Loma Linda University

[ophthoapplicant]

Ophthalmology Residency Program Compendium Table of Contents

Loma Linda University Medical Center
11234 Anderson Street
FMO Ste 1800
Loma Linda, California 92354

http://www.llu.edu/lluhc/eyecare/residency.html

I have heard nothing but excellent things about the training at Loma Linda's residency program.

Recently, I was told (source being an ophthalmology resident who had interviewed there in the 2006 match year but didn't match there) that Loma Linda tends to take its own medical students. I've seen a trend at many ophtho residency programs to take about one medical student from the home school per year. This to me is pretty reasonable. From what this person was saying, however, it seemed more than that possibly?

Of course, this is one person's story, so I take it with a very large grain of salt- but it got me curious. Does anyone have any inside information about the veracity of this person's comment?

And while we are on the topic, does anyone know of residencies that very highly favor home med students over other applicants? I think someone here once mentioned that Penn recently filled a class with multiple Penn students.

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[Mye Eye]

the thing I saw is that UPenn filled the PGY2 class with 100% UPenn students...the other years though there are only 1 or 2 UPenn people...

I dont go to UPenn so I cant comment as to why they have 5 UPenn residents in PGY2...they may have had like 15 people applying that year and those are 5 of the best, those 5 may be well known to the program over their med school time, etc...this is all just speculation though...

the only thing I know is that UPenn filled with 5, not the reason why or if that's a trend (you can see it on their website for "current residents")

 

[jdh71]

I have heard nothing but excellent things about the training at Loma Linda's residency program.

Recently, I was told (source being an ophthalmology resident who had interviewed there in the 2006 match year but didn't match there) that Loma Linda tends to take its own medical students. I've seen a trend at many ophtho residency programs to take about one medical student from the home school per year. This to me is pretty reasonable. From what this person was saying, however, it seemed more than that possibly?

Of course, this is one person's story, so I take it with a very large grain of salt- but it got me curious. Does anyone have any inside information about the veracity of this person's comment?

And while we are on the topic, does anyone know of residencies that very highly favor home med students over other applicants? I think someone here once mentioned that Penn recently filled a class with multiple Penn students.

Yeah, Loma Linda likes Loma Linda - 4 spots and they will take at least two Loma Linda's, probably three. Last year three of the four were filled with Loma Linda, but none of these were charity cases - ALL were competitive with many interviews each.

The training will be really good there, but as of late, has not been a pleasant place to be a resident and while there is not currently Chairman issues, I expect that sooner, rather than later, there will be.

(I don't regularly check this forum, came in here for S&G, PM if you want to know any more)

 

[Krony]

Yeah, Loma Linda likes Loma Linda - 4 spots and they will take at least two Loma Linda's, probably three. Last year three of the four were filled with Loma Linda, but none of these were charity cases - ALL were competitive with many interviews each.

The training will be really good there, but as of late, has not been a pleasant place to be a resident and while there is not currently Chairman issues, I expect that sooner, rather than later, there will be.

It's true - Loma Linda tends to view Loma Linda students favorably. Maybe as a wider reaching principle they seem to like to take people they have experience with -from what I understand many of the non-Loma Linda students who match there have rotated through the program.

While indeed 3/4 in the recent match were from Loma Linda, I think it's a bit premature to say that 2 to 3 of the 4 spots will be filled by Loma Linda students - 2007 is the first match where 4 spots were available...so the sample size thus far is 1. Some of the classes further along have four because Loma Linda took some residents displaced from the Tulane program after hurricane Katrina.

Regarding Loma Linda not being a "pleasant" place to be resident - I can only guess jdh71 is refering to the overall busyness of Loma Linda...which depending on one's perspective could be a good thing - lots of trauma - lots of surgical cases - no fellows (for all practical purposes) - lots of patients. But a lot of work too. My experience has been that all of the faculty are great people to work with. Anyway, don't mistake this comment to assume that Loma Linda is a malignant environment - it's not. This is a rapidly growing area of the country, and it seems like all services are becoming more busy as a result - thus the recent increase in size of the residency from 3 to 4 per year.

Regarding chairman issues: I speculate that jdh71 is likely speculating that the current chairman, Howard Gimbel will retire one of these days. This is a reasonable speculation, but anyway I just wanted to clarify that at the moment there isn't some big nasty chairman drama going on here that one hears about from time to time happening at one program or another.

2 good things that come to mind that are happening at Loma Linda:
1. With 4 residents the call is being revised to have a more true backup system, and it being front loaded with less call as the years progress.
2. Reliable rumor has it that residents will become lasik-certified during residency as a result of a one month lasik rotation at the naval hospital in san diego (their residents come to loma linda to get trauma experience because it's so abundant here - so I think some kind of exchange thing is being set up).

jdh71 let me know (and the forum) if you agree with most of what I said. I hope my interpretation about your comments was fair - but let us know if you have a different perspective!

 

[ZymarOUQID]

I
2. Reliable rumor has it that residents will become lasik-certified during residency as a result of a one month lasik rotation at the naval hospital in san diego (their residents come to loma linda to get trauma experience because it's so abundant here - so I think some kind of exchange thing is being set up).

jdh71 let me know (and the forum) if you agree with most of what I said. I hope my interpretation about your comments was fair - but let us know if you have a different perspective!

This part about LASIK certification via their new program with the Navy is true. Their residency director emailed all the invitees to re-iterate this fact. I thought it was kinda nice for the PD to email the invitees directly.

 

[jdh71]

It's true - Loma Linda tends to view Loma Linda students favorably. Maybe as a wider reaching principle they seem to like to take people they have experience with -from what I understand many of the non-Loma Linda students who match there have rotated through the program.

While indeed 3/4 in the recent match were from Loma Linda, I think it's a bit premature to say that 2 to 3 of the 4 spots will be filled by Loma Linda students - 2007 is the first match where 4 spots were available...so the sample size thus far is 1. Some of the classes further along have four because Loma Linda took some residents displaced from the Tulane program after hurricane Katrina.

Regarding Loma Linda not being a "pleasant" place to be resident - I can only guess jdh71 is refering to the overall busyness of Loma Linda...which depending on one's perspective could be a good thing - lots of trauma - lots of surgical cases - no fellows (for all practical purposes) - lots of patients. But a lot of work too. My experience has been that all of the faculty are great people to work with. Anyway, don't mistake this comment to assume that Loma Linda is a malignant environment - it's not. This is a rapidly growing area of the country, and it seems like all services are becoming more busy as a result - thus the recent increase in size of the residency from 3 to 4 per year.

Regarding chairman issues: I speculate that jdh71 is likely speculating that the current chairman, Howard Gimbel will retire one of these days. This is a reasonable speculation, but anyway I just wanted to clarify that at the moment there isn't some big nasty chairman drama going on here that one hears about from time to time happening at one program or another.

2 good things that come to mind that are happening at Loma Linda:
1. With 4 residents the call is being revised to have a more true backup system, and it being front loaded with less call as the years progress.
2. Reliable rumor has it that residents will become lasik-certified during residency as a result of a one month lasik rotation at the naval hospital in san diego (their residents come to loma linda to get trauma experience because it's so abundant here - so I think some kind of exchange thing is being set up).

jdh71 let me know (and the forum) if you agree with most of what I said. I hope my interpretation about your comments was fair - but let us know if you have a different perspective!

It's only natural to defend one's program. I'm not hating on Loma Linda, merely calling it the way I see it. LL will give you great training - people should def interview if invited.

But the impression of the place from resident's just recently done is that the environment isn't much fun and that has nothing to do with how busy resident's are (although "plesantness" often isn't a major determinant in the process, is it? NYE&E seems to fill it's spot every year, while being notorious . . .) .

Gimble will be done soon, maybe not this year, maybe not next, but soon enough that I would worry if I were interested in fellowship, and don't kid yourself, Chairman shifts are never pleasant.

Lastly LL does like to take Loma Linda, long history of this, and this isn't merely an "n of 1" - we both know that. To angle it any other way just seems more than a bit disingenuous.

 

[Krony]

Lastly LL does like to take Loma Linda, long history of this, and this isn't merely an "n of 1" - we both know that. To angle it any other way just seems more than a bit disingenuous.

Don't mean to be disingenuous...Loma Linda has taken lots of Loma Linda students in the past and certainly will in the future - just pointing out that speculation about what they do with four spots is thus far based on one cycle.

 

[jacksroy]

As for the topic of LL, how is it as a place to live? Rather subjective, I understand, but if anyone wants to share their opinions, I'd like to hear.

Are there places to go out? Dinner/music? Is it rather isolated, or is it a pretty cool place? Any other comments on activities, ect?

Thanks!

 

[jdh71]

As for the topic of LL, how is it as a place to live? Rather subjective, I understand, but if anyone wants to share their opinions, I'd like to hear.

Are there places to go out? Dinner/music? Is it rather isolated, or is it a pretty cool place? Any other comments on activities, ect?

Thanks!

Loma Linda and the adjacent community of Redlands are both nice places to live, if a bit on the pricey side compared to most of the country, but hey, it's SoCal and it could be worse, like LA, SanFran or NYC. Can't beat the weather (except in August when it goes to 110 and stays for like a month).

Things to do . . . not so good. Although you can drive to things to do 🙄

There are a more than few good places to eat, with some of the best ethic food Thai/Vietnamese/Mexican/Indian/Pakistani food I've had anywhere. I love the eating, maybe too much 😀

 

[blinker]

Just curious, do you thing most non-Christians would feel out-of-place doing residency there?

 

[Krony]

Having moved from a coastal southern california city to Loma Linda in mid-august was admittedly a bit of a disappointment. It's very hot during the summers (but relatively dry), but worst of all it can be quite smoggy. During the summers especially the smog from LA (60 miles west) moves in and kind of seems to sit in this valley.

While the city of Loma Linda itself is not particularly vibrant in terms of night life, as others have pointed out, there are some decent restaurants, and while it may involve some driving, the beach is close enough to easily go for a day/half day, and decent skiing in the Big Bear area is not far away. Some people seem to be miserable here from a recreation/activity standpoint, but others thrive. Some of it seems to depend on one's interests and attitudes.

For example some of my friends have really enjoyed being here - always driving to the beach - hiking in the nearby mountains - getting season passes for skiing - mountain biking in the foothills. Others think it's miserable. Supposedly this is some kind of motocross mecca as well, but that might not be the best hobby for a budding ophthalmologist. If you're into shopping and eating in a generic kind of way there is just about every department store and restaurant chain (at least that I can think of) within 5-30 minutes. More of the complaints seem to come from my single friends - like I said apparently the night life leaves something to be desired.

Regarding residency and Christianity - I don't think that a non-Christian would feel out of place in residency at Loma Linda at all. There are many non-Christian residents here.

Here's a biased blurb from one of Loma Linda's web pages - take it with a grain of salt:

"Our Community

Loma Linda University is located in a quiet suburban neighborhood within the city of Loma Linda in San Bernardino County, California. With a growing population currently at around 19,400, Loma Linda is located just south of the city of San Bernardino, the county seat, and about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.

Sharing the larger Inland Empire region – made up of San Bernardino and Riverside counties and its 3.4 million residents – with over 20 cities primarily located in the southwest corner of the region, Loma Linda residents enjoy easy access to the best Southern California has to offer!

Showcasing one of the nation’s most favorable climates, winters here are clear and cool with temperatures rarely dipping below 60°F. Summers are typically hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 80°F to 100°F.

In addition to a diverse, economy which employs more than one million people, the Inland Empire is also one of America 's most unique geographical regions with stunning landscapes featuring breathtaking lakes, forested mountains, deserts, and ample recreation and sporting activities venues all within an hour's drive to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Travel Distance From Inland Empire To . . .

* Anaheim / Disneyland 50 Miles
* Newport Beach / Pacific Ocean 55 Miles
* Los Angeles 60 Miles
* San Diego 100 Miles
* Mexico / US border 145 Miles
* Mammoth Mt. Ski Resort 205 Miles
* Las Vegas, NV 225 Miles
* Phoenix, AZ 325 Miles
* Sacramento 400 Miles
* San Francisco 440 Miles
* Salt Lake City, UT 675 Miles
* Denver, CO 950 Miles "

 

[jacksroy]

Thanks for the helpful info on the activites and living in LL.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Ophthalmology Residency Program Compendium Table of Contents

Loma Linda University Medical Center
11234 Anderson Street
FMO Ste 1800
Loma Linda, California 92354

http://www.llu.edu/lluhc/eyecare/residency.html

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Please post your input in our new program compendium. Pick the program in the table of contents and post your comment in the program thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=470595

Thanks!

 

[TropicalFish]

As a current resident at Loma Linda, I would like to share a few thoughts and comment on others already made. If you'll be coming to Loma Linda to interview, I'm sure u'll hear them already

1. In the past LL has had a reputation of taking their own. However, in my year there are 3 of 4 from other schools, and from what I'm hearing from the attendings on the selection committee, they're trying to stay away from that. All of the LL residents who have matched here are excellent and I have worked with them personally.
2. We cover a LARGE population base. I have heard that the population has doubled in the last 5 years, so when we are on call, we rarely get no-hitters. We cover 2 counties (Riverside and San Bernardino) in covering 5 hospitals, but in reality, we cover the outlying small community hospitals as well by the ER docs referring patients in. Basically everything from the Arizona border, to LA, from the high desert to San Diego. If you're looking for a program where you can go clubbing while you're on call, this is not the program for you. That being said, call is graduated. The first year you take primary call 4-5x/month, 2nd year 3-4x/month, and 3rd year 1-2x/month
3. Yes it is true we will be LASIK certified through the San Diego Navy program. The first senior who went through at 80 patients (160 eyes! crazy!)
4. You won't feel out of place if you are not a Christian.
5. I'm very happy with the surgical training here. I feel confident that I will be able to handle going out as a general ophthalmologist or pursuing a fellowship. We have great surgical numbers, although I don't have them off the top of my head, I remember seeing our program numbers recently in comparison to the nation and we rank above 75th percentile on most everything
6. Living in LL: a sleepy suburb. Good if you want to raise a family. Also close to skiing, LA, San Diego, shopping. Also housing prices are going down if you're thinking of buying. The downside is that you DO have to drive if you want to go to big city life. But if you like food like me, there are good places to eat that you don't have to drive far for locally. I hate the smog in the summer.
7. I would say that residents are generally happy here. Yes we have our points of contention or areas we want to improve on, but I think it's the same as other programs as well. Most of the male residents who are married have families, while the female married residents do not. It is a bit of a double standard in that regard in that the male residents may try to discourage you from starting a family b/c everyone has to pull their weight around here b/c of the busyness of the program, but our program will support anyone who wants to start a family.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

3. Yes it is true we will be LASIK certified through the San Diego Navy program. The first senior who went through at 80 patients (160 eyes! crazy!)

The partnership between Loma Linda and the US Navy Ophthalmology Residency Training Program offers an incredible training opportunity in refractive surgery not offered at most residency training programs. Less than 20-25% of programs offer any refractive surgery experience. Even at programs that offer "free" or "discount" refractive surgery for house staff to generate surgical cases for their residents, these residents will only receive a handful of cases.

A resident performing 150+ eyes in refractive surgery is within the 95% or higher in regard to volume.

Also, Loma Linda residents come to San Diego to receive ocular pathology training with me, which may be a positive or negative thing, depending on if you like my style of teaching.

 

[TropicalFish]

" but our program will support anyone who wants to start a family.[/QUOTE]

I take this part back. I'm not pregnant but one of my female resident colleague is, and some not so nice things have been said to her, not by the residents but the higher ups. These remarks would not be made if she were a male.

 

[HereEyeAm]

Any updates on Loma Linda?

 

[Lerxst]

Numbers: 150-180 phacos, 15 peds, 10 glaucoma, 75 plastic, 9 globes, LASIK certified

Locations: Loma Linda University - attending's clinics/apprenticeship model
VA - semi-autonomous, one mile away
Riverside University Health System - resident-run clinic approximately 30 minutes away
San Diego (roughly 2hrs away) - 1d/wk pathology as PGY-2, one month refractive course as PGY-4

Curriculum:

• One prelim year and one TY spot - both with months of ophtho experience - newly created for LLU residents, though I don't see how they wouldn't give preference to LLU med grads who stay for residency.
• PGY-2: 3 months LLU peds/consults, 3 months at RUHS (comp/retina), 3 months LLU cornea/glaucoma/consults, 3 months VA comp/plastics, San Diego pathology once weekly
• PGY-3: Stanford review course in July, 3 months VA comp, 3 months RUHS comp, 3 months VA retina, 3 months LLU retina/neuro-op
• PGY-4: 2 weeks allotted for missions, 1 month refractory course in San Diego, 2 months RUHS, 3 months VA, 3 months LLU comp/plastics/cornea/glaucoma (crappy notes for this year- sorry!)

Call:

• PGY-2 averages 3-4 weekdays and 1 weekend day monthly, PGY-3 averages 2-3 weekdays and 1 weekend night monthly, PGY-4 backup.
• varies from night to night, but residents will go sleepless on occasion
• Covering all three locations

Misc:

• Didn't write them down, but LLU had top-notch fellowship placements on both coasts
• bring your own meat and caffeine to campus
• faculty has grown in past few years and is most likely standing pat for now

Overall, I was interested in LLU because it offered clinics that ran the full gamut from seeing attendings' patients to an autonomous resident-run clinic. Unfortunately, I didn't feel confident to rank it highly because every single interview was strictly behavioral questions or spent sparring about the validity of my research. From my discussions with the residents, they admitted that there were some attendings that they interacted with in a purely professional manner and others that were more laid back. However, since I couldn't figure out if I would fit the program's personality, I didn't put them high on my list. Nonetheless, I was convinced that I would have completed my residency fully prepared for comp or fellowship.