Ophtho rotation in 3rd year?

[Heavyduty]

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Hi,
I have the option of doing an elective my 3rd year. I'm considering ophthalmology and I was wondering if I should go ahead and do an ophthalmology elective during 3rd year or wait until 4th year.

On one hand, it may help me decide early on if I'm interested in the field or not. If I decide I like the field, I could plan on doing some research early on in my MS4 year.
On the other hand, I may be more prepared as an MS4 and maybe faculty will remember me better if I did an elective as an MS4.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mye Eye]

I did it as a 3rd year...it's good to do then (in my opinion) because the faculty will know it's your first Ophtho rotation...and you'll know early if you love it...also, that will leave time in 4th year for you to schedule away rotations in Ophtho is you so wish. Also, doing it 3rd year can help you because instead of being a new face when you do the rotation as a 4th year, you'll be a face/name they've known for over a year

if you're thinking of doing Ophtho...try to do it 3rd year in my opinion...the benefits far outweight any (if there are any) negatives

 

[diosa428]

Since ophtho is in the early match, I'd say the earlier you confirm your desire to be an ophthalmologist, the better.

 

[taehong81]

I agree doing a ophtho rotation during 3rd year is a good idea in that you have more time during 4th year to do research or away rotation. but depending on your home program, the only bad thing about doing it 3rd year is that you won't get to meet the new ophtho first years coming in. And in some school the first year play an important role in selecting candidates for the program. My home school the first year look through the application and have a say in who to invite for interview and they also interview the applicants.

 

[jj326]

also don't forget that nobody knows much ophthalmology be it 3rd year or 4th year. just show up, be friendly, be interested, learn what you can, and work hard and you'll be fine whenever you do it.

 

[ophtho2020]

Like everyone has said - the earlier the better. You may find that it is not what you expected, and thus give yourself enough time to explore other fields. Or if you love it - it will give you ample time to plot the remainder of your limited time before the application process/match. Goodluck