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. 2023 May;37(7):1503-1508.
doi: 10.1038/s41433-022-02170-8. Epub 2022 Jul 18.

Academic benchmark of highly influential ophthalmologists listed in the ophthalmology power list

Rachel Shemesh  1   2 , Alon Tiosano  1   3 , Edward Barayev  1   3 , Elchanan Zloczower  4   5 , Assaf Gershoni  1   3 , Gad Dotan  6   7
Affiliations

Academic benchmark of highly influential ophthalmologists listed in the ophthalmology power list

Rachel Shemesh et al. Eye (Lond). 2023 May.

Abstract

Objective: To review the academic benchmark of highly influential ophthalmologists listed in the ophthalmology '2020 Power List'.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the academic profiles, achievements, and bibliometric profiles of all ophthalmologists listed in the 'Power List of 2020', regarded as the most influential figures in ophthalmology today, were analysed.

Results: Ninety-five ophthalmologists were studied, after excluding 10 non-ophthalmologist figures that are also listed. Their mean age is 63 ± 11.7 years, with a strong male predominance (84.2%, n = 80 males, P < 0.001). All have a medical doctorate degree, and 31% (n = 29) have a Philosophy Doctor (PhD) degree. Fifty-three percent (n = 51) are graduates of medical schools in the United States (US). However, non-US ophthalmologists have a higher percentage of PhD degrees (41%, 18/44) vs. US ophthalmologists (22%, 11/51, P = 0.069), and also a longer duration of post-residency training (5.8 ± 3.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9 years, P < 0.001). The most common subspecialty was cataract and anterior segment surgery (42%, n = 40). The mean and standard deviation of the total number of papers published by ophthalmologists were 307.4 ± 226.3, with a mean citation record of 11,835.7 ± 13,330.5, and a mean h-index of 46.9 ± 27.9.

Conclusions: The ophthalmologists listed on the 'Power List of 2020' are leaders with high accomplishments and an established interest in research evidenced by a high record of publications and an exceptional bibliometric profile. The list contains more US figures with a gender disparity, demonstrating a greater difficulty for international ophthalmologists, especially women, in achieving this high level of recognition.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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