Osteopathic Ophthalmology thread 2014-2015

[Iggyiggy]

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Hey guys, I was thinking we should post about interviews, auditions, books/preparations, and everything on here since there's not really a thread for this..

 

[cupcake26]

This is a great idea, Iggyiggy. Can any of those that matched yesterday post about it? What they think they did to be successful in the match? Any info would be great! Also, anyone able to get a hold of the FOEI program to set up auditions?

 

[icevermin]

The more important question is will programs survive the ACGME ?

 

[DopaDO]

The more important question is will programs survive the ACGME ?

I think this is a good conversation to have. I decided not to apply DO after speaking with several academic ophthalmologists (both MDs and DOs). My plan was to reapply next year if it didn't work out. I heard horror stories of guys who trained at DO residencies being kicked out of fellowships bc they lack the competency to survive. I've heard some have extremely low surgical numbers with many of the numbers not being as true primary surgeon, many lack the subspecialties, and I've also heard you are often treated like a tech with little to no teaching. I can't think of anything more frightening than coming out of residency incompetent after training all those years.

My advice to DOs interested in Ophtho, please take Step 1. A 240 is enough to be in the conversation, focus on trying to be the best residency applicant you can. Get involved with research, good ECs, and most importantly, get LOR from big wigs who have name recognition. I think the above is why I was fortunate enough to match.

If you are dead set on DO, I've heard that doctors and PCOM are the only ones that are ok. You only get to train once and it will affect the rest of your career.

Other DOs feel free to chime in whether you agree or heard differently.

 

[Gandalf the Pearly Gray]

So, Dopa, just as a response to your comments.... while there may be stories about non-competent DO ophthalmologists being kicked out of fellowship, I'm sure that's the exception. I personally know many, many DO ophthos that did or are doing splendid jobs in fellowship.

And yes there are weak osteopathic programs, but the two you list as "the only ones that are ok" demonstrates plainly that you haven't rotated at these programs. The two that you mention actually have some of the weakest numbers and poorest funding; although, to their credit, they have great didactics because of their participation in the local MD lectures (OSU and Wills).

Congrats on matching MD, you're one of the very few. Pretty soon this whole business of deciding which match to participate in will be irrelevant, and we will see which osteopathic programs really were the strongest after the merger shakes out...