Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

General OMS-I guidance

Ophthalmology is a highly competitive residency to obtain and will require earning a high GPA. Most successful applicants are typically in the top of their class, obtain strong Board scores, and conduct research in Ophthalmology or a related field. Grades are very important, but also use this year to formulate how the residency application will be improved by summer research or other activities.

General OMS-II guidance

Continue to focus on the importance of grades. Time is limited in the OMS-III year, so a student should already have a plan of how to strengthen their CV with research and good letters of recommendation.

General OMS-III guidance

There is limited time to work on resume items in the OMS-III year, so much of this should be solidified beforehand. Work on securing audition rotations for your OMS-IV year and continue to excel academically.

General OMS-IV guidance

With the match for Ophthalmology happening in early February, students will complete audition rotations during the first semester of their OMS-IV year as well as work on applications and interviews. Given the importance and benefits of audition rotations, it is best to save the ones you feel best about for later in the Fall semester in order to rotate with former knowledge and be able to shine.

Research guidance – What research should a student seeking this specialty engage in?

Ophthalmology research is ideal, but an allied field such as Neurology is a strong substitute. Any research is beneficial as it gives you a subject to discuss in great detail during interviews or in your personal statement. Ideally try to get your work published to gain student authorship. However, even choosing a subject and submitting to a non-refereed journal is desirable.

Volunteer, work or service guidance

If possible, it is always best to have volunteer work in Ophthalmology to have contacts in the field and have a good working knowledge of language of Ophthalmology.

Letters of Recommendation – How many and by whom

As in any field, it is important have good letters hopefully from persons close to the field who know you well. Three Letters of Recommendation are ideal.

Recommended total number of interviews overall

Try to secure as many as possible. Because it is such a difficult specialty to get into, the more interviews the better. Put in as many applications as is feasible and plan to attend all offered interviews. Be sure to practice interview skills.

Recommended total number of interviews in the specialty

See above.

General CV guidance

Students need strong academics on the CV as well as research or other contact to Ophthalmology.

General Personal statement guidance

As only top students with good CV’s including research and strong academics will be applying to Ophthalmology residencies, you should seek to tell a compelling story about your motivations to become an Ophthalmologist. Try to include details that will capture the imagination of the reader, ultimately separating you from the crowd.

Rotations: What 4th year rotations would you encourage a student in this specialty to secure?

Since the time frame is limited with an early match, you will be doing as many auditions as possible in the first semester of your OMS-IV year. It may be helpful to seek an early OMS IV elective at the conclusion of your third year in the specialty. Because Ophthalmology is a difficult specialty to get into, some students have a backup plan for the usual Match in March. Therefore, it is advisable during your OMS-IV year to secure audition rotations in a backup specialty for the Match.

Additional thoughts or suggestions

It is important to have a good plan when deciding to pursue Ophthalmology. Good grades are most important, and you need to have an idea for what your “story” is going to be: How did you decide to do Ophthalmology given it is not a core rotation? You must show aptitude to “using your hands” to do microsurgery.
Summary of Academic Metrics for LUCOM Students Entering Ophthalmology:

Click the link above to visit an interactive data tool published by the NRMP to explore the national data pertaining to characteristics of students matching into each specialty.