ophthalmology residency personal statement

From Pre-Med to Med School to Residency

Ophthalmology Residency Personal Statement Examples

The Medfools Ophthalmology Sample Residency Personal Statement Library is now open!

These example Ophthalmology residency personal statement samples are here for your viewing pleasure (fully anonymous). We’re hoping to add more in the future, including Pre-Med personal statements. If you’ve got one to add to the free library, don’t forget to  contribute yours .

OPTHALMOLOGY PERSONAL STATEMENT                  I have always been open to new experiences, challenges and academic endeavors.  Exploring interests in political science, neuroscience, and spending a year teaching and skiing after college broadened my perspectives, and enhanced my resolve to enter medicine.  Similarly, my endeavors in clinical and basic science research, health policy and patient care have strengthened and focused my decision to enter the field of ophthalmology. I entered medical school with the belief that physicians are uniquely poised to better the delivery of health care. The summer after my first year of medical school, I explored basic science research in the lab of Dr. Sam to find determinants of planar cell polarity in  Drosophila  eye and wing.  In this atmosphere of scientific investigation and discovery, I became excited about the science of ophthalmology and its clinical correlations. However, after increasing exposure to clinical medicine and clinical research I realized that I would be happiest if I focused my career on these two elements of my future career. Thus, although I had matriculated in the MST Program, after much thought and discussion with the program director, I decided to pursue the M.D. only, with his full support. In order to learn more about organized medicine, I took leadership positions in the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Medical Association (AMA). For me, the clinical years of medical school have been a series of exciting, challenging, and wonderful experiences. When I performed an elective in ophthalmology my interest in medicine, surgery and neuroscience came together. I soon realized that my values are mirrored by those of the field: hard work, attention to detail, intellectual challenge, and enthusiasm for science and innovation.    Working in the Ophthalmology Department at Mount Hospital exposed me to the gamut of academic and clinical ophthalmology.  I spent time in an inner city clinic, in the operating room and at grand-rounds discussions of basic science topics and challenging cases. At the Hospital Eye Clinic I met J.S., a thirteen-year old girl from Guyana.  She had undergone a number of surgeries after complications from a cataract extraction and Choyce lens implantation at a young age.  The day I met her, we were repairing a conjunctival dehiscence that had occurred after placement of an Ahmed valve. On her first preoperative visit, J.S. smiled, and shyly, but sincerely, thanked the ophthalmologists for the care she received. It was clear to me that we were protecting J.S.’s ability to lead a happy childhood and develop into a vibrant and successful adult by helping preserve her vision. I also realized that I needed to have close and meaningful relationships with my patients to be satisfied with my career. I was glad that we were able to offer J.S treatment options, and provide support for her and her complex eye problems [not needed]. This experience typifies ophthalmology to me: a close patient-physician relationship, difficult decisions, definitive treatment, immediate results, and long-term care. I was hooked.   J.S.’s situation also illustrates a number of other issues that I plan to address during my career: clinical decision making, outcomes research, and public health disparities. Much as Henry Ford believed in the value of “Economy of Motion” in a factory, I believe in an economy of action in medicine.  I want to help ophthalmologists accomplish the difficult goal of performing the right intervention on the right patient at the right time.  During my clinical rotations, I often heard physicians debating the appropriateness of a candidate and timing for various procedures, from prostatectomies to cataract extractions.  I began to wonder how I would answer the question, “Will I be able to see better after you remove my cataract?”  To learn the skills necessary to begin to answer this type of question, I have decided to pursue an accelerated M.P.H. with a focus on Effectiveness and Outcomes Research over the upcoming year at The School of Public Health of Big University. To apply my interest in clinical research to ophthalmology, I became involved with a study on glaucoma medication adherence with Dr. Janet Serle.  We are developing a strategy to identify which patients are non-adherent and why they are non-adherent in a way that is minimally time-intensive for busy practitioners.  In addition to planning the design and implementation of this project, I have helped procure funding for the study.  This experience demonstrated my desire to develop the skills to identify clinical problems, investigate possible resolutions, and ultimately improve health care for patients. Thus, my experiences in basic science and clinical research, my patient encounters in ophthalmology, and my advanced training in public health have all prepared me for a career in academic ophthalmology. As an eye physician and surgeon, I will maintain my broad range of interests from providing medical and surgical care to a diverse group of patients, to designing and running clinical trials, and to advocating for change in health policy. Finally, my strong work ethic, attention to detail, and profound respect for the importance of vision to a patient’s quality of life will all be valuable assets in both succeeding in a residency program and administering compassionate care for my patients.

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Personal statement – How to write the perfect eras personal statement

The personal statement is always a challenge for candidates, particularly IMGs.  We have a strong opinion on personal statements.  We’ve written dozens of them.  We’ve edited many more.  We’ve asked Program Directors about personal statements.  Our advice here in is the same thing other consultants would charge you hundreds or thousands of dollars for.  Most importantly, we’re going to use our ACTUAL essays to give you an EXACT example of what we are talking about.

American medical school graduates have the luxury of writing personal statements for college AND medical school.  They instinctively know how to write personal statements that are able to sell their interests and skills.  This Chapter will help level the playing field using OUR OWN personal statements as outlines.

Here are take home points on the personal statement.

• A good personal statement will open the doors for a great interview
• A good personal statement will probably not get you an interview if your grades or USMLE scores are too low
• A bad personal statement may actually prevent you from getting an interview EVEN if your grades or USMLE scores are good enough
• Keep it under 1 page. If it’s longer than that, you run the risk that an interviewer will not even read it.

The upside of a good personal statement is that it opens the door for you to connect with your interviewer.  The most important sentence of the entire personal statement is the FIRST one.  Remember, faculty members and interviewers are SKIMMERS.  If you do not catch their attention with your first line, then you will lose the interviewer.

The perfect first sentence sets the tone for the rest of your essay.  It should give the reader a general sense of what you are going to talk about for the rest of your essay.  It should be powerful and attention grabbing.

Sentence 1:

Example 1: “Skin is special.” This was the first sentence in one of our essays.  We got many compliments on how this personal statement started.  This short sentence sums up the point of the essay, which is to explain why this candidate is pursuing a career in Dermatology.  It is clear and declarative.

Example 2: “He was young, but his medical chart was already spilling out of one folder and building up in another” This is another great example of a solid first sentence.  Notice here, we use illustrative language here to grab a reader’s attention.  Instead of stating, “I had a patient with an extensive medical history” we use language that makes that concept come alive and command your interest to learn more.

Paragraph 1: The Goal:  The goal of the first paragraph is twofold.  The first goal is to be interesting.  Again, you have to be able to make your reader pay attention.  The language must be concise. The second goal is to set the stage.  What we mean by this is that you need to give the reader a sense of what you’re going to talk about in the following paragraphs.  Let’s go through some examples.

Paragraph 1 – Example 1 “Skin is special.  As an engineer, I see skin as an incredible source of information.  With advances in new technologies, more diagnoses will be made through skin without the need for needle sticks and blood pressure cuffs.  I want to be a part of that revolution—currently, I am excited to be leading a project at XX Hospital using mobile phones to detect signs of skin cancer with image analysis.  The applications range from identifying pathology to assessing treatment response. I firmly believe that the diagnostic innovations developed for cutaneous diseases will have implications across medicine.”

This opening paragraph is strong.  It sets the stage by orienting the reader to the candidate’s interest: dermatology and technology.  It provides a view into the mind of candidate, his hopes and dreams.  The candidate is also able to give a clear example of his interest and commitment to this area–this candidate also knows that this work is supported by his letters of recommendation.  Finally, the last sentence in this paragraph provides a clear vision for the future.

“I firmly believe that the diagnostic innovations developed for cutaneous diseases will have implications across medicine.”

Paragraph 1 – Example 2 “He was young, but his medical chart was already spilling out of one folder and building up in another. As I stood in the hallways of the cornea and refractive clinic, I learned of a story that shaped my decision to become an ophthalmologist. He was the unfortunate victim of a fireworks accident. Two cornea transplants later and still rejecting the donor cornea, he knew he was running out of options. However, he refused to give up on himself and his doctors—he complied down to the letter, was willing to endure the discomfort of additional tests, and was happy to have me, the medical student, examine his eyes. Through this early experience and a multitude of other encounters, I too developed the resolve and passion to fight for vision health, our most important perception of the world.”

These two paragraphs are written very differently but the goal, again, is pretty much the same.  This example uses storytelling to (1) capture attention and (2) set the stage.  This candidate is able to introduce the reason why he wants to pursue Ophthalmology with a powerful concluding sentence in this paragraph.

The Transition: Finish the paragraph with a strong, declarative sentence about why you picked the speciality you are applying for.

Paragraph 2: Clinical Interest This is a fairly standard paragraph everyone needs to have in their personal statement.  You have to provide an explanation of why you are interested with the day to day clinical practice of the field you are applying to.  You need to demonstrate some clear  insight on what it’s like to be an internist, pediatrician, psychiatric, etc.  Let’s go through how we wrote it.

Example 1 “The first patient I met on my core medicine rotation made me recognize that skin can act as a bellwether.  She was a Mandarin-speaking woman with a mysterious red rash on her knees and wrists; we initially consulted Rheumatology.  As the Dermatology team moved quickly from the diagnosis of Sweet’s syndrome to treatment, I discovered this fluidity in clinical practice matched my own personality.  From this experience, I realized that the skin holds clues asking to be uncovered with the right tools.”

In this example, the candidate uses a case to explain how he first became interested in Dermatology.  Remember, you can use the exact same technique for the speciality you are applying to.   Keep it short.  No one wants to read an entire paragraph about a complex pneumonia case or an ethical dilemma.  Use the case to illustrate aspects of practice you enjoy.  In this example, the candidate emphasizes the unique aspect of clinical dermatology in regards to the emphasis on visual diagnosis.

Example 2: “Upon seeing the impact of visual restoration on a patient’s life, I decided to further immerse myself in the world of ophthalmology. The field provides the unique experience of seeing patients ranging from the infant born with strabismus, the adult presenting with a macula-threatening retinal detachment, and the elderly afflicted by macular degeneration. I quickly realized how examination of the eye could reveal the long history of ocular and systemic disease, and provide the context for building meaningful relationships with patients.

I also found ophthalmology to be the most intellectually stimulating field for me—a perfect balance of complex pathophysiology coupled with surgical intricacies. To effectively manage patients, ophthalmologists must  couple historical clues with subtle exam findings, focusing on every detail. With time, I grasped the fundamentals of examining for clinically significant macular edema, peripheral tears and breaks, and the macular changes suggestive of an early epiretinal membrane. Through learning from the clinical acumen of my preceptors, I was able to practice these challenging skills while providing meaningful care for patients.”

Again, this is a nice example of why ophthalmology fits this candidate when it comes to practice.  He notes the ability to work with the young, adult and elderly populations.  He remarks on the use of surgical technique as well as history taking to make key diagnoses.

The Goal: Provide a clear reason why you enjoy the CLINICAL practice of your field.  You can use an interesting case to introduce why you decided this was the right field for you.  This paragraph should NOT be long.  In fact, this paragraph is quite generic.  Many people will say the same things, but that is OK.  You simply need to demonstrate that you adequately understand the day to day practice of the field.  You have to make a compelling argument why the day to day interests you.

Paragraph 3: Research Interests This is the paragraph that will be most unique in your essay.  We think it is the most challenging to write but also the one paragraph that you can mold into a strong story, even if you do not have much research. This is a challenging part for many people for different reasons.

• People with no research have to focus on telling a future plan
• People with a little bit of research in random fields have to connect all the dots
• People that have done a lot of research in one area have to make a compelling case how this research applies to the field they are applying to
• People that have done a lot of research in the area they are applying to must break down their research into something understandable

We are going to focus on Cases 1 and 2.  These are the most likely cases for IMG applicants.  See Chapter 10 for even more details.

The Goal: Demonstrate that you are going to contribute to your field in a broader context.  This means that research is a broad term.  It can mean many different things.  It can mean basic science. It can mean clinical research.  It can mean community based research.  It can mean public policy.  Research means a lot of different things.

Even if you are focusing on community based programs with very limited research, this paragraph is STILL important.  No matter where a training program is located and what their focus is, they want to accept candidates that have a greater goal in life.  This is not to say you have to follow through on any of this.  You just need to be able to make a compelling case that you want to do more than simply practice.

Example 1: No research background “Research has always been a key interest.  The advantages of our medical school was in its clinical exposure.  An important reason for my interest in the United States is a greater opportunity for research.” 

Analysis: These first few sentences gives you a plausible explanation about not having research experience.  This creates a nice transition to discuss what your future research goals are.

“Currently, my main interest in research involves cancer screening.  Too often, we care for the late stage tragedies of completely preventable cancers.  Specifically, I am interested in community based strategies to improve cancer screening for breast, lung and colon cancer in underserved groups.  Training in a U.S. based program would give me the opportunity and resources to pursue these interests to improve cancer screening and publish scholarly work.”

Analysis: You have to keep it tight because there is very limited evidence outside of your personal statement that you have an interest in research.  You WILL be asked to expand on this in the interview.  You DO NOT want to have too much there that you can’t defend and speak about.  This paragraph is an example of how to give a specific research interest but keep the details sufficiently vague.  Proposing a specific project may undermine your credibility, especially if it is not properly conceived with the right supervision.

You can replace cancer screening with pretty much anything.  You can talk about HIV screening.  You can talk about connecting diet and nutrition with mental health.  It really does not matter.  But, it needs to be sufficiently specific.  It SHOULD relate to a clinical scenario you brought up earlier.  This gives your proposal CREDIBILITY.

Example 2: A little research in random fields “I love innovation.  I live for the moment when a solution becomes clear after seeing a clinical problem firsthand. During medical school, the issues facing my patients fueled my pursuits.  Unsurprisingly, I was driven in many different directions.  The Manual Muscle Test was not sensitive enough for pediatric patients with hand deformities.  I used pegboards and an adjustable force sensor to improve the strength measurements of small muscle groups.  Another first year medical student and I went to a lunch talk about health literacy solely for the free pizza.  We left the talk realizing that great healthcare is tied to great education.  The software we developed to organize medical information online by a readability index eventually became the core technology of a mobile software application to help women have healthier pregnancies.  From my second year outpatient clinics, I saw that a large proportion of patients had difficulty adhering to their medications.  A week later while at a CVS drugstore, I was browsing talking Hallmark cards and our new device was born.  This $5 device attaches to the top of existing pill bottles and provides reminders, audio instructions specific to any medication and overdose warnings.”

Analysis: This is an example of how to connect research in multiple fields to one theme.  This candidate uses ‘innovation’ as the theme.  You can use different theme.  Themes include: helping the underserved, cancer epidemiology, large data analysis, protein kinase signaling, etc.

Try to find a common, broad connection between all of your research and use that to connect everything.  This can then tie easily to the field you are applying to.  Innovation can be then directed towards any field.  In this case, innovation in medication non-adherence, patient education and muscle testing can be applied to research projects in Dermatology.

The following example is for someone who has done a lot of research in one field but is applying in another.

Example 3: “Innovation goes beyond simply developing new drugs and devices—regulation, cost and eventual patient impact are critical considerations.  After studying healthcare finance and discussing the intractable costs in American healthcare over pints of London ale with international graduate students—many of whom already experienced physicians—I came back to Harvard committed to investigating the medical innovation process from inception to approval.  Our analysis of the European and American approval processes for medical devices ran contrary to industry’s position.  The FDA is not slower in approving technologies and the increase burden of proof has likely saved American lives by preventing the dissemination of unproven, unsafe medical devices. It was gratifying to see such work reach Congress and directly inform policy-making.  By studying the regulatory and cost considerations of innovation, I hope to influence future policies that support the diffusion of needed, cost-effective technologies for patients.  In regards to Dermatology, there continued rising cost and lack of availability of critical topical drugs.  Given my background in this area, I hope to contribute to developing health policies that directly influence patient access to these key medications.”

This candidate has a deep research background on medical device development.  This is very far removed from Dermatology.  However, making a connection is key.  The last sentence is able to tie together a problem in Dermatology with his work.  This presents the candidate in a positive light and ties it back to why he would be an asset for his future field.

Often times, we see candidates that practiced Neurology or Surgery back in their home country to then apply in Internal Medicine.  This is OK.  If you’ve done work in those prior fields, tie it back to your proposed field.  For instance in Surgery, you can discuss your interest in improving medical postoperative management of surgery patients.

The next case below is for the lucky ones.  These are for candidates that had the opportunity to do extended amounts of research within their field.

Example 4: “Perhaps as important as medical service in improving vision care, is ophthalmic research. As part of the research year at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, I conducted clinical research through the Research to Prevent Blindness Medical Student Fellowship. Under the guidance of my preceptors, I learned a great deal about research methodologies as I explored the different pathologic features of dry age-related macular degeneration between ophthalmic imaging devices. Drawing from my previous background in engineering, I was also able to develop automated computer methods for the analysis of macular holes, choroidal size and architecture, and corneal mapping. Being able to translate clinical needs to answerable research questions and bringing innovations back into practice are immensely rewarding for me.”

Analysis: This candidate does a fantastic job of illustrating his research expertise in this area.  Notice, this is not a incredibly detailed account of his research.  He is only giving punchlines.  This is good because it allows ANY kind of faculty researcher to read about this and come away with a QUICK understanding of what kind of work he has done.  He uses terms like “automated computer methods” to lay out in understandable speech.

Remember, faculty members GLAZE over when hearing about detailed research methodologies.  Get to the point.

• Explain the POINT of the research.  In our example, it is to image changes for macular degeneration.
• Explain what YOU did.  In our example, the candidate developed “automated computer methods” for diagnostic purposes.
• Make a clear concluding point.  In our example, the candidate explains his interest in translational research.

Paragraph 4: Volunteerism and Service We realize that often times coming from non-research intensive places, volunteerism must take a bigger role.  A mistake we see is that individuals actually spend TOO much time on this section.  It may be very important to you but being a good volunteer does not necessarily mean a successful resident.  Residency is a job.  Research is how physicians become well-known.  Frankly, volunteering is a high school, college and medical school endeavor.  There is VERY LIMITED time, if any, to volunteer as a resident.

The goal with a paragraph on volunteering is to demonstrate an ability to lead and follow through on an endeavor.

Example 1 “Because I enjoyed the field of ophthalmology, I created a volunteering program where medical students worked with ophthalmology staff and residents to see patients in a community free medical clinic. I truly enjoyed being able to provide care to underserved patients and give back to the community.  To further my interest in medical service, I spent two weeks in Peru with the Peru Health Outreach Project. In preparation for our medical mission trip, I helped organize the collection of 3500 pairs of eyeglasses, elicit donations of ophthalmic supplies from companies, and direct the flow of a vision screening clinic. Working with limited resources and a diverse patient population, we managed to set up a 70 patient/day clinic and saw a wide variety of interesting pathology. These experiences illustrated the importance of vision health in all populations. In the future, I plan on continuing to volunteer to promote vision health in the U.S. and abroad.”

Analysis:  This is a clear, direct message in this paragraph about volunteering.  First, notice how this candidate uses SPECIFIC numbers.  Do not just say you volunteered or led an organization.  Talk about how many patients you recruited.  Estimate how much money you raised.  Mention the OUTCOMES of your volunteerism as well.  This adds CREDIBILITY.  It adds a real sense that you accomplished something.  Finally, tie it back to your field and how you plan to morph that into continued service.

• Keep it short and sweet
• Use NUMBERS to add depth to your volunteering
• Tie it back to your field

Paragraph 5:  Conclusion and Future Outlook This paragraph is what ties everything together.  In a well written essay, this should write itself.  The point of this paragraph is about neatly wrapping everything up.  It is also a good place to answer any concerning issues in your application such as a failed Step 1 or Step 2 attempt.

Example 1: “Fundamentally, I want to spend my career solving clinical problems.  With this in mind, I envision myself thriving in a training program that exposes me to a wide range of pathologies, encourages collaboration between disciplines and supports self-directed investigation.  It is the diversity of my experiences in clinical medicine, engineering and healthcare policy that has equipped with a passion to identify meaningful clinical needs and the skills to both develop and validate practical solutions.  I cannot imagine a more obvious and fascinating substrate than the human skin where much of our health is so clearly displayed.”

Analysis:  This brings together all the aspects of the previous paragraphs.  It sums up with a final point about this candidate’s vision for the future.

Example 2: “I believe my passion for patient care, dedication toward clinical and surgical aptitude, and enthusiasm for research will enable me to thrive in the field of ophthalmology. Ultimately, I see myself practicing as an academic ophthalmologist. Having been trained to think as a clinician scientist, I want to remain updated in the field and contribute to current research. Likewise, an academic center gives me the chance to teach the next generation of practitioners. While in residency, I will strive to incorporate the teachings from senior physicians and the full range of didactic sources to diagnose and treat a variety of ocular pathologies. I strongly believe my diligence and intellectual curiosity coupled with my compassionate care of patients will enable me to succeed in the future stages of training.”

Analysis:  You’ll notice how very similar this last paragraph is compared to our first example.  The major difference is that this candidate includes a specific goal of becoming an academic ophthalmologist.  We DO NOT recommend you put this down.  Honestly, many of the programs you will be interviewing at are NOT academic programs.  An explicit declaration of interest in academic medicine may make an attending physician at a community hospital question your ‘fit’.

Here’s a scenario many of you have asked for help on. Sometimes you may have a ‘red flag’ in your application.  We have dealt with this with other candidates successfully.  Here are our tips.

• Failed Step 1
• Failed Step 2 CK
• Failed Step 2 CS
• Failed Step 3
• Prior NRMP match violation
• Poor clinical grades
• Graduated many years ago from medical school

Example 3: “Both personal and professional reasons contributed to my first unsuccessful attempt in my Step 1 test (you can substitute any one of your ‘red flags’ here).  Personally, I had several family obligations including a death in the family at the time of my test date.  Furthermore, I believe my preparation required more structure than I initially planned.  I take full responsibility.  Afterwards, I reworked my preparation strategy.  My second attempt was successful and I am fully confident I am prepared for the rigors of a residency in the United States.”

• Take full responsibility
• Still, provide plausible explanations
• Provide assurance it will not happen again

I think it’s important to get in front of this.  Be honest and straightforward.  Emphasize how you recognized your mistake and that you made specific steps to correct that mistake.  You have to reassure your faculty interviewer.  They will have already seen the red flag on your application.  They already have questions about it.  They WILL ask you about it in your interview.  The personal statement allows you to frame it and GET IN FRONT of it.

Thanks for getting to the end of this post. I hope it was helpful! The personal statement is important but the interview is even more important on determining where you match. A great interview can make up for a weak personal statement. Check out our interview series if you want to maximize your chances of matching at the best program as possible.

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Residency Match Basics for Ophthalmology

Please note that several items regarding the ophthalmology residency match including the timeline have changed for the 2023-2024 match cycle.  Please click the links from the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO)  and the SF Match  for further details. You may also find these links from the AUPO regarding tips for a successful virtual residency interview  and tips for letters of recommendation helpful. Please also note: italicized items may change in future match cycles .

Ophthalmology is considered an “early match” specialty due to the  early February match. Thus, prospective ophthalmologists have to make a decision earlier than medical students interested in other specialties.

When should I begin the application process?

How do i begin the application process, how does the application process work, how do i decide where to apply, what do program directors look for in an applicant, what about the pgy-1 (internship) year, how should i schedule my interviews, what information about residency training programs is available online.

It is recommended that the application be completed and submitted by the end of August in an individual’s fourth year of medical school. Interviews typically occur between the following October and December.

First, register with the SF Matching Program . The ophthalmology match is sponsored by the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology (AUPO) All applications are processed through the Central Application Service. You will receive instructions for using CAS after applying to the SF Match in Ophthalmology.

The SF Matching Program was established to coordinate applicants with ophthalmology residencies and is separate from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants are matched for post-graduate year two (PGY-2) positions, which begin about 18 months after the match.

The ophthalmology match for PGY-2 positions occurs in early February , several weeks before the deadline for the NRMP match for PGY-1 positions. Thus, applicants will know their ophthalmology results before they submit their NRMP rank list. Every effort has been made to conduct this match as late as possible in your medical school career, to permit you sufficient time to make an informed decision and to give medical school deans and faculty time to evaluate students and prepare optimal letters of recommendation.

Some excellent applicants are intimidated by the statistics of the ophthalmology match. When they learn that many programs will have hundreds of applicants for a few places, they assume that they have little chance for success in that match. However, in the most recent match, more than 75 percent of participating U.S. allopathic seniors obtained a position. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) have a much greater challenge in obtaining a position, with a match rate of about 3 percent of positions being filled by IMGs. If you are considering a residency in ophthalmology, you should become acquainted as early as possible with the SF Matching Program and the timetable for application procedures.

First, consider your own needs and priorities. Some applicants have overriding geographic concerns that guide their application process. Next, seek the advice of faculty and residents in your own ophthalmology department to obtain information about various programs and to help you match your personal interests and academic strengths with the various departments. A program's website can provide additional descriptive information about programs in which you are particularly interested.

After reviewing this information, apply to the programs that interest you. Keep in mind that no program is necessarily beyond your reach. While acceptance into some programs may be easier than others, consider applying to only those in which you have a serious interest.

The residency application process in ophthalmology is considered highly competitive. The average applicant applies to 70 to 80 programs. However, highly qualified applicants do not appear to statistically benefit from applying to more than 45 programs. The average number of interviews for matched individuals was 10-12, and 4 for unmatched individuals. The number of interviews an applicant can participate in is capped at 15. Remember that your success in obtaining a position depends on your credentials, not the number of interviews. On the other hand, any applicant, regardless of academic record, should avoid applying to only a very few number of programs.

Each program evaluates applicants according to slightly different criteria. All residency programs are concerned with past academic performance (including grades in preclinical and clinical courses in medical school), a well-founded interest in ophthalmology and promising personal characteristics and work habits (as reflected in letters of recommendation). Some programs may place importance on additional factors, such as research experience or career goals. It is easiest to answer this question by considering the perspective of the program director. He or she will have to work with you for multiple years--interacting academically, professionally and personally. If you were the director, how would you evaluate resident candidates?

All applicants entering ophthalmology training programs must complete a post-graduate clinical year (PGY-1) in an accredited program. The PGY-1 year must include direct patient care experience in fields such as emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, or a transitional internship. A new requirement by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education effective July 1, 2021 requires the PGY-1 year be provided in an integrated or joint preliminary program. Many programs have elected a joint program, which requires the applicant register and participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP).

Most ophthalmology residency programs conduct their interviews from October to December , most interviewing just a fraction of their total applicants. Some programs will interview candidates in large groups, some will interview only a few on a given day. Others schedule only a single short interview session or construct a full-day program with multiple interviews. Please note that during the 2023-2024 match cycle, all interviews will continue to be virtual . This link will give you tips for a successful virtual residency interview .

Ophthalmology training programs recognize and appreciate that applicants have limited time available for interviews. Once a program has decided to interview an applicant, it will generally try to be flexible in scheduling. However, remember that each program has only a limited number of interview days available and will therefore have limited flexibility. 

What about Optional Program Visits?

To allow applicants to better know programs they may be deciding between, optional program open houses are being offered after the program has submitted their rank list, but before applicants submit theirs.

When scheduling program visits after your interview, look to see if other programs have program visit days in the same geographic area, as it may be possible to arrange site visits so that a minimum of expensive air travel is necessary. When traveling to an unfamiliar city for an interview, try to give yourself some free time to explore the city so as to evaluate not just the program but its environment as well. Check to see if the program has made arrangements for discounted housing or transportation to and from housing locations.

Throughout the process, as administrative errors and incomplete applications (e.g., absent letters of recommendation) can occur, call the program if you are unsure of the status of your application.

Many universities with ophthalmology training programs offer descriptions on their websites. You will also have access to program information through the SF Match after registration.

Additional Resources

Advising Students Interested in Ophthalmology: A Summary of the Evidence

Applicants' Choice of an Ophthalmology Residency Program

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The Residency Personal Statement (2023/2024): The Insider’s Guide (with Examples)

A physician and former residency program director explains how to write your residency personal statement to match in to your top-choice residency program in 2024.

Read example residency personal statements and suggested outlines..

Introduction

The residency personal statement allows residency program directors and associate directors the chance to get a sense of who you are and your commitment to your chosen specialty. 

As a former program director who understands how residency personal statements are reviewed, what “stands out,” and, most importantly, what will earn you interview invitations, the information below will help you write a residency personal statement to match!

It is imperative to make sure you get the most accurate guidance possible with regards to your residency personal statement content and optimal residency personal statement length (up to 5300 characters with spaces).

Want more personalized suggestions? Sign up for a FREE residency personal statement consultation .

Table of Contents

Goals for Writing Your 2024 Residency Personal Statement

Above all else, your residency personal statement offers the opportunity to show your interest in your chosen specialty when applying to residency to illustrate you are a good fit.

The more details you offer about why you are interested in the specialty and how your med school rotations, accomplishments and experiences have reinforced this interest, the stronger your personal statement will be, the more it will appeal to selection committees and the better you will do in the match process .

I encourage applicants to offer as much “evidence” as possible to “show” rather than “tell” what qualities, characteristics and interests they have. “Telling” a reader, for example, that you are compassionate and hard working means nothing. Instead, you must “show” that you embody these qualities based on your experiences in health care and the patients for whom you have cared.

The residency personal statement also offers the opportunity to write about who you are as a person to convey some details about your background, influences, and interests outside of your given specialty.

The Importance of a Balanced Residency Personal Statement

The key when writing your residency personal statement is to ensure that it is well-balanced so it appeals to a large group of people who might read your ERAS residency application.

However, it is important to understand that every program director and faculty member has his or her own idea of what he would like to read in a personal statement. As an applicant, you must go into this process understanding that you cannot please everyone, or a specific program, and your personal statement should therefore have the broadest appeal possible.

For example, some program directors would rather hear about your personal interests and curiosities and get to know who you are rather than have you focus on the specialty in which you are interested.

At MedEdits, we suggest taking a “middle of the road” approach; include some details about who you are but also focus on the specialty itself. In this way, you will make more traditional reviewers who want to hear about your interest in the specialty happy while also satisfying those who would rather learn about you as a person.

Above all, be authentic and true to yourself when writing your statement. This always leads to the best results! Read on to learn more about how to write a winning personal statement.

About MedEdits

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Founded by a former associate program director, the experts at MedEdits will make your residency personal statement shine. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Need Help With Your Residency Personal Statement?

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Residency Personal Statement Outline & Structure

Residency applicants often do well when given outlines or templates to follow, so, we will offer that, but, it is important to realize that many applicants deviate from these rigid rules. One very typical outline that serves applicants quite well in the residency admissions process is:

• Compose a catchy introduction. Your intro can be related to your interest in the specialty to which you are applying, about a hobby or personal experience, or about your background. Regardless of the topic you choose, you want to tell a story and start with something that will interest your reader and engage him.
• The next two to four paragraphs comprise the body of your personal statement. We encourage applicants to write about any significant experiences they have had related to their desired specialty and/or future goals. This would include information about rotations, electives, and sub internships related to the specialty, volunteer and research experiences and even significant outside interests.
• Finally, you want to conclude your essay. In your conclusion, write about what you seek in a residency program, what you will bring to a residency program, and, if you have any idea of your future career goals, write about those as well. Your conclusion is also where you can tailor a personal statement to a specific geographic area of interest or type of program (rural, urban, community).

Residency Personal Statement Length & Residency Personal Statement Word Limit

Residency Personal Statement Length: Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be between 4000 – 5300 characters with spaces or up to 900 words in length. 

The allowed ERAS residency personal statement length is 28,000 characters which equates to about five pages!

We have been hearing from more and more applicants that the personal statement should not exceed one page when typed in to the ERAS application . Because of this overwhelming trend, we are supporting this guidance unless you have extenuating circumstances that require your personal statement be longer.

Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be a maximum of 5300 characters with spaces.

ERAS Residency Personal Statement Checklist

• Ensure your personal statement flows well

The best personal statements are easy to read, don’t make the reader think too much, and make your path and interests seem logical. Rarely does a personal statement have a theme. Also try to have each paragraph transition to the next seamlessly. 

2. Your personal statement should be about you!

Your personal statement should be about you and no one else. Focus on your interests, your accomplishments and your path. This is your opportunity to be forthcoming about your achievements – by writing in detail about what you have done.

3. Be sure your personal statement clearly outlines your interest in the specialty.

Since the reader wants to be convinced of your understanding of, experience in, and curiosity about the specialty to which you are applying, be sure you highlight what you have done to explore your interest as well as your insights and observations about the specialty to show your understanding of it.

4. Make it human.

Again, your personal statement should be about you! The reader wants to know who you are, where you are from, what your interests are and who you are outside of medicine. Therefore, try to include those details about your background that are intriguing or important to you.

5. Express your interest in the specialty.

The reader fundamentally wants to know why you are pursuing the specialty. The more details you offer the more convincing you are about your commitment and your understanding of the specialty. Be sure to include details that might seem obvious. For example, in emergency medicine you must like acute care, but try to include more nuanced details about your interest, too. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved? What do you value about the actual work you will do? What do you enjoy about the patients for whom you will care? How about the setting in which you will practice?

6. The start and evolution of your interest.

Readers want to know how and when you became interested in your specialty. Was this before medical school? During medical school? What have you done to pursue and nurture your interest in the specialty?

7. What you have done to learn more about the specialty.

You should explain what you have done to pursue your interest. What rotations have you done or have planned? What research, scholarly work or community service activities have you pursued to further your interest?

8. Where you see yourself in the future – if you know!

Without going into too much detail, write about the type of setting in which you see yourself in the future. Do you hope to also participate in research, teaching, public health work or community outreach as a part of your career? What are your future goals? Since many programs typically train a certain type of physician, it is important that your goals are aligned with the programs to which you are applying.

9. What do you bring to the specialty?

You should try to identify what you can bring to the program and the specialty to which you are applying as a whole. For example, are you applying to family medicine and have a distinct interest in public health? Are you applying for internal medicine and do you have demonstrated expertise in information technology and hope to improve electronic medical records? Do you have extensive research or teaching experience, and do you hope to continue to pursue these interests in the future? Have you developed a commitment to global health, and do you hope to continue making contributions abroad? Programs have a societal obligation to select residents who will make valuable contributions in the future, so the more ambitions you have the more desirable a candidate you will be.

10. What type of program you hope to join?

Do you hope to be part of a community or university-based program? What are you seeking in a residency program? Programs are looking for residents who will be the right “fit” so offering an idea of what you are seeking in a program will help them determine if your values and goals mesh with those of the program.

11. Who you are outside of the hospital?

Try to bring in some personal elements about who you are. You can do this in a few ways. If you have any outside interests or accomplishments that complement your interest in your specialty, such as extracurricular work, global work, teaching or volunteer efforts, write about them in detail, and, in doing so, show the reader a different dimension of your personality. Or, consider opening your statement by writing about an experience related to your hobbies or outside interests. Write about this in the form of an introductory vignette. I suggest taking this nontraditional approach only if you are a talented writer and can somehow relate your outside interest to the specialty you are pursuing, however. An interest in the arts can lend itself to dermatology, plastic surgery or ophthalmology, for example. Or, an interest in technology could relate to radiology .

12. Any personal challenges?

Also explain any obstacles you have overcome: Were you the first in your family to graduate from college? Were you an immigrant? Did you have limited financial resources and work through college? Many applicants tend to shy away from the very things that make them impressive because they are afraid of appearing to be looking for sympathy. As long as you explain how you have overcome adversity in a positive or creative way, your experience will be viewed as the tremendous accomplishment that it is. The personal statement should explain any unusual or distinctive aspects of your background.

• Residency Match: How It Works & How To Get Matched

Common ERAS Residency Personal Statement Mistakes

Do not tell your entire life story or write a statement focused on your childhood or undergraduate career. 

Do not write about why you wanted to be a doctor. This is old news. From the reviewers perspective, you already are a doctor!

Do not write a personal statement focused on one hobby or begin with your birth. Some background information might be useful if it offers context to your choices and path, but your residency personal statement should be focused on the present and what you have done to pursue your interest in the specialty to which you are applying.

Do not preach. The reader understands what it means to practice his specialty and does not need you to tell him. Don’t write, for example: Internal medicine requires that a physician be knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The reader wants to know about you!

Do not put down other specialties. You don’t need to convince anyone of your interest by writing something negative about other specialties. Doing so just makes you look bad. If you switched residencies or interests, you can explain what else you were seeking and what you found in the specialty of your choice that interests you.

Do not embellish. Program directors are pretty good at sniffing out inconsistencies and dishonesty. Always tell the truth and be honest and authentic. 

Do not plagiarize. While this seems obvious to most people, every year people copy personal statements they find online or hire companies that use stock phrases and statement to compose statements for applicants. Don’t do it!

Do not write about sensitive topics. Even if you were in a relationship that ended and resulted in a poor USMLE score , this is not a topic for a personal statement. In general, it is best to avoid discussing relationships, politics, ethical issues and religion.

Do not boast. Any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness may result in getting rejected. There is a fine line between confidence and self promotion. Some people make the mistake of over-selling themselves or writing about all of their fantastic qualities and characteristics. Rarely do readers view such personal statements favorably.

Do not write an overly creative piece. A residency personal statement should be professional. This work is equivalent to a job application. Don’t get too creative; stay focused.

Writing ERAS Residency Personal Statements For Multiple Specialties

An increasing number of applicants are applying to more than one specialty in medicine especially if the first choice specialty is very competitive. If you are applying to more than one specialty, even if there is disciplinary overlap between the two (for example family medicine and pediatrics ), we advise you write a distinct specialty for each. Remember that a physician who practices the specialty you hope to join will most likely be reviewing your statement. He or she will definitely be able to determine if the personal statement illustrates a true understanding of the specialty. If you try to recycle an entire personal statement or parts of a personal statement for two specialties, there is a high likelihood the personal statement will communicate that you aren’t sincerely interested in that specialty or that you don’t really understand what the specialty is about.

Writing About Red Flags in your ERAS Personal Statement

The personal statement is also the place to explain any red flags in your application, such as gaps in time or a leave of absence. When addressing any red flags, explain what happened succinctly. Be honest, don’t make excuses, and don’t dwell on the topic. Whenever possible, write about how you have matured or grown from the adversity or what you may have learned and how this benefits you.

If you have left a program or had a break in your medical education, you will also have the chance to explain this in your ERAS application . You should also write about this topic in your personal statement only if you have more to explain, however. 

If you have failed a Step exam or one course in medical school, this likely isn’t something to address in the personal statement. However, you should be prepared to discuss any failure during an interview. By the same token, it is best not to address one low grade or poor attending evaluation in your statement. 

Have you taken a circuitous path to medicine? If so you might address why you made these choices and what you found so interesting about medicine that was lacking in your former career.

Residency Personal Statement Example

Below are two great examples of residency personal statements that earned the applicants who wrote them numerous interviews and first choice matches. As you will see, these two applicants took very different approaches when writing the personal statement yet wrote equally persuasive and “successful” personal statements.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Traditional Approach

The most common approach to the personal statement is what I will call the traditional approach, in which the applicant conveys her interest in the specialty, when that interest began and what she has done to pursue the particular specialty.

Suggested outline:

• Introduction: Catchy Story
• Paragraph 2: Background Information and how Interest Started
• Paragraph 3: Write about what you did to explore your interest
• Paragraph 4: Second paragraph about your experiences related to your specialty
• Conclusion: Wrap it up. Write something about your future goals.

Below is an example of the traditional approach:

I looked into her eyes and saw terror. She knew the life of her unborn baby was in jeopardy. As tears streamed down her face, she looked to the attending physician. In desperation, she pleaded, “Please save our baby.” She and her husband had been trying to conceive for more than two years, and they knew this could be their only chance to have a healthy child. She went into labor at home and because of a horrible snowstorm was not able to reach the hospital for several hours. When she arrived in labor and delivery, she was crowning. But, the baby was having late decelerations. Because of the sweat on my attending’s forehead I knew the situation was serious. Yet we all tried to remain calm and to keep the patient and her husband calm as well. 

I entered medical school with an open mind as everyone suggested. Even as a first year medical student, however, I was fascinated with embryology. I entered my third year still unsure of what I would pursue. I knew I wanted a career that would be challenging and interesting. Because of my background in drawing and painting, I always loved working with my hands. Yet I also enjoyed working with people. Thankfully, my obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) rotation was the first of my third year and I was immediately hooked.

I quickly sought out opportunities for research and became involved in a clinical study investigating the impact of a vegan diet on birth outcomes. I have always had an interest in wellness and nutrition, and this seemed like a perfect fit for me. My research is still in process, but through this experience I have learned how to analyze data, stay objective and critically evaluate the literature. So far, our findings suggest better than normal outcomes for babies born to vegan mothers. This reinforces my goal to educate my patients about the important of diet and nutrition, which I hope to make a part of my future practice. 

Early in my fourth year, I completed an elective rotation at Inner City Medical Center. There I cared for a diverse group of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I realized how much I enjoy labor and delivery, but I also value the operative aspects of ob/gyn. I appreciate the importance of understanding the female anatomy so I can operate with precision.  I also value the diversity of practice in ob/gyn. Whether caring for a woman about to give birth, helping a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer navigate her treatment options, or caring for a perimenopausal woman who is coping with symptoms of hormone fluctuations, I enjoy caring for patients with knowledge and compassion. The outpatient aspect of ob/gyn brings satisfaction as well. I look forward to building relationships with my patients, helping them to lead the healthiest lives possible. I have also realized how much I want to care for those who lack access to care. The work I have done at Medical School Free Clinic has helped me realize the gaps that exist in access to care and education. As a future practicing ob/gyn, I hope to work in such a setting at least on a part time basis.

On that snowy night, when we realized the baby was having difficulty being born because of shoulder dystocia, a simple maneuver eased the situation. The baby’s first cry brought such joy and relief to everyone in the room and, at that moment, I knew I had to be part of this specialty. I hope to join a program where I will have the clinical exposure that will give me the skills and experience to care for a wide range of patients. I do not yet know if I will subspecialize, and I will seek out mentors and experiences as a resident to make an informed decision. I would be honored to interview at your program and thank you for your consideration.

Why It’s Great

This is a great personal statement because it clearly conveys the applicant’s interest in, and understanding of, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and what the applicant has done to pursue that interest. Not only does this applicant have a long-standing interest in OB/GYN, but, she conveys that she has experienced the specialty in different settings and understands the diverse nature of the specialty. She also includes information about her hobbies and interests and writes about her exploration of OB/GYN outside of the clinical arena. An added bonus is that the applicant writes well and uses descriptive language making her statement interesting and fun to read.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Outside Interests Approach

Many mentors advise applicants to tell the reader something about them that is unrelated to medicine or the specialty they are pursuing. This is a fine idea, but be sure your personal statement also includes some details about your interest in your specialty if you decide to move in this direction.

Suggested Outline:

• Introduction: Write a Catchy Introduction. Be creative! Think outside the box.
• Paragraph 2:Elaborate on your introduction offering more details
• Paragraph 3: Write about your specialty choice and what appeals to you.
• Paragraph 4: Write more about your explorations in medical school.
• Concluding paragraph(s): Write about your future goals, the type of program you hope to join and consider looping back to your introduction.

Below is an example of the outside interests approach:

The landscape before me was lush and magical. We had been hiking for hours and had found a great spot to set up camp. As I was unloading my backpack and helping to pitch the tent, I saw a scene I knew I had to capture. I quickly grabbed my carefully packed Leica before the magnificent sunset disappeared. Trying to get the perfect exposure, I somehow managed to capture this image so accurately that it reflected the beauty of what was before us high in the mountains of Utah, so far away from the hustle and bustle of New York City where we attended medical school.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my interests and curiosities with focus and creativity. One of those interests is photography. Even as a small child, I wanted my own camera, and I started snapping interesting scenes and images at the age of 6. As I grew older, this hobby took on more significance. I took a college level course in photography as a high school student, worked as a photographer’s assistant and even considered a career in photography. Paralleling my interest, however, was a desire to travel and experience new places, foods, and cultures.

I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. Rather than stopping in a city or place for a couple of days and seeing the sights, I prefer to immerse myself in my surroundings, eating the food, meeting the people, and staying for as long as I can. My fluency in Spanish and Italian has made it easier to “fit in” naturally. My most recent trip to Costa Rica allowed me to visit sugar cane fields and rain forests. I also volunteered in a clinic that helps the most desperate citizens. Of course, because I never travel without my camera, I also captured the beauty of this country; those pictures can be found on my blog.

Surgery seemed like a natural choice for me. It is a very tactile and visual field that requires patience, attention to detail and creativity—just like photography. The operating room setting is invigorating. I love to be a member of a team, and in surgery team work is an essential part of practice. The ability to deal with anatomical variations also satisfies my creative side; I have always been fond of puzzles, and the field of surgery represents a real-world puzzle to me. I also appreciate the intensity of surgery and believe I have the personality and demeanor for the field. I have always enjoyed solving problems quickly, something the field of surgery requires. My rotations in surgery – in addition to my core surgery rotation I have done trauma and cardiothoracic surgery – have helped me to understand the tremendous opportunities and diversity of the field. I have heard some residents lament that the only reason they went into surgery is to operate. However, I really enjoy seeing patients postoperatively. It is only at that time that a surgeon can really appreciate the impact of his or her work.

Finally, my trip to Honduras with a surgical team from my hospital and medical school made me realize that I can make a great contribution globally in the field of surgery. There we saw patients who had no resources or access to care. The facilities in which we worked were bare-bones. Yet the impact we made was tremendous, given that this was a group of people who otherwise would have no surgical care. In this way, I hope to combine my interests in travel and surgery as a resident, if I have time, and certainly as a practicing physician. My ultimate goal is to use my training to help populations globally and domestically.

To gain the most clinical exposure possible, I hope to train in a busy urban hospital. I believe that such a setting will give me the operative experience I need to be able to navigate many situations in the future. Such a setting will also give me the outpatient experience to understand how to manage patients once the surgery is completed.

I look forward to the day when I can be snapping my camera intraoperatively, documenting what I am doing and seeking to help other surgeons. For some, such pictures may not represent the art of those pictures I take in the wilderness, but for me they reflect the beauty of surgery and the great opportunity to make a lasting impression on another human being’s life.

This is a really intriguing personal statement because the author writes about his outside interests in a compelling way that makes him instinctively likable. He then goes on to explain what he enjoys about surgery and what he has done to pursue that interest. As you can see, this applicant writes less about his specialty (surgery) than the applicant in statement #1 did, but, he still convinces the reader of his understanding of, and commitment to, surgery. In this statement, the reader gains a much broader understanding of who the applicant is as a person and what he likes to do in his free time.

Final Thoughts

Writing your residency personal statement should be about telling your story in your own voice and style. You want to highlight your interest in the specialty for which you are applying while also conveying some ideas about who you are as a person to keep your reader engaged in learning about you as a person.

Residency Personal Statement Consulting Services

MedEdits Medical Admissions offers comprehensive guidance and document review services for residency applicants to every specialty in medicine. With more than twenty years of experience in residency admissions and founded by a former residency admissions officer and physician, MedEdits understands what program directors want to read and can help you decide what aspects of your background to focus on in your residency personal statement to earn the most interviews possible.

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your ERAS personal statement. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Sample Residency Personal Statements

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January 4th, 2023

Ophthalmology Residency Personal Statement Examples – With Writing Guide 2023

Are you planning to take Ophthalmology as your specialization for your Residency

Are you confused about how to write a Personal Statement for the same?

Then you are at the right page.

Here you will get exclusive guidance on how to draft an impressive personal statement for ophthalmology residency.

In this article, we’ll discuss

• What should be the content
• How to draft a Personal Statement for Ophthalmology
• What to include and avoid
• Samples for your reference

What is Ophthalmology Personal Statement? Why Do You Need One?

Ophthalmology personal statement is an official document you submit to the admission committee expressing your interest in ophthalmology and your qualification to choose the same.

It is important as it:

• Helps you secure admission at your chosen Residency
• Helps you express your interest in Ophthalmology
• Helps you demonstrate how academically qualified you are for this specialization
• Helps you express your interest in the chosen Residency and the chosen country
• Helps you express how you can be a good candidate for the course.

When Should You Start to Write

• It’s always good to start early to write your personal statement forophthalmology, as keeping it to the last minute can hamper the quality of your write-up.
• You can at least start a month before the deadline to write your personal statement. Never forget to show your write-up to experts and seek their feedback.

NEED EXPERTS HELP FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT? CLICK HERE NOW!

How Long is an Ophthalmology Personal Statement?

It is very important to understand the maximum word limit and character limit before you start to write a Personal Statement for Ophthalmology.

No of pages:

Word count:, no. of characters:, best fonts:, font style:, sample 1 – ophthalmology residency personal statement.

It was during my senior secondary class, I felt a blurred vision to read the equations written in the black board of my classroom. Initially I felt it is normal, as the same has happened to even few of my classmates. Later when the condition became worst, and when I can’t read a single line in the class board without external help from my friends, I felt the need to explain it to my parents and hope they will find me some solution. So when my parents took me to an Ophthalmologist, I was diagnosed with Short Sightedness or Myopia in my eyes. It was then I started to realize about the different type of diseases that could affect the most important organ in our body; our eyes. As I was in my Senior Secondary class, I was able to grasp what is Myopia or Hypermetropia. On learning about the functionalities of our eyes and how each part of the eyes join together to produce a clear image, I was mesmerized and motivated to learn more on our eyes.

Giving wings to my childhood dream, I joined XYZ Medical School to study medicine. As I was adamant that I would take Ophthalmology for my higher studies, I with great enthusiasm and curiosity learnt every single lessons pertaining to Ophthalmology. On learning about different eye disorder like Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinopathy, Amblyopia etc. I was left in awe how to treat this tiny organ which is very vital for our existence. So during my medical studies, I enjoyed my ward sections in Ophthalmology department as it was like living my dream.

Once during one of my family function, I met one of my Uncle, who complained to me he has got some blurred vision and some irritation in eyes. When I examined his eyes, I felt the possibility of Cataract. So I told him to consult an Ophthalmologist for more precise conclusion. On further examination, I was correct; it was just the starting of Cataract. I am sure my deep interest for the subject and inquisitive behavior will help me to be a great Ophthalmologist in the future. With my empathetic behavior and positive approach I am sure I can treat my patients with great care and affection. I am very fascinated with this branch of Medical Science where there is a scope of innovation and use of technology. As a Medical discipline which has a great share of use of technology, I am happy that Ophthalmology with the help of newer technology helps to understand eye problems with more efficiency. I can greatly value the right combination of technology and innovation and medical sciences as it help each eye operation to be successful and precise.

As a best medical residency in the country for Ophthalmology, I believe that I am right in my decision to choose ABC Residency. With its great infrastructure and use of advanced technology, I am sure it will help the Residents to expose to the latest medical studies and technologies. With the great Professors like XXX, I am sure I can gain comprehensive knowledge on latest studies in Ophthalmology. With my passion for the subject and ability to connect with people of all age I am sure I can have a great future as an Ophthalmologist.

Sample 2 – Ophthalmology Residency Personal Statement

As a child, I have been greatly attached to my grandparents. So it was during my high school days my grandfather expressed that he has trouble in his vision. At first, though not taken seriously by anyone, later he was diagnosed with Cataract. Though he undergone surgery, he was not well enough to see the things as clear before. So at first when I came to know about his medical condition, I was shocked to hear about his diseases. As I was very much attached to him, I couldn’t tolerate his condition of being blind and after affects of the surgery he had undergone. So as a high school student, though at first I didn’t understood his medical condition, I later asked to me parents to know more about Cataract and its complications.

As a Biology enthusiast from my childhood, I always enjoyed studying my lessons in Biology. So from early days of my life, I had decided to be a Medical Doctor and treat the needy people. As Physics also equally interested me I was confused on which branch to pursue for my higher studies. I always loved to study about Optics and lenses and how different part of the eyes work together to produce a clear image for us. That is when my father knowing my interest advised me that I can in future become an Ophthalmologist so that I can satiate my thirst to know and study about both medicine and create a future in the study of eyes. Also I saw a possibility that taking the Ophthalmology branch of medical science as my specialization will enable me to treat several old age people and treat them with great care and affection like I used to treat my long lost grandparents. So this is how I decided to take Ophthalmology as my specialization in medical study.

During my medical study, I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons in eyes and other functionalities. As an important organ of human body, eyes play an important role in people’s lives. And any harm to the same would make our life horrible. So I decided to follow my passion and take Ophthalmology as my specialization as I can give people a second life by treating the lamp of their life. During my medical rounce sessions, I enjoyed my ward visits at the department of Ophthalmology, and I eagerly learnt about all the medical conditions. Even during my internship, I took effort to intern at XXX Eye Care Hospital under the guidance of Mr. Lal. Mr. Lal thought me both basic and advanced health care methodologies followed in the eye care and that experience exposed me to several new concepts in the eye care branch.

I choose ABC Residency due to its proclaimed status as a pioneer in eye care education. I am sure under the guidance of the efficient teachers of your Residency, I can well hone my skills and become a proficient Eye Care Professional. As a medical branch which is closely associated with elderly people I hope that with my passion for the subject and love for the elderly people will help me serve them better and provide great care to them. I am sure my internship experience will surely help me perform better in my Residency tenure.

17 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Start

Below are the questions you must ask yourself when you start writing a Personal Statement for Ophthalmology.

• What are my life experiences which have moulded me as a person?
• Who has influenced me in my life?
• When was that moment that I decided to enter the medical field and why?
• Had my travels influenced my medical aspirations?
• What are my uniqueness and how it will help me secure admission?
• What is my most valued accomplishment(s) which I am most proud of?
• What are my hobbies/interests which will help me become a better doctor?
• What are my strength areas?
• What are my weak areas?
• Do I have any personal philosophy, if yes then what?
• My friends and peers describe me as _______?
• What would be the biggest compliment I can receive from a patient as a physician?
• Why am I interested in ophthalmology?
• What are the qualities I need to be a good ophthalmologist?
• How should I embody these qualities?
• What are my biggest goals/aspirations?
• Is there a gap/discrepancy in my education that I should explain?

How to Structure your Personal Statement for Ophthalmology

Following a correct structure for your personal statement is vital as it can help you organize information better and not miss anything important.

Below is the correct structure of a Personal Statement for Ophthalmology.

Introduction

Remember to include all your unique abilities and never miss to include your course motivation which has inspired you to build a career in Ophthalmology.

Begin with an eye catchy introduction that can capture the reader’s attention.

You can start by introducing your thesis or theme that you have planned for your personal statement which best explains your interest in ophthalmology.You can keep the word limit of this section to 100 to 150 words. 

You can answer the following questions in the introductory part of your Personal Statement:

• What is my course motivation?
• What will make me a good Resident or outstanding Ophthalmologist?

In the main body of your Personal Statement, you can link both personal and professional experiences to better explain your career goals.

In this section you can ask certain questions like:

• How unique am I?
• What are my personal experiences that motivated me to choose a career in medicine and Ophthalmology?

You can state here what your career goals are and how the chosen Residency can help you achieve your goals.

You can list the following points in the concluding paragraph:

• What are my career goals?
• How can I prove that I am the right candidate for the chosen residency?
• You can express your confidence in the chosen stream and hope to get admitted in the chosen residency.

6 Steps That Can Help You Write Your Impressive Ophthalmology Personal Statement

As an important element of your Residency admission, you must be very careful while drafting a Personal Statement for Ophthalmology.

Here are the most recommended 6 steps to write your outstanding ophthalmology personal statement.

Step 1: Start Early With Your Writing

Step 2: brainstorm your ideas, step 3: create an outline, step 4: write down your personal introduction, step 5: give focus to your skills and experiences, step 6: end with a strong conclusion, what to include.

Write a short sentence for the title.

While writing a personal statement, it is very important to understand what all should be included and avoided.

Below are the do’s and don’ts in a personal statement for ophthalmology.

• Do showcase yourself as a strong candidate
• Be relevant
• Do proofread your document
• Do seek feedback

Below are the lists of things you must take care to avoid while writing a personal statement for ophthalmology.

• Don’t plagiarize
• Don’t exaggerate
• Don’t keep it to the last minute
• Don’t use quotes
• Avoid clichés

Ophthalmology Personal Statement Guidelines

Here are a few guidelines on how to write your personal statement for ophthalmology and how to make it more attractive and impressive.

• Understand the university requirements
• Have a plan for the personal statement
• Showcase your course motivation and interest in ophthalmology
• Never forget to mention your career goals
• Do include any position of responsibility you have held before

Checklist for Ophthalmology Residency Personal Statement

It is very important to create a checklist and check the same as in the hurry you may forget to include some of the important points.

Below are checklists of the ophthalmology residency personal statement.

• Do keep the word limit in mind
• Express your interest in Ophthalmology
• Maintain a positive tone throughout the document
• Avoid cliché sentences
• Include both short and long term goals
• Don’t rehash your CV
• Explain your interest in the particular Residency

Common Mistakes

Below are some of the common mistakes made by most of the candidates while writing  a personal statement for ophthalmology residency.

So be careful to avoid these mistakes in your personal statement for ophthalmology.

• Rehashing your CV
• Discussing your personal issues
• Grammatical and spelling errors
• Using clichés
• Digressing from the topic
• Making excuses for your low-performance

Tips for Writing

Below are the few tips to make your ophthalmology residency personal statement look impressive and win the admission committee.

Tip 1 < Understand what the university demands from a Personal Statement

It is very important to understand what an Admission Committee demands from a Personal Statement and craft your Personal Statement accordingly.

Tip 2 < Always be genuine

Don’t try to fake it. Always be you in the whole process of admission. Be genuine and unique in your approach.

10 Best-Ranked Ophthalmology Residency Programs

Below are the best-ranked Residency programs where thousands seek to get their admission for ophthalmology residency.

• University of Miami/Jackson Health System/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
• Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University/Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia)
• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)
• University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City)
• University of Michigan Health System (Ann Arbor)
• Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School (Boston)
• Duke University Hospital (Durham, N.C.)
• UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles)
• Baylor College of Medicine/Cullen Eye Institute (Houston)

When Should I Apply?

It is recommended that the application for ophthalmology must be completed and submitted by the end of August preferably during the fourth year of medical school.

But remember that each university will have different deadlines.

How to Apply?

As the application process for each university is different, it is important that you check the university website and understand the application process in detail.

Anyway, it is vital that you keep all the documents ready and apply in the time limit.

Let’s Conclude

So we have reached the end of this blog.

We have discussed in detail how to draft a perfect personal statement for ophthalmology.

Feel free to comment and post any query regarding the content of this blog in the comment section below.

Mrs Jizah M

Mrs Jizah M has always enjoyed writing down her thoughts since school days. What just started as a hobby slowly transformed into a passion. Her writing skills were first acknowledged by few of her professors when she wrote content for the college website; this was a turing. Slowly she started getting freelance works and later on, a series of events led her to specialize in academic and higher education related documentations. In additional to personal statements, she along with her team writes LORs, SOPs, college application essays, admission essays and all similar types of documents.

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How to Approach the SF Ophthalmology Residency Match Application

Maxwell A. Levi

Alanna Nattis, DO, FAAO

Eric D. Rosenberg, DO, MSE

Utilize this step-by-step guide to complete the SF Match application and glean expert advice from two highly esteemed ophthalmologists.

Getting ready for match day? Download the Ophthalmology Resident's Guide to Success

When is ophthalmology match day february 1, 2023, sf match timeline.

• This is the date that the SF Match opens to its applicants and the full application becomes available for students to begin working on. A student can submit their application at any time; however, it will not be released for programs to view until September 1, 2021. You have two months to complete the application, so take your time.
• This is the date that residency programs can first access applications. Though not a strict deadline for most programs, students strive to submit by this day. Notably, this deadline does not pertain to the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) submitted by medical schools. As per the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) rules, the MSPE gets released to programs in accordance with the ERAS deadline of September 29, 2021.
• This is the earliest that residency programs are allowed to extend interviews to their applicants. Applicants are limited to a maximum of 18 interviews.
• This is the timeframe that interviews will occur. During the 2022 SF ophthalmology residency match cycle, all interviews will be conducted virtually.
• Applicants can sign up for open house tours of programs they received an interview with. These are optional and do not affect how programs rank their applicants, as attendee names are only made available to programs after rank lists are submitted (by the programs). It was implemented to allow applicants to tour programs before submitting their final rank list.
• All programs are required to submit their rank list by 12:00 PM PT.
• All applicants are required to submit their rank list by 12:00 PM PT.
• Match results are made available to both programs and applicants as early as 5:00 AM PT. Results are viewable via the SF Match system.
• All vacancies will be announced on the Immediate Vacancies page of the SF Match system. Each vacancy is managed by individual programs.

SF Match costs

Here is the cost schedule for the 2022 sf ophthalmology residency match cycle:.

• $60.00 flat fee
• $10.00 per program
• $15.00 per program
• $20.00 per program
• $35.00 per program

SF Match application

How important is it for applicants to submit their applications by September 1st?

Nattis: I would get it in by the deadline. We were told to submit our applications as early as possible, so I made sure to submit on the 1st possible day (which was July 1st at the time). The people who work at the SF Match are incredibly helpful in terms of letting you know if your application is complete. The earlier you get your application in the better because not only is it off your plate, but you also can update sections later pertaining to publications, scores, etc.

According to the SF Match, there are 122 programs that applicants can apply to. How do they select which programs to apply?

Nattis: Eric and I both applied to programs in the areas we wanted to live in. I liked programs that had at least 3 residents per year because you had other co-residents to learn from and lean on. I also liked programs that had all subspecialties available. There are some programs where residents rotate outside of their own home location to get exposure to certain subspecialties, which can be a disruption to some but great for others. I also gravitated towards programs that were very busy surgically.

When I met residents on the interview trail that told me they had a lot of cases during their first year, that was a tip-off that that was a place I wanted to be. Your ophthalmology residency is meant for you to get experience. You have 3 years to get your clinical and surgical experience and become comfortable with what you are doing. Whether or not you plan on doing a fellowship, you want to come out feeling confident treating patients clinically and surgically on your own.

Rosenberg: I classify programs into 3 categories: Research programs, surgical programs, and programs that do both. In a perfect world, all programs would encompass both aspects fully, but 3-4 years of training is simply not enough time to be able to accomplish everything that some people would want to get out of programs. I think all aspects are important so it’s largely person-specific and each applicant needs to decide what they want to get out of their residency program and choose accordingly.

Alanna and I agreed that we wanted to go to a place with no fellows where we got a lot of hands-on experience. We got to do a lot of everything, even things that we were not going to utilize frequently in our everyday practice. It was important for us to know that if we got into a complex situation, we would be comfortable handling it because of our experiences during residency.

There is a limit of 18 interviews that an applicant can accept. How will this affect medical students applying to residency and why do you think the SF Match implemented this policy?

Rosenberg: I think they did so to make the matching process more equitable across the field. Previously, it was said that if you received 11+ interviews, you were pretty well teed up to match. It may redistribute interviews from applicants receiving far more than 11 interviews to those who got fewer and increase their chance of matching.

Nattis: I agree. I also believe that it helps applicants be more selective and realistic in the programs they apply to. With a limit on the number of interviews you can accept, it’s not necessarily as important to apply to a huge number of programs.

Section 1: Personal Information

Examination/license/certification.

In the past, Step 1 was the gold standard in determining the competitiveness of an applicant. Now that Step 1 is becoming pass/fail, will the importance be shifted to Step 2, or do you feel that more emphasis is going to be placed on other aspects of the application?

Nattis: I think the answer is going to be both. Each program weighs attributes differently, but I do believe that the shift will move towards medical school grades/class rank. That being said, if they have a huge stack of applications and need to find a criterion to narrow them down quickly, then Step 2 may gain importance. It is definitely going to be a trial-and-error process for programs over the next few years.

If you are a DO, how important is COMLEX?

Nattis: It’s important to do well on both USMLE and COMLEX--COMLEX should by no means be neglected. It is very important because it is the osteopathic board exam. It is one thing to do well on the USMLE but if you do well on the USMLE and terribly on the COMLEX, that can raise questions to programs.

Should you include only medically relevant or a combination of medically relevant and non-medically relevant jobs?

Nattis: Both are probably helpful because it helps show who you are as a person. If you did the job for a week, there is no need to include it. That said, if you did the job for the summer or took time between college and medical school to work, it is a great idea to put it in your application.

Rosenberg: I agree with Alanna. You never know where a person reading your application is going to hone in on. What if you worked at Best Buy and they did too before going to medical school? It could create a great jumping-off point to begin the conversation. It is often the most random area where you find similarities with people that may or may not be at your level of medical training. We are all people and look for commonalities and discussion points.

How many years back should you list your employment history?

Nattis: I think college is fine. If you started doing medically related jobs/research prior to college, these items may be worth including as well.

Publications

How important is it to have publications when applying to an ophthalmology residency?

Nattis: I feel it’s very important, even if they are not in the field of ophthalmology. They may carry even more weight, especially if you are interested in an academic residency program and pursuing more of an academic career.

Rosenberg: It is important, and you will see that the level of attention to research is relative to the program itself. If you are applying to the University of Washington where the vast majority of MDs also have PHDs, then they will want to hear a lot about the basic science research you conducted. If you are applying to a more community-based program that has a stronger emphasis on say surgical skill rather than research, they may not see it with the same relevance but can appreciate the level of effort and grind that went into it. It is never going to hurt you to include all your research. They want to see that you are helping to develop/evolve the field that we love. I think that that is what medicine has been about since the dawn of time.

Do publications need to be peer-reviewed or are non-peer-reviewed journals also beneficial for applicants to publish in?

Nattis: I would include everything!

Honors, Awards, Achievements, Research Activities, Outside Interests and Hobbies

How do you suggest filling the section out/formatting it?

Nattis: As long as it is organized you are going to be okay. The way you listed these categories in your CV is probably the best approach. For example, Eric and I both mirrored our CVs and formatted them in bullet points.

Section 2: Additional Information

Personal data, licenses/examinations, career objectives.

What do you suggest including in this section?

Nattis: This is hard because you may not know what your career objectives are yet. When I filled it out, I made sure to include that I was really focused on obtaining excellent surgical training which is incredibly important. Interestingly, I did not focus much on research goals for my residency application, yet here I am, director of research for our practice. Things change during residency and beyond. You want to fill it out honestly with full knowledge that your objectives may change, and that’s okay. I don’t think there is a wrong answer.

It is important to include what you want to get out of your ophthalmology residency program and that should include becoming competent in surgical techniques, becoming an advocate for your patients who is able to properly explain risks/benefits/alternatives, being clinically competent, and if you are interested in research, it is important to include what kind. It’s important to state how your objectives will shape you as an attending once you graduate. I think that is what programs are looking for. I can’t imagine them looking for you to say that you are going to invent the next phaco machine. They just want an honest response.

Electives and Related Activities

What information do you suggest including here and how would you format it?

Nattis: I would include any ophthalmology electives, externships, or summer electives. You can list your experiences in chronological order and bullet-point format.

Public Service and Activities

How important do you feel public service experiences are to residency programs and how would you format this section?

Nattis: Again, I would keep this in bullet point format. I think that most applicants will have some degree of this; however, some will have more than others. I don’t think you will be judged one way or another and that they simply want to know what your involvement has been. If you look at all the questions that the SF Match asks you, they are trying to garner as much information about you as possible in a short application so that when you do have your interview, they have a good background and can reference things. I think when applicants start including points that they think programs directors would want to hear, rather than reflect on their own experiences – that is when they get themselves into trouble.

Rosenberg: Even if it is only one experience, you can include a nice excerpt from it explaining to them what you did and why it was so beneficial. There are people that make an entire career out of charity work but not everybody needs to do that. I suppose a good conclusion to draw after doing this interview, is that we do not need everyone to fit a particular mold. They are looking for well-rounded individuals.

Self-Identification

Section 3: documents, personal statements.

What would be your approach to this new format?

Nattis: I would answer truthfully and in a succinct manner.

Rosenberg: I believe in net neutrality or positive. You don’t want to do anything that hurts you, so if that means defaulting to the status quo or writing something more generic then do that. If you really feel that it’s going to be beneficial to write something a little bit more personal or abstract, then do it.

Do you feel that programs are looking for certain personality traits in their applicants when reviewing personal statements?

Rosenberg: It’s funny you ask that. I think programs are having difficulty trying to assess who is going to be good/bad for their program based on generational gaps that they are having difficulty overcoming. They are probably asking the same question that you are, so my answer to that is probably no. Just be yourself and display who you are.

Letters of Recommendation

Section 4: programs, don't forget to download the ophthalmology resident's guide to success., bonus advice from the experts.

What are the most important aspects a medical student should focus on during their first three years of medical school to become a competitive ophthalmology applicant?

Rosenberg: Study!

Nattis: “When I started medical school, I somewhat knew I wanted to do ophthalmology, but also wanted to make sure that it was the right fit for me. Even if you are lucky enough to come into medical school with some background experience in ophthalmology and you have an idea of what it’s about, it’s important to keep an open mind because you may end up really enjoying another specialty.

The best way to prepare yourself is to continuously immerse yourself and try your best regardless of the rotation and do well in your 1st and 2nd-year courses. If you find something you really like, especially between 1st and 2nd year when you have fewer obligations, look for local shadowing opportunities. That said, the best thing you can do is set yourself up with an outstanding academic foundation on paper because it is so readily available to residency programs.

Rosenberg: It is really a tricky question because of how things are changing. The USMLEs are going to a pass/fail system. Doing well on the boards really mattered before. I do not know what that will entail moving forward so you need to start looking at the other aspects that are not board-related which people look at including your course curriculum/where you fall within your own medical school and your exposure to ophthalmology. That is going to become more important than it was in the past. I think it’s a good change that’s getting enacted because it’s going to be less dependent on your boards and more dependent on your exposure to the outside field.

Nattis: Programs do put weight on how you do in medical school (they do not just look at your board scores). If you think of medical school as a marathon, your medical school grades demonstrate that you have the stamina to do well over an extended period of time, rather than only on a one-day exam.

Maxwell A. Levi is a 3rd year Medical Student with a passion for ophthalmology at Rowan in NJ.

Dr. Alanna Nattis is a cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon, as well as the Director of Clinical Research at SightMD. She is an Ophthalmology Editor for Eyes On Eyecare, and serves as an associate professor in ophthalmology and surgery at NYIT-College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a prestigious Ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College and gained vast experience with ophthalmic pathology in her training at both Westchester County Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital Center in Manhattan.

Following her residency, she was chosen to be a cornea/refractive surgical fellow by one of the most sought after sub-specialty ophthalmic fellowships in the country, training with world-renowned eye surgeons Dr. Henry Perry and Dr. Eric Donnenfeld. During residency and fellowship, Dr. Nattis published over 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals, wrote 2 book chapters in ophthalmic textbooks, and has co-authored a landmark Ophthalmology textbook describing every type of eye surgical procedure performed, designed to help guide and teach surgical techniques to Ophthalmology residents and fellows. Additionally, she has been chosen to present over 20 research papers and posters at several national Ophthalmology conferences. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she is an expert in femtosecond laser cataract surgery, corneal refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK, laser resurfacing of the cornea, corneal crosslinking for keratoconus, corneal transplantation, and diagnosing and treating unusual corneal pathology. Dr. Nattis believes that communication and the physician-patient relationship are key when treating patients.

Eric D. Rosenberg, DO, MSE specializes in advanced corneal transplant techniques and procedures (including DMEK and crosslinking), traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery, laser vision correction, and complex anterior segment surgery. Dr. Rosenberg is currently seeing patients in Babylon, West Islip, and Plainview. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to see all urgent and emergent patients, understanding the importance of vision even in the most critical of times.

Dr. Rosenberg completed his fellowship in Cornea and Cataract Surgery at Weill-Cornell Medicine, where he covered the prestigious east-side New-York Presbyterian-Cornell campus and Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital systems. After graduating with high honors from Lehigh University in Biomedical Engineering, he earned his Master’s degree in Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania ranking number 1 in his class. He went on to receive his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his Ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College – Westchester Medical Center where he was selected to serve as Chief Resident.

In the last three years he has produced 25+ journal and article publications, 4 book chapters, and a full textbook titled Operative Dictations in Ophthalmology, and continues to pursue multiple research projects in the field of cornea, refractive, and external diseases. He is passionate about resident education in addition to the integration between technology, engineering, and medicine. Dr. Rosenberg aims not only to improve your vision in the immediate future, but to advance the field in order to improve the future vision of your entire family for decades to come.

• Residency Application

CaRMS Personal Letter Examples: What to Write to Get Matched

CaRMS personal letter examples are useful aids to help anyone who is readying to be matched to a residency program in Canada. Like general residency school personal statement examples , CaRMS personal letter examples are supposed to show you what to include in your letter, but the CaRMS system does not determine the content, as each program has its own requirements. Before you start writing, you should ensure you are familiar with your preferred program’s personal letter requirements.

This article will provide you with a few CaRMS personal letter examples based around real letter requirements from different medical schools in Canada , and give you other tips on how to create a letter to get you matched.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Carms personal letter examples.

Rather than describing what to include and how to write a CaRMS personal letter, it may be helpful to first look at examples of letters written based on specific programs in Canada. According to the Canadian Federation of Medical Students , the most popular first choice for residency students is family medicine (32.7%), while ophthalmology is the most in-demand specialty in Canada, with a supply-demand ratio of 0:51.

The school with the highest match rate in Canada is the Northern Ontario School of Medicine , which has a perfect match rate for all of its graduates. But that success belies the fact that only 52 graduates entered the match, which is not even half of the graduates who attempted to match from the next most successful school, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine , which matched 99.7% of its 161 graduates.

The letters below are written in accordance with the following programs' requirements: 

• A family medicine personal statement example for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine
• An ophthalmology residency personal statement example for the University of Ottawa

Are you applying for residency and want to know how to avoid residency application red flags? Watch this video:

CaRMS Personal Letter Example no.1

Word count minimum: none / maximum: 500 words

Content requirements (taken from the CaRMS website):

• Experiences contributing to your interest in Family Medicine
• Aspects of the NOSM U Family Medicine program that interest you and will assist you in becoming an excellent family physician
• Connections or personal qualities that make you an ideal candidate for practice in northern settings, including experience or interest in our diverse populations
• Your greatest challenge if you are accepted into this program
• Additional information about yourself, not found elsewhere, that should be considered by the Selection Panel

Word count minimum: 700 / maximum: 800

Dear Dr. Sandra Hart and Esteemed Members of the Selection Committee,

Before I took a first year, undergraduate philosophy course, Introduction to Metaphysics, I had no idea who Baruch Spinoza was. To be honest, I didn’t have much of an idea of what Metaphysics was either. But I think that course did more to interest me in the eye’s anatomy and the science of vision than any of my medical school courses. It put me on a path to better understand this most essential, but often overlooked, organ.

Spinoza was a philosopher but also a gifted lens maker who made microscopes and telescopes at a time when it was still a cutting-edge art. The more I learned about his philosophy, the more I thought about Spinoza grinding away in his workshop, literally creating another way to interpret the world, while in his head he formulated a philosophy based in rational thought. It also made me think about the eye itself, a lens like no other. Spinoza said that there is only one substance, which he called, variously, God, nature, the infinite. Substance takes on different forms, just like our eyes interpret and read external stimuli and convert it into something we can “see.”

Reading about Spinoza’s philosophy made me think about how the eyes are able to interpret everything and create a vision of the world that is unquestionable. How unfortunate then, when that sight is taken away, for whatever reason, from glaucoma to a sudden, painless loss of vision. While I understand that people can lead happy, healthy, and productive lives without their sight, as someone who wants to be an ophthalmologist, I need to be prepared to help anyone who wants to either prevent losing their sight or help restore it.

A CaRMS personal letter is something you write to introduce yourself to a residency program in Canada that you want to join. It is also a way of telling the selection committee what about the program appeals to you and why you want to be admitted . You can read samples to prepare, and you may know what residency personal statements to avoid , but the CaRMS personal letter does not adhere to a centralized set of rules or criteria like ERAS in the US does.

That is why, despite the above definition, a CaRMS personal letter cannot be compared to something like AMCAS personal statements or TMDSAS personal statements , which are written by students entering medical school. Those letters have other requirements and are intended to solicit responses from someone who is new to the medical school establishment.

A personal statement and personal letter are very similar, but also very distinct from each other. The latter is what the CaRMS service for residency programs in Canada requires from all applicants, even though each school has its own content and formatting requirements. This is different from a personal statement that almost all medical schools in the US and some in Canada solicit when students are entering medical school.

With that said, a personal letter still requires personal details about questions like “ why do you want to be a doctor? ” and what inspired you to choose your particular field and this particular residency program. But when explaining your reasons, you should be able to make specific mention of a particular class or subject (microbiology or pharmacology, for example) or be more knowledgeable about your field in general than a premed student, while also demonstrating that you still have much to learn and are eager to complete your training to become a doctor.

What Should I Include in my Personal Letter?

To find out the unique personal letter requirements of each residency program so that you know what to include, you will need to consult the CaRMS website and browse every program. You should not stick to a general personal statement outline because each residency program in Canada has its own requirements, so you will be wasting time if you do not research every school’s unique criteria first.

Of course, medical school personal statements also have format and content requirements, but they are different from a residency personal letter. For example, a residency personal letter needs to be more specific, especially about the program’s qualities and why they appeal to you. But the specificity goes further than the school itself. A medical school can have various residency programs, like general pathology or surgery, each of which has its own set of criteria.

For example, the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University has an emergency medicine residency and a general surgery residency, but each program’s personal letter requirement could not be more different. The emergency medicine stream has done away with the requirement altogether. In its place, the program director has formulated a questionnaire aimed at gauging a candidate’s:

There are more qualities the questionnaire is supposed to measure, but the list of questions is not available on the CaRMS site; each response should also be under 200 words. At the other end, the general surgery residency program at Western asks students for a more conventional personal letter that should outline “their reasons for wishing to pursue a surgical career and training at Western” and asks applicants to simply detail “any community or volunteer work you have done, along with any of your hobbies, interests, or talents."

You can read CaRMS personal letter examples to get an idea of what you should include in your personal letter. But if you already know what program you want to apply to and what its requirements are, you should read specific residency essays, such as examples of surgery personal statements or neurology personal statements to see for yourself what other applicants for those specific programs include.

But again, it depends on what specialty or sub-specialty you are choosing, so you can read psychiatry personal statement examples if you are choosing psychiatry. You can read radiology residency personal statement examples if that is your preferred specialty. The list goes on, but even reading these examples will be futile if your program has a completely different set of criteria, so your research should always begin there.

CaRMS personal letter examples should be read only if you are struggling to craft your own letter, since, as we’ve seen, every program has its own content and format requirements. Crafting your letter according to a general, unspecific personal statement can put you on the wrong path. There are some universal rules that you need to adhere to, like following the word count and talking about what the school asks, but you should first make sure you understand everything about the program you are applying to.

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Every application document we produce is crafted by our medical experts with strict conformity to the ERAS® application system requirements & standards.

Request as many document revisions as needed until you're totally satisfied with it – we’ll be glad to rework and polish your residency personal statement to perfection.

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WE KNOW HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR RESIDENCY PROGRAM YOU CHOOSE

Meet our personal statement writers.

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Remarkably, it was Conrad who assisted us in compiling the Questionnaires provided for your document personalization. He knows about the perfect structure and the information the committee wants.

CUSTOMERS ABOUT OUR RESIDENCY PERSONAL STATEMENT HELP

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Place an order using our simple order form, 24/7 online chat, or a callback. Choose the service you need, deadline & volume. Don't forget to attach the filled Questionnaire and other materials, if any (like a CV, previous statements, resume, etc). You can upload them while ordering or add later via your Customer Area. We’ll assign your residency personal statement to your writer only after receiving materials for personalization.

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Residency personal statement help

Professionals from our residency personal statement writing service believe a personal statement is a decision-maker when it comes to selecting people for a medical residency program or fellowship. Creating this kind of document can be a stern challenge. If you would like to be a radiologist, pathologist, cardiologist, or family doctor, a decent personal statement is a pivotal part of your application. No matter if you are looking for an advantage over other applicants or some idea of how to start composing your document, writing a personal statement is uneasy. You have only one opportunity to impress the committee as favorably as possible! Our expert writers are able to craft a fabulous residency personal statement that will make you appear different from the rest of the candidates. Bear in mind ordering a residency application personal statement from our devoted team of specialists so as not to miss a chance to invest in your future career!

How important your residency statements are

A residency statement is just one piece of your application. However, they are often the most important. Many of the other applicants will have the same qualifications and experience as yours. Thus, your personal statement is the only method that you can use to make your application stand out from the crowd. Nevertheless, composing a personal statement for the residency that is going to be effective is not simple at all.

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What should your ERAS personal statement include?

Every personal statement must be as unique as possible. There are also some things that you must always ensure that you cover to show the committee that you are the right person for the program. These will usually include all of the following:

• Why do you have a strong interest in the field in which you are applying? What has made you interested, and how have you developed that interest?
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Residency personal statements by expert writers and proofreaders

Getting selected for a post-graduate residency program is a hard task. The number of residency programs that are federally funded is capped. It is not likely to change so far, though the number of first-year medical students and, therefore, that of residency application personal statements is increasing, and medical organizations require the government to solve this. The situation can become different, but not soon. Talking of US medical graduates, they typically finish their studies with $200K in student loan debt on average.

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Ophthalmology

• Ophthalmology Education

Pre-Residency Fellowship Programs, Nontraditional

West coast region, university of utah health, john a. moran eye center, ophthalmic pathology/research fellowship.

The fellow will work under  Dr. Nick Mamalis  and  Dr. Liliana Werner . The fellow will learn the basics of both the gross and microscopic evaluation of ophthalmic histopathology specimens submitted to the laboratory.

In addition, the fellowship involves both basic and clinical ophthalmic research. Fellows are involved in multiple projects involving cataract surgery, intraocular lenses, and anterior segment surgery in general. Research projects are performed using cadaver eyes as well as animal eyes.

Clinical research opportunities involve various clinical studies in areas as diverse as cataract surgery adjunct treatments, intraocular lenses, dry eyes, and ocular inflammation. In addition, the fellows are involved in ongoing research projects regarding complications of foldable intraocular lenses.

Applicants should either have an MD or DO degree. In addition to your resume, which you may have already forwarded, please send the following: a personal statement, three letters of reference, US-MLE steps 1, 2, or 3 scores, and any ECFMG certificates if applicable. If it is more convenient, you may simply forward your central application match packet or send your SF Match ID if you applied to the Moran ophthalmology residency program previously.

This fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in ophthalmology as well as to obtain publications, which would help to prepare for an ophthalmology residency program. The basic stipend is approximately $40,000 per year.

Deadline for Applications: Feb. 9, 2024.

Diane Lund, Executive Assistant [email protected] Phone:  801-581-6586 Fax:  801-581-3357

Nick Mamalis, MD [email protected]

Liliana Werner, MD, PhD [email protected]

Glaucoma Research Fellowship

The fellow will work closely with the Moran Glaucoma Division, whose members have a wealth of experience with clinical trials, investigator-initiated projects, retrospective reviews, health services research, basic science work, and publications. He/she will learn the nuances of glaucoma research, including literature review, design, IRB approval, recruitment, chart reviews, biostatistics, database management, manuscript preparation, and delivering presentations at national/international meetings. Fellows will be involved in multiple projects involving glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. These research projects will involve human/animal subjects along with experience in analyzing large data sets like Medicare claims data, Utah Population Database, and Epic/iCentra/CPRS EMRs.  

Applicants should either have an MD or DO degree. In addition to your resume, which you may have already forwarded, please send the following: a personal statement, three letters of reference, US-MLE steps 1, 2, or 3 scores, and any ECFMG certificates if applicable. If it is more convenient, you may simply forward your central application match packet.

This glaucoma fellowship is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in ophthalmology along with ample opportunities for publications and presentations at national/international meetings. The basic stipend is approximately $30,000 per year, depending on experience.

Michelle Seegmiller – Executive Assistant to Norm Zabriskie, MD Email:   [email protected] Phone:  801-585-3071 Fax:  801-581-3357

Program Medical Director & Selection Committee :  Norm Zabriskie, MD ;  Ike Ahmed, MD ;  Susan Chortkoff, MD ;  Craig Chaya, MD ;  Austin Nakatsuka, MD ;  Brian Stagg, MD, MS ;  Rachel Simpson, MD ;  Barbara Wirostko, MD  

Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

Low vision and eye movements pre-residency fellowship.

The Smith-Kettlewell Fellowship Program in San Francisco consists of pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in basic, clinical, and rehabilitation research relating to the areas of interest of the Program Preceptors. The Fellowship Program consists of fellowships funded by an NEI Training Grant, the Rachel C. Atkinson endowment, and the C.V. Starr Scholarship Fund at Smith-Kettlewell.

[email protected]  

Midwest Region

University of wisconsin-madison, ophthalmic pathology/imaging pre-residency fellowship program.

Program Directors:  Drs. Heather Potter, Barb Blodi, and Amitha Domalpally

Description: The Ophthalmic Pathology/Imaging fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a one-year pre- residency fellowship. This fellowship position is a paid position and will be at the Research Specialist level. In this fellowship, 50% time will be spent in Ophthalmic Pathology and 50% time at the Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC). The responsibilities of the fellow are listed below for both units:

Ophthalmic Pathology Lab The fellow reviews cases and prepares a draft path report in consultation with Dr. Heather Potter, director of the Ophthalmic Pathology lab. There are opportunities to participate in basic science research or histopathologic studies reviewing the substantial library of former cases seen in the laboratory. The fellow is also involved in several educational opportunities with the ophthalmology residents and medical students.

Wisconsin Reading Center The fellow’s involvement at the WRC includes exposure to and training in the analysis of retinal images such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, ultra-wide field imaging, color photographs, auto-fluorescence images, and fluorescein angiograms. The fellowship will require call shifts during some nights and weekends. The fellow will be involved in multiple projects, including clinical trials and grants, to assess novel imaging outcomes for retinal diseases such as retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophies, and macular degeneration. There will be an opportunity to work with new and ongoing imaging research aimed towards conference presentations and publications.

Background:  The UW Eye Pathology Lab evaluates specimens received, not only from ophthalmologists within the state of Wisconsin, but also from pathology laboratories across the United States. Given the many unique specimens seen by our service, there are ample opportunities for case reports and photo submissions.

The Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC), within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, provides image evaluation services in support of clinical trials and epidemiologic studies of eye diseases. In partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the WRC has developed scientific methodologies for the analysis of ophthalmic images. The WRC participates in a number of clinical trials with a large dataset of standardized images of retinal diseases. Images are received from clinics all over the world with high-volume images evaluated every year.

Supervision: The fellow will be supervised by Jeong Pak, and mentored by Drs. Blodi and Domalpally, as well as co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff. Training may occur with WRC co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff.   Length of Fellowship: 1 year    Number of Fellowships per year:  2   Start date: May or June   Application deadline: February 11, 2024   Clinical Research Required: Yes   Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes 

Questions? 

Contact: Apryl Conner 301 S. Westfield Road, Suite 200 Madison, WI 53717 Email: [email protected]  

Ophthalmic Imaging Pre-residency Fellowship Program

Director:  Drs. Barb Blodi and Amitha Domalpally

Description: The Ophthalmic Imaging fellowship program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a one-year pre-residency fellowship. This fellowship position is a paid position and will be at the Research Specialist level.

The fellow will spend 100% time at the WRC as part of a one-year position. The WRC fellowship includes exposure to and training in the analysis of retinal images such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, ultra-wide field imaging, color photographs, auto-fluorescence images, and fluorescein angiograms. The fellowship will require call shifts during some nights and weekends. The researcher will be involved in multiple projects, including clinical trials and grants, assessing novel imaging outcomes for retinal diseases including retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, retinal dystrophies, and macular degeneration. There will be an opportunity to work with new and ongoing imaging research aimed towards conference presentations and publications.

The fellow will be supervised by Jeong Pak, and mentored by Drs. Blodi and Domalpally, as well as co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff. Training may occur with WRC co-medical directors, faculty, and senior research staff.

Background: The WRC, within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, provides image evaluation services in support of clinical trials and epidemiologic studies of eye diseases. In partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the WRC has developed scientific methodologies for the analysis of ophthalmic images. The WRC participates in a number of clinical trials with a large dataset of standardized images of retinal diseases. Images are received from clinics all over the world with high-volume images evaluated every year.

Length of Fellowship: 1 year    Number of Fellowships per year:  1   Start date: May or June   Application deadline: February 11, 2024   Clinical Research Required: Yes   Block Time Assigned to Research: Yes    Questions? 

Contact: Apryl Conner 301 S. Westfield Road, Suite 200 Madison, WI 53717 Email: [email protected]

Kresge Eye Institute

Quality improvement fellowship.

The Quality Improvement Fellowship at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit is a one-year, paid, pre-residency fellowship for MDs or DOs who intend to pursue a residency position in ophthalmology. The role of the QI Fellow is to create and execute new research projects and to assist residents, fellows, and medical students in preparing new projects. They will also work two days per week in the resident-run ophthalmology clinic, under the direct supervision of an attending physician, and attend all of the resident didactic lectures. Lastly, the QI Fellow will earn a Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety from the IHI, and will assist the KEI residents in creating and executing quality improvement projects throughout the year. 

Contact 

Deborah Chesney Email:  [email protected]

Southern Region

University of miami, bascom palmer eye institute, ophthalmic pathology fellowship.

The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute offers a one-year funded fellowship in ophthalmic pathology. The fellow will evaluate all specimens that are received in the laboratory and will be expected to engage in new and going research projects. Graduates of accredited programs in ophthalmology or pathology, as well as pre-residency candidates, will be considered.

Please download our fellowship application online and return it to Isabel R. Perez with the required supporting documents.

Isabel R. Perez (Residency/Fellowship Program Coordinator) P.O. Box 016880 Miami, FL 33101

Toll-Free: 800-329-7000 ext. 6391 Phone: 305-326-6391 Fax: 305-326-6580 Email:  [email protected]

University of North Carolina

Ophthalmology research fellowship.

This is a one-year research fellowship program with Dr. David Fleischman (glaucoma) and Dr. Alice Zhang (surgical retina) at UNC. The program offers an opportunity to participate in research at the institution and to meet and be part of a great team of ophthalmologists. This program has been in place for the past 7 years. The majority of students who came through were successful in securing an ophthalmology residency the very next year (10 out of 11) and four became UNC residents.

The research fellow will help take over projects that are ongoing and not yet completed by our current fellows. The year is aimed to begin in March/April 2022 until April 2023 (can be altered depending on your needs). Projects are mostly clinical, some requiring review of databases, others requiring recruitment and interaction with patients in the clinical setting. During your research year, you will also have the opportunity to shadow in the OR and in the clinic, and attend resident teaching and wet lab sessions.

Both supervisors are excited to mentor you towards the next step in your career. You will be given sufficient time off needed to attend all interviews. Please send an email to  [email protected]  with a few sentences outlining what you hope to gain out of this research year. If you applied to UNC through SF match, please specify your SF ID#, otherwise please forward your CAS application. The program will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis until February 23, 2022.

University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center

Pre-residency glaucoma research fellowship.

Systems genetics analysis aims to identify novel genes responsible for the development or progression of complex diseases, such as glaucoma, based on statistical correlations between gene expression and phenotypic variation.

The research fellow will learn the basis of systems genetics analysis and conduct in silico experiments using GeneNetwork, an online free-to-access genome database. The fellow will be responsible for all questions, experiments, figure design, and manuscript writing related to systems genetics. The fellow will also learn other basic science research skills, such as animal handling and dosing, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and immunohistochemical staining and imaging, and should be willing to help other lab members in these responsibilities from time to time. The fellow may also have the responsibility of teaching medical students about systems genetics and guiding them in their own summer research projects. Prior experience with biostatistics, coding in R, Adobe Photoshop, and Prism are helpful, but not required. The fellow will have the opportunity to present their research at the Hamilton Eye Institute Summer Research Symposium and at ARVO in the Spring, with support from the lab. 

Clinical opportunities include one half-day per week spent in the resident clinic examining and working up patients under the direct supervision of the residents as well as one half-day per week spent in the operating room with various clinical faculty, including the residency program director. The fellow will have the opportunity to give at least one Friday morning grand rounds presentation to the residents and faculty of the residency program. Volunteer opportunities with the Mid-South Lions Club are available and encouraged. An interview with the UTHSC residency program is not guaranteed, however the track record of matching research fellows to ophthalmology residency programs is very strong. 

The ideal candidate is individually motivated, hardworking, easy to work with, and capable of learning several new skills.

Funded : Yes  

Contact:  Monica Jablonski, PhD ( [email protected] )

How to Apply: Email Dr. Jablonski with your CV and/or SFMatch application. 

East Coast Region

Department of ophthalmology, bronxcare health system, bronx, ny, pre-residency clinical fellowship.

The BronxCare Health System, an academic affiliate of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , offers a one-year pre-residency clinical fellowship in the Department of Ophthalmology. Our intent is to offer highly motivated medical school graduates, clinical and educational experiences that will better enable them to achieve a successful career in ophthalmology.  

The fellow will rotate through the Consult Service as well as various subspecialty clinics working with ophthalmology residents and supervising attendings. Participation in the resident on-call schedule will be with the backup of the senior ophthalmology residents and supervising attendings. Involvement in departmental educational and clinical research activities is mandatory with the publication or presentation of the clinical research as our goal.

Applicants must have an MD or DO degree; and ECFMG certification if an international graduate. The position is full-time with salary and benefits. Employment is contingent upon the individual obtaining a New York State Limited Permit.  NYS Medicine: Application Forms (nysed.gov)

To apply:  please send a current curriculum vitae, medical school diploma, all USMLE steps scores, and ECFMG certification if applicable. 

Contact   

SherRon Williams Residency Program Coordinator 718-960-1287 [email protected]

Zimei Zhou, MD PhD Residency Program Director [email protected]

Martin Mayers, MD Chair, Department of Ophthalmology 718-960-2044 [email protected]

Maine Eye Center

Pre-residency fellowship.

The Maine Eye Center offers a Pre-Residency Clinical Fellowship under the direction of Dr. Lisa Neavyn and Dr. Brooke Miller. Fellow responsibilities include triaging urgent care patients, working in subspecialty clinics, and pre-rounding on inpatient ophthalmology consults at the hospital in addition to 24-hour calls one week per month. Research opportunities are self-directed with good support from attendings.

This is a one-year, paid clinical fellowship with benefits.

To apply: Please forward your CAS application, CV, medical school transcripts and three letters of recommendation to [email protected] .

For more information: www.maineeyecenter.com/education

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Clinical research fellow/coordinator position.

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a one-year funded Clinical Research Fellow/Coordinator position. This position involves direct interaction with all faculty members working on multiple research projects, although the focus is primarily in glaucoma and pediatric ophthalmology. A portion of the work involves patient recruitment and regulatory work, but the position allows a candidate to gain significant experience in research study design, statistical analysis, and writing.  

The research fellow is expected to contribute significantly to work that will result in multiple publications. Funding is available for presentation at national conferences and potentially for statistical coursework. This position may be appropriate for both pre-doctoral as well as post-doctoral candidates. The most recent fellow in this position just matched for ophthalmology at one of his top choices. 

To apply:  contact Dr. Osamah Saeedi, Director of Clinical Research, directly at  [email protected] .

Osamah Saeedi, MD (Director of Clinical Research) 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 470 Baltimore, MD 21201

Email:   [email protected]

Tufts Medical Center/New England Eye Center/ New England Eye Center

Oct research fellowship.

Since 2003, the New England Eye Center has offered a one-year fellowship to a medical student interested in pursuing OCT research, in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. James Fujimoto at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The research involves the clinical application of innovative OCT technologies in patients at NEEC.

The student has the opportunity to design, initiate, and complete clinical studies on the utility of these devices in retinal diseases and glaucoma. A background in engineering or computer science is helpful but not required.

This is a one-year, full-time commitment starting in July and ending in June every year. A yearly stipend is offered.

To apply, send your CV to Dr. Waheed ( [email protected] ) and cc Stephanie Dunn ( [email protected] ) and Gabi Zsemlye ( [email protected] ).    

Nadia K. Waheed, MD 800 Washington Street, #450 Boston, MA  02111 [email protected]

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

This is a one-year research fellowship with Dr. Ritch. He is a world-renowned expert in glaucoma, and is especially known for his work with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome, normal-tension glaucoma, and pigment dispersion syndrome.  Responsibilities include recruiting patients and conducting the research projects, ranging from retrospective chart reviews to literature reviews and prospective imaging studies. There are also opportunities to teach junior medical students.

This position is a paid position that is open for both medical students and MDs. 

Robert Ritch, M.D. [email protected]   

The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, C. Stephen Foster, MD

Ocular immunology and uveitis pre-residency research fellowship.

The  Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation (OIUF)  offers a one-year, funded pre-residency fellowship in ocular immunology/uveitis at Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution in Waltham, MA, just outside of Boston. This program is directed by C. Stephen Foster, MD, a pioneer in the development of treatments for ocular inflammatory disease. Our other preceptors in the program are Stephen D. Anesi, MD, and Peter Y. Chang, MD, both of whom were trained by Dr. Foster.

We provide comprehensive training in the evaluation and management of patients with all forms of ocular inflammatory disease, both anterior and posterior segment, including uveitis. In addition to participating in daily clinics at our private outpatient practice, research fellows participate in active research projects based on personal interests, including participation in clinical trials, basic science in a fully equipped laboratory, and clinical topics, with ample opportunity to publish in recognized journals. Our program includes a strong didactic lecture series with invited experts across multiple disciplines. Additional learning opportunities are offered through monthly journal club and case conference meetings.

We encourage abstract submission to ARVO and provide funding for fellows to attend with abstract acceptance. Research fellows participate in one or more physician conferences, with nationally recognized faculty members, which we organize each year. In addition to our U.S.-trained research fellows, we welcome research fellows and observers from around the world. These individuals, who are typically highly-trained and skilled ophthalmologists, add to the experience of our research fellows by bringing diverse viewpoints for discussion.

We are conveniently located in close proximity to Boston while enjoying the many benefits of being just outside a major city (free parking, reduced cost of living, top-rated schools in neighboring towns, excellent restaurants). Please submit a resume, cover letter, three letters of recommendation, and CAS application if available to Scott Evans at  [email protected] . 

Contact    

Scott Evans, MBA 1440 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451

Telephone: 617-620-8033 Email:  [email protected]

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics at Wills Eye Hospital

Bradway research scholar fellowship.

This is a funded, full-time position, which starts July 1. International applicants are welcome. The Supervisor for this position is Dr. Kammi Gunton. 

Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics is a very busy service where we see an enormous range of pathology in both adults (genetics and strabismus) and children. We currently have over 90 active research and writing projects that involve any number of our 14 physicians, 24 ophthalmology residents, pediatric ophthalmology fellow, ocular genetics fellow, genetic counselor, medical students and visiting research fellows from around the world. The Bradway Scholar manages this research and writing program, including administrative duties, project tracking, management of electronic files, obtaining informed patient consent for research projects, data collection, database construction and oversight, coordination of meetings, manuscript and grant preparation/writing/submission, Institutional Review Board submission preparation, as well as the supervision and assistance of students. Other duties are assigned as they may arise. The Bradway Scholar will manage projects ranging from bench laboratory to clinical and cover the areas of pediatric cataract, adjustment to vision loss, pediatric glaucoma, ocular genetic disorders, and all aspects of pediatric ophthalmology. Opportunities abound for the Bradway Scholar to publish and develop their curriculum vitae. The Bradway Scholar is expected to be the lead researcher on at least two projects. 

In addition to hands-on research activities, a research lecture series is conducted for the benefit of all trainees on the service. The Bradway Scholar is also allocated one-half day weekly of clinical/surgical observation and the opportunity to attend a wide variety of didactic educational opportunities at Wills. 

• A maximum one-page personal statement as to why you want to take this position and your future plans.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Photograph of yourself (not required but very helpful).
• If you have previously published (not required), a copy of the 1-2 publications of which you are most proud.
• One letter of recommendation (two letters preferred).

All documents should be sent electronically. The recommendation letters must also be sent as hard copies on original letterhead with the original signature. 

Only completed applications will be considered for interviews (offered by phone if not available to attend in person). Deadline for receipt of completed applications is February 26.

Karen Scannapieco Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics Wills Eye Hospital 840 Walnut Street, Ste. 1210 Philadelphia, PA 19107-5109 Email:  [email protected]

Wills Eye Hospital

Ocular oncology research internship.

This is one or two years of ocular oncology internship training before ophthalmology residency.

Duties of the research internship include: conducting clinical research projects with compilation of data in a relatively independent fashion, publication of research, assistance with related ocular oncology education, and presentation of research at meetings.

Sandra Dailey [email protected] 215-928-3129 

The information in this document was obtained directly from pre-residency programs or their websites. We welcome updates, corrections, or additions as needed. Please contact [email protected] with any content recommendations.

Moran eye center education program resources.

Why Utah Video

News from Moran's Education Program

Education Focus 2023: Making the Rounds with Our Ophthalmic Hospitalist

Past Education Focus Reports

• Education Focus 2022: Supporting and Connecting Trainees
• Education Focus 2021: The Next Chapter
• Education Focus 2020: Leading Change
• Education Focus 2019: Honing Surgical Expertise
• Education Focus 2018: One Step Ahead
• Education Focus 2016: Explore and Expand in a Top 10 Residency Program

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University of Utah School of Medicine

Department of ophthalmology & visual sciences.

John A. Moran Eye Center Academic Office 65 Mario Capecchi Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Phone:  801-585-3719 Fax:  801-581-5806

Rachel G. Simpson, MD, Vice Chair of Education Phone:  801-581-2352 [email protected]

Sravanthi Vegunta, MD, Associate Program Director Phone:  801-581-2352 [email protected]

Meghan Johnson, Programs Manager, Academics Phone:  801-213-4044 [email protected]

Kellie Nelson, Programs Manager, Academics Phone:  801-585-6701 [email protected]

Chandler Thompson, Executive Assistant Phone:  801-581-3023 [email protected]

Barbara Korous, Director, Operations 801-585-6143 [email protected]