Applying to Retina Fellowship a Few Years out of Residency?

[tthompson]

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Does anyone have any advice about applying to a surgical retina fellowship OUTSIDE of residency?

I have been in private practice for a few years, but regret not doing fellowship.

Any advice or specific words of wisdom about applying? Have you ever heard of anyone doing this and actually securing a retina spot?

Thank you in advance.

 

[umsami]

A friend did and is finishing up his first year of a two-year program. I think he was 2 years out of his residency. Honestly--it's all about a good story and references. He included not only the typical residency level references but also references from his current colleagues. It actually helped that he had all his licenses in order, etc. He had interviews pre-match, but ended up in a post-match vacancy.

It's tough to go back to fellow-level salaries after having a "real" income. Remember, often fellows make less than residents--so definitely save up some cushion if you can.

 

[MacularStar]

Just curious, why do you regret not completing a fellowship? I'm debating whether to do a fellowship myself. Would be a WHOLE lot easier for my family if I did not. I know there is the money factor, but I am also getting the sense from a lot of attendings that fellowship is becoming more and more encouraged as our field advances. Is Comprehensive really that bad these days?

As far as applying to surgical retina after residency, probably challenging, but not impossible. Just my gut, only a first-year ophtho resident.

 

[eyeMD6299]

If you can swing it financially, do it. I did cornea/refractive fellowship and it did not bring stability/advantages/income like it was advertised to do. Retina, however, is always in demand and will increase as our US population ages in bigger numbers.