I am a student who is very interested in ophthalmology but I did not make this decision until later in my medical school training. Unfortunately, I have not had any out of town electives. I was curious how important the out of town electives are for a student who has a good boards score, GPA, LOR and publications. Thanks for your imput.

I am a student who is very interested in ophthalmology but I did not make this decision until later in my medical school training. Unfortunately, I have not had any out of town electives. I was curious how important the out of town electives are for a student who has a good boards score, GPA, LOR and publications. Thanks for your imput.


I was in a similar situation last year and could not decide whether I would benefit from an away elective. In the end I did not do any aways. After talking to many candidates on the interview trail and from my own matching experience, I can say that aways are probably only helpful in two instances.

First, one should do an away if they are dead set on one program or a particular region of the country, especially if you can shine compared to other candidates. Second, you should consider an away if you can obtain an LOR from a well known ophthalmologist who can say great things about you. Such a letter will not only help at that institution, but will help with getting interviews at other programs. But if like you said, you already have good board scores, publications and a good LOR from a big wig, it will not matter. The boards scores and letters you already have will help you get the interviews you want (the away will only help you get an interview at that particular institution, unless u get a great letter)....then matching there is all about selling yourself during the interview. hope this is clear and helps!

I was in a similar situation last year and could not decide whether I would benefit from an away elective. In the end I did not do any aways. After talking to many candidates on the interview trail and from my own matching experience, I can say that aways are probably only helpful in two instances....

I agree! Just make it a point when you are interviewing that you are open to other programs besides the one at your home school.

Thank you guys very much. I am very appreciative for your help.

I agree! Just make it a point when you are interviewing that you are open to other programs besides the one at your home school.



Good point Ruben. People did ask me if I wanted to stay at my home school. My general response was that I would be very happy to match there because I think its a great program (which I did), but my goal was to match at the best overall program which had superb clinical training where I would be happy.

Remember to never say anything negative about another program (such as your home school) in order to sell yourself to them...this probably does you more harm than good. Plus, once you go on your interviews you will realize how small the world of ophthalmology is and how everyone knows each other.