How to find the best opth job?

[Symmetry11]

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How important is medical education prestige in landing the best opht jobs (loc, pay, etc.) in the US? I ask because I am two years away from applying to medical school and want to know if I should target the highest ranked medical schools, which are far more expensive than any medical school from my native Texas, or just aim for schools like UTSW or Baylor, which are top 25 and cheaper? Or does prestige come secondary to connections?

 

[4ophtho]

First and foremost, Texas has some of the cheapest medical schools in the country. UTSW and Baylor are also top tier programs. The only reason to look elsewhere is if you could not get in to medical school in Texas. Some of my coresidents finished residency with 300K+ in debt, which is easy to do in a private or out of state medical school.
The most important factor in getting a job after graduation is connections. Many great jobs are made with connections outside of job postings.
In terms of "prestige," it matters more where you did residency or fellowship than where you went to medical school. Going to a more prestigious medical school can help you get in to a top ophthalmology residency, but not necessarily. You can go to a top medical school, perform poorly there, and have a hard time getting in to a good ophthalmology residency.
For a good case study, one of my coresidents went to a middle tier medical school in Texas, did his residency at a very strong ophthalmology program (maybe top 10 depending on who you ask), and is now in Retina fellowship at one of the best programs in the country.
It just goes to show its not where you start, but how you finish your medical training.

 

[MstaKing10]

I think your putting the cart before the horse. Get into medical school first then take it from there. You may find that your medical school options are limited and will have to make do with what you have. On the other hand, if you are fortunate enough to land several acceptance letters, then get back to us and we can help you from there.

UTSW, Baylor are fantastic medical schools. A&M, Tech, UTSA and UTH are not far behind. Texas has excellent options.

Work hard during your next few years, get a solid MCAT, and do your best. The job market may change significantly once you are done with all of your training, and truth is, you may end up going another direction once you're in medical school. Have an open mind and don't pigeon hole yourself too early. Best of luck to you.