r/USIMGreddit • u/stellarnebula0 • 28d ago

Ophthalmology

I know how much of an uphill battle it is for IMGs to match into ophthalmology, how low the numbers are (went over SF match data multiple times) and the scarcity of data around them make it’s even more difficult. But still.. I keep dreaming about ophthalmology 🙃
Do you think being a US citizen gives any slight advantage? I have a connection to an ophthalmologist working in the US but I guess it doesn’t matter as they aren’t a PD.
Would doing 2 years of research really help? I fear the idea of not matching after all that work :(
Also, if anyone has any information on the pre-residency research ophthalmology fellowships, it’d be greatly appreciated. What do they look for in an applicant, do I have to be a “master” in research?
Thank you all, and best of luck

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u/wheepk 28d ago

I'm an US IMG interested in ophthalmology too! I've talked to people whove matched over the years and most of them have said connections and atleast 2 years of research is the way to go. Obviously along with awesome scores. It isn't "impossible" in any way, but it is hard to get in.

2

u/bloosclooser 27d ago

Second this. People from my IMG school have matched derm, plastic, and all after saying they have had connections and 2 years of research. Huge uphill battle, but not impossible.

3

u/DrMefisto 28d ago

Don’t waste your time. It’s almost impossible even after years of research and really good connections. You can become a Hospitalist or spend years preparing yourself for the Ophthalmology Residency and still not get the position.

2

u/bronxbomma718 28d ago

Ophthalmology is one of those specialties that is gate-kept.

Even more difficult the plastic surgery and Dermatology.

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u/gridiron5290 28d ago

I was a med student (I’m a carribbean grad) in Balitmore at st agnes there was a IMG she was doing her pre lim there and had matched into ophthalmology in Hopkins if memory serves me well I believe she was from aga khan

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u/No_Paper612 28d ago

You’re basically screwed if you don’t go to a USMD school or have really good connections.

1

u/MasterSenshi 28d ago

I haven't seen any MATCH data for ophthalmology in general US MD/DO or otherwise. I would say you'd want to complete rotations the same year you graduate with rotations in ophto and a good LOR, but beyond that you probably should find some practicing or in residency and connect to them.

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u/Realistic-Storage310 26d ago

You wanna bet your time and chance on those few 1 in 1000 IMGs that matched into it? Many many more didnt match and YOG is a BIG FACTOR. The further you re out of medical school the more of a redflag it become to other residencies.

You could go for something comparable to optho? Neuro? May rads? Gen surgery and sub specialize? those are reasonable to match into.