Well, looks like you are getting plenty of help from another thread regarding dually accredited internships, so I won't go there.
As far as the other issues...
I am not aware of any Ohio alums in allopathic programs...but there are so many programs I can't claim to keep track of everyone. I guess finding an alum to talk to won't be very much help then. But in case you wanted to track people down from other schools at their programs here is a list of current residents and matches. You could go to some of the program websites (where names are listed...even pics) and maybe get a hold of them through their program.
UHS has a person at UMDNJ and one at USC-Doheney
NYCOM has a person at North Shore U and a match at Suny Buffalo
CCOM has a person at Henry Ford...I recently met this guy...didn't have a lot to say
MSU has a match at Henry Ford...met this one as a med student
Nova has a military match at Brooks Army in Texas...he posts on here sometimes and would be good to talk to I think
The 2 linked AOA programs are the Chicago and Tulsa programs. I know Chicago very very much prefers its own alums. Now that I know you are from Ohio, I probably would even say don't bother. The OK one is more open, but I think they would like to see your face. The benefit of applying to the linked AOA program is that the SF Match is earlier I believe so you would only have to commit to the AOA program if you didn't match allopathic. But then again, would you want to be in OK?
I wouldn't worry about the other AOA programs right now. See how you do in the SF match. If you don't match, you have some time. If you have electives in the 2nd half of the year you could use them to visit some of the AOA programs. The best thing would be if you have 2 week electives, because then you could hit a lot of them. I would recommend coming to Detroit where you could probably hit all 3 MI programs if your timing is right, and then maybe going to Dayton or Philly depending on your preference.
If you find that you aren't interested in the AOA programs after rotating, you could plan to reapply allopathic and look for a pre-residency fellowship or research opportunity for after internship year. You could check into them anyways because the AOA programs fill too and some people either switch specialties or sit out a year.
One guy I know put internship off for a year and did research for a year to strengthen his app for SF match as an intern. He didn't match allopathic (but would have had to sit out another year!) but did match AOA. Maybe he'd be good to ask what NOT to do!
As far as the SF match goes, this board seems pretty helpful in walking you through the process. I didn't go through SF because I didn't rotate in ophtho and experience my career path epiphany until the beginning of my MS4 year and would not have been able to get letters, a PS, or USMLE step 2 in time. I didn't want to sit out a year. Luckily I am happy with my AOA program.
Don't stress too much. When you meet folks in many ophtho programs, esp the smaller ones, you will find your qualifications are up to par. Meeting the deadline is half the battle. 🙂 The top 10 programs on the other hand are a whole other ballgame.
