Advice on 4th year courses?

[HowBoutThat]

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Could anyone give some good advice for planning 4th year coursework:

As far as externships are concerned, how long is the right length? I'm figuring on 4wks, but that would limit me personally to 1 externship.

What should I learn how to do before getting to my first ophtho clerkship? Someone on this site mentioned learning how to refract would be a plus, anything else?

When is the ophtho interview season? I've heard its only 2-3wks at the end of Nov./beginning of Dec.

Also, what non-ophtho electives are helpful/recommended?

Thanks for your replies, any other helpful hints are much appreciated!

 

[twintiger32]

i say 4 weeks is about right. 2 is too short, 6 is too long unless you're doing research.

learning how to refract would be helpful...also try to be familiar with the slit lamp...what knobs do what, etc. It'd be great if you knew how to do an anterior segment exam, and even better if you can do a lens exam and indirect ophthalmoloscopy....

so i you have a rotation at your home program, try to get as much exposure to this stuff as possible so you won't "get in the way" during your away electives.

Interview season is about that time...a couple programs do it late Oct (like wilmer), most do it late november/early december...although they can be scattered anywhere from early nov to late december too.

Some interviewers like you to use your 4th year to broaden your horizons...and not just focus solely on ophthalmology. This opinion varies, so you can decide what you want to do. Regarding electives, radiology (namely neuroradiology), ENT, derm can be helpful.

Good luck.

 

[FenderB2004]

how helpful is it to do away rotations after you submit your residency application (but before interviews presumably) as opposed to before you submit your residency application? is it still helpful or totally pointless? thanks!

 

[arsenalgunner]

how helpful is it to do away rotations after you submit your residency application (but before interviews presumably) as opposed to before you submit your residency application? is it still helpful or totally pointless? thanks!

Depends on what you want out of the rotation. If you want a letter, you'll obviously want to the rotation early. If you just want a "guaranteed" interview, then you can do the rotation after your app is sent in. (October at the latest)

 

[twintiger32]

it's only potentially helpful for that particular program. if you are well liked, it can come into play when they make the rank list. It can also make the actual interview quite comfortable.

but then again, it's much easier to ruin your reputation with some type of miscommunication etc during a rotation than it is to build a good reputation.