15 November 2011
Posted in
Pearls in Ophthalmology
By Tomas Lopez
I am no expert in the field of matching into ophthalmology. However, I can share my personal experience and what I’ve learned so far as a fourth year medical student applying for ophthalmology residency. I am writing from the perspective of someone who did not enter medical school knowing I wanted to be an ophthalmologist someday. Rather, I discovered the field early in my third year and quickly fell in love with it, so my experience will differ from that of many medical students who are also applying for ophthalmology.
As with any competitive specialty, it is best to decide to enter the field of ophthalmology as soon as possible. This allows you to enrich your CV with things like research. Other than test scores, research seems to be what ophthalmology faculty have asked about most frequently. What are your grades? How did you do on Step 1? How much research have you done? Although I have heard of people matching with no research experience, that appears to be the exception. Research has become a standard expectation on par with good test scores. Of course, achieving solid research credentials is easiest when starting earlier in medical school, but it remains a priority if you’re like me and get a later start. Shortly after deciding ophthalmology was for me, I started asking around the department (the wonderful residency and research coordinators proved a great help) about research opportunities. Getting an early start is important because IRB clearance and required training can take some time to complete.
Much of my advice involves getting started as early as possible. That includes applying for away rotations. Thankfully, the VSAS page is easily navigable and provides a good explanation of how to use it. Once registered, it provides rotation schedules for the different schools, along with requirements for application to each elective. Here is why it’s important to get started early: most programs require records of specific vaccinations and often antibody titers to ensure successful immunization. Given my busy schedule, finding the time to complete the health requirements was challenging. I was also advised by residents to get in contact with the program coordinators before VSAS even opens in order to let them know that you are interested in their program.
Speaking of getting in contact, the most important people to get to know are those in your own ophthalmology department. For me, this involved attending grand rounds, participating in research, and spending time in clinic whenever my schedule permitted. Aside from my clinical electives, I spent a week of Christmas break in the ophthalmology department working with attendings in clinic. This allowed me to become familiar with the attendings, and more importantly allowed them to get to know me – especially since fewer students were around. Just remember, if they don’t know who you are, it’s harder to remember positive attributes they see in you.
Aside from the faculty, also get to know the residents and staff, who can be invaluable sources of help and information. Getting advice from current residents and students who have matched is great for obvious reasons. Just keep in mind that things like VSAS, SF Match, and individual program requirements can change from to time, so don’t forget to check online and verify that no changes have taken place.
Another resource I found to be very useful was the ophthalmology sub-forum of Student Doctor Network. Everyone from students to residents and residency graduates can ask questions or share information and advice about ophthalmology. There are threads about the application process, people’s experiences at different programs, and advice for scheduling the fourth year. Don’t forget about your school’s ophthalmology interest group. The interest group at my school provides additional resources and information for the match, including the school’s match history.
Last, it’s important to enjoy the journey, maintain a positive attitude, and not lose sight of your goal. The process of preparing my application has been stressful at times, but I’ve found that taking some spare time to see clinic patients or to see consults with residents helps remind me what I’m striving for.
Tomas Lopez is starting his 4th year of medical school at Loma Linda University and is enrolled in the SF Match for this year. If you have any questions, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
