Ophthalmology

Overview of Residency Training

To become an ophthalmologist, a minimum of four years of residency training is required. Only the latter three years are spent fully immersed in ophthalmology, and residents must first complete an internship or postgraduate year 1 (PGY1). This preliminary year can be completed in medicine (i.e., medicine preliminary year) or surgery (i.e., surgery preliminary year). Some residents choose to complete this year in a transitional program.

According to the AMA and AAMC, there are over 1,200 residents training in 118 ACGME-accredited ophthalmology residency programs. Ninety-two percent are USMDs, 7% are international medical graduates, and 1% are osteopathic graduates. 

2010 Match Data

The ophthalmology match is not sponsored by the NRMP but by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO). Ophthalmology match results are announced in January. According to the AUPO, 458 of 622 applicants matched in 2011. A total of 164 applicants failed to match.

Of the matched applicants, 88% were U.S. seniors, 6% were graduates of U.S. medical schools, and 6% were international medical graduates. The average USMLE Step 1 score among matched applicants was 237.

Osteopathic applicants may also apply to 12 AOA-approved osteopathic ophthalmology residency programs.
 
Why pursue Ophthalmology as a Career?

Ophthalmologists discuss reasons why they chose to pursue a career in ophthalmology:

Randy Kardon, MD
Carmen Puliafito, MD
Charles P. Wilkinson, MD
Johanna Seddon, MD
Elizabeth Davis, MD
Ophthalmology FAQ (University of Alberta)

2010 Ophthalmologist Physician Compensation/Salary

Find out how much an ophthalmologist makes

Subspecialties of Ophthalmology

Subspecialties in which ophthalmologists can pursue fellowship training include anterior segment, cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculo-plastic surgery, medical retina, ophthalmic pathology, pediatric ophthalmology, and retina vitreous.
 
Excelling in your Core Clerkships

Core clerkship grades are an important factor in the ophthalmology residency selection process. Our book, Success on the Wards: 250 Rules for Clerkship Success shows students proven strategies for success in core clerkships. Nineteen U.S. medical school have made our book a required or recommended text for third-year medical students. Read reviews of the book and Q & A with the authors. The first chapter is available free to read. The book can be purchased through our online store or at Amazon.

Excelling in your Ophthalmology Clerkship

The free ophthalmology textbook

The eyes have it

AUPO medical student educators

Important Information for the Aspiring Ophthalmologist

Core competencies in ophthalmology

Fellowship selection criteria in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery

Factors affecting the decision to pursue glaucoma fellowship training

A survey of ophthalmology residents' attitudes towards pediatric ophthalmology

Ophthalmology residency program leadership expectations of resident competency in retinal procedures and resident experience with retinal procedures

Graduate medical education in ophthalmology: moving from the apprenticeship model to competency-based education

First-time failure rates of candidates for American Board of Ophthalmology recertification

The failure rate of candidates for board certification: an educational outcome measure

A survey of desired skills to acquire in ophthalmology training: a descriptive statistical analysis

Perceptions of recent ophthalmology residency graduates regarding preparation for practice

Factors affecting career choices among graduating ophthalmology residents

Attrition from ophthalmology residency programs



*http://www.mmf.umn.edu/initiatives/insight/2007/spring/Competitive_residency_top_notch.cfm