I'm a DO student at PCOM planning on applying for allopathic ophthalmology programs. PCOM has it's own osteopathic ophtho program. From what I understand, it's almost expected that students, in general, do a rotation at their home program and get a LOR from one of the attendings/chair.
Considering that I'll be applying for only allopathic programs, is it still necessary that I do a month of ophtho at PCOM? I'd really like to use that month at an allopathic program I'm interested in and/or have a decent shot at matching.
Thanks guys for your advice. I'm actually a trained ophthalmic tech and worked in an academic Ophtho Dept. for >2 years before starting med school, so getting used to using the equipement and/or performing an eye exam is not an issue.
I have 3 electives beginning of 4th year. The plan is to do one rotation at a top program (in hopes of getting a strong LOR), and the other two at programs that I'd have a realistic shot at matching.
I'd love to know if doing a home rotation is absolutely necessary, especially in my case. Will it look weird if I apply without a letter from PCOM's ophtho department?
Caution, you may not be able to get a letter from the program director where you rotate if they have a program at that institution. I know my program director does not write LOR for Ophtho residencies.
