Let’s be real. Matching in ophthalmology is a confusing process. Hopefully, this post can answer some questions you may have about being prepared for applying to ophthalmology. Much of the information is based on Matthew Hirabayashi’s book “The Eye Guide: Matching in Ophthalmology” so I encourage you to refer to his book for more detailed information. A free PDF of the book can be found here.
Step 1/2
Step 1 is now pass/fail. Without it being available for program directors to quickly screen through hundreds of applications, it’s safe to assume that programs will focus on Step 2 as the new screening tool. Generally, it is advisable to take Step 2 before applications are due and to aim for a score of >250. Why >250? Because >50% of ophthalmology interns tend to have a Step 2 score of 250 or greater using historical data. It is probably best to take Step 2 one to two months after your last core clerkship so the information is fresh. Report your score on your application, especially if it’s high. Consider discussing your score with mentors and advisors before reporting it.
Letters of Recommendation
Ask your letter writers (generally recommended to be 2 ophthalmologists and 1 IM/General Surgery) to have the letter ready by early August. You’ll put their contact information into SF Match and it will send them a link to upload it. If you’re anticipating one from an away rotation, make sure they know early so it can be uploaded by the first week of August.
I wish I knew how important networking was because it can go a long way in a small field like ophthalmology. Some very influential ophthalmologists and program directors are active on Twitter and it’s relatively easy to connect with them. Other ways to network are to join programs like Young MD Connect (YMDC) and attend conferences like YMDCLive. Larger conferences (e.g., ASCRS, AAO) are frequently too big to effectively network.
Research
Research demonstrates interest in the field, helps you build relationships with faculty for a potential LOR, and is a very effective way to learn more about ophthalmology. Most admission committees are looking for some ophthalmology research. Be involved in as much research as possible but not at the expense of quality of work. In general, independent and original research looks better than case reports. Presenting research at conferences can also facilitate connections and opportunities for networking.
Grades
Getting inducted into AOA increases your chances of matching. In general, do your best to honor core clerkships since this can only help you. However, keep in mind that grades don’t appear to be a major factor because of the subjectivity among medical school grading policies. Avoid failing and other red flags (e.g., negative faculty feedback from any rotation).
Away Rotations
These are typically done during the beginning of your M4 year after you have taken Step 2. You should aim to do at least one away rotation at a program you’re genuinely interested in or at the major institutions (Duke, Iowa, Bascom Palmer, etc.). It would be great to get a LOR from your away but it’s not necessary. Aways can increase your chances of matching since the programs can get to know you better. However, they also are an opportunity to show programs reasons to not rank applicants, so be careful, be helpful, and work hard.
VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities) is the service you will use to apply to your away rotations. The process typically starts around January of M3 year. Look up the program requirements and fill out the AAMCAS vaccination record so everything is ready to submit as soon as programs open. If you are late to apply, you might not get your preferred dates for the rotation. In general, apply to 1-5 aways. Declining offers can reflect poorly on the applicant so avoid applying to too many. Pick programs that you’re truly interested in or would like LORs from.
If you want a LOR from your away, aim to rotate around July. This will give the letter writer time to submit before applications are due at the beginning of September. Make any intentions of gaining a LOR known early so they can anticipate writing it. To avoid panicking at the last minute and stressing about whether the LORs are all submitted and ready, give earlier deadlines than are necessary (e.g., around early August).
The website rotatingroom.com can be used to find someone to stay with for a month during your away. The program’s medical student coordinator should also send you recommendations for accommodations. Knowing someone in the city is very helpful.
SF Match Application
Ophthalmology residency applicants use the San Francisco Matching Program (SF Match) to apply for residency programs. The application is relatively easy to fill out, and it would be very helpful to have and update your curriculum vitae (CV) throughout medical school. You will be copying and pasting portions of it into the application portal. The following are sections the application will ask for:
• Education
• Work Experience
• Research
• Publications
• Presentations
• Leadership & Service
• Career Objectives
• Specialty Electives
• Public Service & Activities
• Honors & Awards
• Hobbies & Activities (POSSIBLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF YOUR APPLICATION)
Personal Statement
Below are instructions from the SF Match about the personal statement:
“Write an autobiographical sketch (summary of your life, who you are and your aspirations) not to exceed 500 words and answer 2 of 4 of the essay questions below (essay questions not to exceed 250 words each). Select 2 questions from the list below. Copy the 2 questions and limit each answer to 250 words.
1) What does resilience mean to you? Describe a situation in your personal or professional life where you have demonstrated resilience.
2) Describe an important mentor and relate how that person has been helpful to you.
3) Describe a way in which you will add diversity to your residency class. This may relate to your background, upbringing, life experiences, professional/personal interest, or educational path.
4) If you were to start an ophthalmology residency program, what would be the three core values you would base it on?”
Interviews and Interview Questions
Take advantage of the mock interviews offered by the Sim Center. Practice answering common interview questions using Big Interview Medical offered by the school. Read about the program and city so when they ask about why you chose to apply there, you have some things to talk about. For the 2023 – 2024 cycle, applicants can accept a maximum of 15 interviews. Hitting the 15 cap is rare, so you should accept as many interviews as you can. All interviews will be held virtually for the foreseeable future.
Be Prepared to Answer
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose ophthalmology?
• Tell me about <some aspect of your application, CV, etc.>.
• What do you do for fun?
• Why are you interested in our program?
• Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
• Are you interested in pursuing a fellowship?
• If I asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
• If you were to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
• Tell us about an interesting case you have seen and how it influenced you.
• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why would a Midwest/Coastal person like you move to the Coast/Midwest?
• What are you looking for in a residency program?
• What sets you apart from other candidates?
• What is your biggest failure and how did you handle it?
• What are you most proud of? (inside and outside medicine)
• What did you find interesting in medical school other than ophthalmology?
• What leadership positions have you had?
• How do you deal with stress?
• Who is the person you most admire?
• Tell me a joke.
• Teach me something.
• If you couldn’t go into medicine, what would you do?
• If there is one thing you could change in your past, what would it be?
• What 3 people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?
• Explain <poor grade or Step score in your application>.
• What was your favorite (or least favorite) job and why?
Questions for Faculty
• What are you looking for in a candidate?
• What is the breakdown of your preliminary/intern year?
• Where do most residents go after residency? Private practice or fellowship?
• Are there many research opportunities? What kind of research can I expect in this program?
• How many hospitals participate in this residency program?
• Are there opportunities to teach medical students?
• Where do you see the program in 5/10 years?
• What upcoming things are you excited about for this program? What changes have been made recently?
• What is your favorite part about this program?
• What are your favorite parts of the city?
• Are there formal mentorships with faculty?
• Which department do you think is the strongest?
• How are grand rounds structured?
Questions for Residents
• What does a day in the clinic look like?
• What is the call schedule like?
• How many cases are you paged on per night?
• Which areas of the city do most residents live in? What is the average rent?
• What are your favorite and least favorite things about the program?
• Do residents socialize and get together often?
• Does the program cover lenses, books, and the question bank?
• Does the program cover conference travel?
• What is the didactic schedule like?
• How many call sites do residents cover?
• What is something unexpected about the program?
• Do you feel comfortable asking for help during call?
• What role do fellows play in your education?
Ranking and Matching
The ranking algorithm is supposed to favor the applicant rather than the program, so you should rank based on where you want to go the most. Keep track of the pros and cons of each program while interviewing. Things to look for are high primary cataract volume, good representation of sub-specialties, class size of 4-6, a VA, and a good fellowship matching history. Early February is when you can expect the match email at 8 AM EST.
Props to you for reading this far! I hope it was helpful and I wish you the best of luck on your path to ophthalmology. If you are looking for more detailed information, please refer to Matthew Hirabayashi’s book “The Eye Guide: Matching in Ophthalmology” which can be found here.
Last updated on 1/17/2024 by Sabrina Duong, MS4.