Thoughts on University of Florida, Gainesville. (note: the UF jacksonville program referenced above has since dissolved. It was a newer, completely separate program that was in no way affiliated with UF Gainesville). I rotated and subsequently matched here this past cycle. The comments below summarize some of the many reasons why I ranked UF higher than some other more "prestigious" programs. The following are quotes from current residents or recent alumni directly copied from the Doximity page of University of Florida, Gainesville which is much more informative and up-to-date than this thread.
" UF: Top Surgical Numbers and Friendly FacultyWow, was I fortunate to be an ophthalmology resident at the University of Florida. From day 1, every faculty member was very friendly and available to teach even when I entered with a limited knowledge base. The residency attracts hard working, yet easy going residents that are all friends. You may hear the term "malignant" in regards to some programs, but this program could not be further from that. In addition to a very supportive and happy work environment, the clinical and surgical training are unparalleled. I will graduate having been the primary surgeon on 400 cataract surgeries. These cases have all been "true primary" and have been extremely diverse- probably at least 50 Toric lenses, several multifocal lenses, experience with ORA intraoperative aberrometry, experience with the LenSx femtosecond platform, and use of countless iris and capsular hooks/rings when necessary (high VA population with advanced pathology and Flomax). We also have the luxury of receiving certification using the VISX excimer laser and do a lot of PRK and observe many LASIK surgeries. Although all residents receive more than enough training to graduate residency and practice comprehensive ophthalmology, still 4/5 residents a year for at least the last 3-4 years have pursued and matched into a fellowship. Recent residents have matched into fellowships in Surgical Retina, Cornea, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics, Pediatrics, and Uveitis at top programs such as Rush (retina), Casey Eye at Oregon, Michigan, Bascom Palmer, Cleveland Clinic, UTSW, Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt, and Columbia to name a few. Gainesville, Florida is also a very easy place to live. Approximately 150,000 people, warm weather, plenty of restaurants, a lot of nearby outdoor activities, and less than 2 hours from multiple beaches. I would definitely train here again and have no regrets!— Current resident or recent alum
Best surgical residency program in the country!When searching for the perfect ophthalmology program, I wanted a good mix of autonomy, hands-on education, and most importantly surgical volume. I knew the University of Florida -Gainesville Ophthalmology program could provide all of the above, but I grossly underestimated just how great it would be. The most recent graduating class had the following surgical numbers:Cataracts - 380GDD / Trab - 30Strabismus - 30Vitrectomy or other retina surgery - 20Corneal transplant - 15 All graduating residents also get certified in FLACS, LASIK/PRK, and now get extensive training in MIGS.The program is amazingly able to unreal surgical volume while still maintaining a great work schedule and quality of life outside of residency. They are able to accomplish this by completely eliminating "scut-work" so residents are free to see tons of patients in clinic and generate unprecedented surgical volume. The program takes 5 residents per year and the call schedule is very front-loaded. You will take primary call q 5 days as a first year and back-up call is split between 2nd and 3rd year. You will see enough pathology early in your training to feel very comfortable managing most of what comes into the E.D. but the faculty are always willing to help if you need them. All-in-all, if you are interested in getting the most out of your 3 year residency program, then UF gainesville is the place for you!— Current resident or recent alum
Top of the line clinical and surgical trainingCurrent PGY-4. At meetings and conferences, I have yet to run into another resident from another program that has near the experience we have here at UF. This program has the best balance of clinical and surgical training, academia, relationships, and call schedule. Our primary cataract numbers consistently reach 300s-400s+ and we have plenty of other subspecialy numbers. Every attending is approachable and available to help at anytime. I couldn't imagine matching at a better program. The trend seems to be a majority of residents matching into fellowships without difficulty but anyone training at UF will be confident and competent to start right away as a successful, efficient, and excellent comprehensive ophthalmologist.— Current resident or recent alum
High volume clinical/surgical experience + caring cultureNowhere else will you find the value that is UF Ophtho. High volume with great support from attendings through the support staff. When you interview, you're told they only take nice people and that held true! You'll leave well prepared for comprehensive but also have support to go into fellowship as most residents choose to do. Cannot recommend this program enough. Lucked out!— Current resident or recent alum
Surgical and SocialGreat surgical volume. Supportive attendings and close relationships with co-residents, like joining the UF family.— Current resident or recent alum
A culture above all othersUF's collegial atmosphere fosters inquisitive learning and cooperation; surgical exposure is incredible.— Current resident or recent alum
Producing the BestHaving 5 residents per class, our program creates an environment of collaboration among the residents. This environment is reflected by our teaching staff. We come out with some of the best surgical numbers in the country, have more pathology than we know what to do with, and still have opportunities to engage in world-class research. My entire class matched into their #1 or #2 choice for fellowship. We each chose a different specialty: Uveitis, Retina, Cornea, Pediatrics, and Glaucoma. This is truly a reflection of the breadth of experience we get at UF.— Current resident or recent alum
Excellent programGreat surgical volume and pathology. Dr. Tuli, program director, is amazing and very accessible.— Current resident or recent alum
Gator docUF has established the best possible combination of didactic learning, supervised surgery and surgical autonomy. Resident surgical numbers are very hard to beat.— Alum, 5-9 years since graduation
Opportunity and GuidanceWell supervised surgery with all surgeries attended by an attending professor or fellow. You are not left alone to struggle. The surgical volumes are among the best.A good mix of VA clinics (one is across the street) with more freedom, but support, and private patients with the professors at the university clinic.— Alum, 10-14 years since graduation "
