Women in Ophthalmology Symposium at AAO
Growing Demand, Limited Supply, In’sightful’ Solutions for the Ophthalmic Workforce
October 23, 12:45-1:45 pm, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

Co-Chairs: Stephanie Jones Marioneaux, MD and Sharon D. Solomon, MD

Session Description
Baby boomers will present a particular challenge to ophthalmology, as their demand for ophthalmic services will increase with age. The number of ophthalmologists available to provide care is predicted to be insufficient to meet this growing need. This WIO symposium will address potential solutions for this anticipated shortage of health care.  For example, has the government considered restructuring medical education in conjunction with the specialty boards so that more physicians can be produced faster without compromising the quality of education, training, and subsequent health care?  Are their resources for additional funding for new medical schools and residency programs?  What is the impact both globally and in the United States of credentialing international ophthalmologists to service this aging population with respect to changes in physician compensation and quality of patient care?  Is there anything that we should be doing now to prepare?

Preliminary Agenda
Introduction and Welcome - Stephanie Jones Marioneaux, MD, Chespaeake, Virginia
U.S. Physician Shortage: Diagnosis and Treatment - Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, Rockville, Maryland
Government Preparedness for Future Eye Care - Dora Hughes, MD, MPH, Washington, D.C.
The AUPO and Training for the 21st Century - Julia Haller, MD, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The ABO and Certification of Ophthalmologists from the US and Around the World - Janet Davis, MD, Miami, Florida
Practice Models for the Real World - Paul Lee, MD, JD, Durham, North Carolina
Global Impact of US Outsourcing of Ophthalmology - Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS, Baltimore, Maryland
Conclusion - Sharon Solomon, MD, Baltimore, Maryland