Journal article
Financial barriers for medical students attending ophthalmology conferences: an analysis of registration fees
Frontiers in medicine, v 12, 1708446
2025
PMID: 41346978
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Purpose Ophthalmology conferences are vital for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional development in ophthalmology. However, financial barriers may limit medical students' participation. This study assesses the costs associated with attending major United States conferences and examines disparities in funding availability based on institutional and conference-specific factors.Design A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted using publicly available data.Subjects, participants, or controls Not applicable; this study analyzed publicly available data on conferences and institutions.Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess conference-related expenses from January to December 2024. Data on registration fees, travel and accommodation costs, and available travel grants were collected from official conference websites and the publicly available websites of U.S. allopathic medical schools. Data were organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA), with comparisons made between general and subspecialty conferences and between virtual and in-person participation to illustrate cost variability.Results Conference registration fees varied substantially, with a mean in-person registration cost of $670.83 (SD = $391.65), ranging from $0 to $1,100. Virtual fees averaged $541.67 (SD = $166.46), ranging from $400 to $725. Student discounts were inconsistently offered, and some conferences provided no financial relief. Travel and lodging added a significant expense. Institutional travel stipends ranged from $0 to $2,500 (mean = $428.33, SD = $144.83), often falling short of total costs.Conclusion Medical students encounter considerable out-of-pocket costs when participating in ophthalmology conferences. Addressing these financial barriers through expanded travel funding, standardized student discounts, and reduced registration fees could enhance equity in access to professional development and foster greater inclusion within the field.
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Details
- Title
- Financial barriers for medical students attending ophthalmology conferences: an analysis of registration fees
- Creators
- David Hutchins - Drexel UniversityMeghan K. Berkenstock - Johns Hopkins University
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in medicine, v 12, 1708446
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media Sa
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- Hankins Uveitis Research Funds
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001628927400001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105023883076
- Other Identifier
- 991022197410304721
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Surgery