- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 95
- Reaction score
- 26
To anyone reading, thanks for taking the time to do so. I'm a newly minted MS3 about to finish my first rotation next week. Lately I've been really interested in pursuing Ophthalmology but I'm also aware it's too early to be sure on anything. I shadowed a few last year and really liked what I saw. It honestly feels like a speciality that gives me a sense of excitement and actual passion. After reading Dr. Doan's post on why he chose ophthalmology, I felt like a lot of what I am looking for can be found in this specialty. I have yet to feel this way about other fields, but again ,I know it is early. I understand that getting into a program is very competitive, which is why I feel it's important for me to start doing everything I can now to give myself the best shot if it is indeed the speciality I do want to pursue. I'm honestly now sure if I even have a good chance based off of some of the posts on here about not matching with incredible applications. All I have under my belt is my step score (253) which I know doesn't mean much in terms of overall applicant strength. I've yet to do any research in medical school and I think that's probably my biggest weakness so far. My home institution does have a program, but I'm actually doing my third year in another city so my ability to build connections is pretty much shot unless email counts. Since I have no experience with research, I'm not even sure what would be considered a good amount or feasible for me to accomplish this year. I do have a really strong desire to pursue this, but I just want some honest advice as to whether or not I'd be wasting my time doing so. I probably won't have a big wig letter or be AOA, and there's nothing about me that stands out. Thanks for any advice you may have!