Originally posted by Jaded Soul
I'm an M3 who has recently been considering ophthalmology. My Step 1 was 255/99 and I'm not sure how my clerkship grades or LORs will turn out since I'm early into third year rotations. I read the FAQ and it says that research isn't important outside of top end programs. Realistically, I'm probably not going to have time or opportunity to do any research before application time. Will this lack of research shut me out of the top programs completely? Also, are there anymore resources for program information and rankings other than the 2 links in the FAQ?
Research helps but is not a requirement. You'll still be competitive at many of the top programs, asides from some of the programs that emphasize training future academics and researchers. Wilmer always come to mind. This is what they say on their website:
http://www.wilmer.jhu.edu/training/ophth_residency/Process.htm
The resident selection process at The Wilmer Eye Institute of The Johns Hopkins Hospital is relatively straightforward. All applications are initially screened by members of the Residency Selection Committee, who look for students with the potential to become leaders in the field. While no absolute selection criteria exists, the committee gives the highest contribution to those applicants:
1. Outstanding college and medical school academic records.
2. Board scores above the 90th percentile.
3. Evidence of academic potential as indicated by authorship (especially first-authored) of at least one scientific article (ideally, concerning an ophthalmologic subject) in a peer-reviewed journal.
4. Evidence of commitment to ophthalmology as indicated by involvement (research, electives, etc.) in the ophthalmology department at their medical school.
5. For foreign medical graduates, a score above the 90th percentile on the ECFMG examinations.
Keep in mind that this is only an opinion and bias from ONE program. There's over one hundred programs in the US and numerous strong programs to consider. If you don't have research experience or publications, then I wouldn't sweat it. You'll look good on paper with your numbers.
Good luck!
