■ Compared with other specialties, ophthalmology programs rank last in underrepresented minority group recruitment, according to a study published in Ophthalmology.

“We know from previous research that a diverse physician workforce that reflects our patient population can lead to decreased health care disparities, enhanced access to care, and improved patient outcomes and satisfaction,” said Parisa Emami-Naeini, assistant professor at the UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science and senior author of the study. “Our study shows the field of ophthalmology does not reflect our country’s diversity,” she noted in a UC Davis news release.

About 19% of medical school attendees are underrepresented minorities, but they comprise only 6.3% of ophthalmology residency programs. Nationwide, underrepresented minority groups comprise only 7.2% of practicing ophthalmologists in the United States. GP