students 1-3, mentors 1.75-3). Fifty-nine percent (35/59) of students completed the questionnaire after one semester of participation. Among these students, 91% (32/35), 60% (21/35), and 91% (32/35) of respondents reported increased interest in medicine, research, and ophthalmology, respectively. Ninety-four percent (33/35) attended at least one virtual shadowing session with a median of 3 (IQR 2-4) sessions attended. Eighty-three percent (29/35) met with their assigned mentor and 97% (34/35) indicated they would like to continue the program the following semester. No significant difference in these metrics was observed comparing responses from the first, second, third, and fourth semester of participation. Conclusion: A virtual shadowing and mentorship program for URiM undergraduates increased interest in medicine, research, and ophthalmology. A 1-year longitudinal program may be the optimal length with 2-4 shadowing sessions per semester. This program may serve as a framework for ongoing and future initiatives targeting various levels of the training pipeline.