Realistic chance at switching into ophtho?

[slapmypanda]

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[i-doctor]

Do not do a research year. You have a 50/50 shot, because you’re from a T25 med school. Don’t sell yourself short…the T25 name—with a strong ophtho program—opens doors. The fact that you did research at all is what is important. It doesn’t have to be ophtho research. You have a good explanation— that you didn’t know anything about ophtho until exposed to it, and only then did you fall in love with the field (as opposed to your previous interest). Basically you need to do 2 ophtho elective rotations minimum (home and away) ASAP early in your senior year to show commitment, and, MOST importantly, to also see if the field is right for you! You can’t make a life-altering decision based on seeing one or two cataract surgeries! And of course you’ll need those letters of recommendation from your home department.
There is a steep opportunity cost (of lost income and time) in doing a research year, and no guarantee of matching even then. And research is not a weakness in your application. Step 1 is the weakest part, irrespective of an extra research year.
As an aside, you might want to watch “CataractCoach” videos on YouTube for more exposure on what it will be like learning cataract surgery during residency.

 

[slapmypanda]

Do not do a research year. You have a 50/50 shot, because you’re from a T25 med school. Don’t sell yourself short…the T25 name—with a strong ophtho program—opens doors. The fact that you did research at all is what is important. It doesn’t have to be ophtho research. You have a good explanation— that you didn’t know anything about ophtho until exposed to it, and only then did you fall in love with the field (as opposed to your previous interest). Basically you need to do 2 ophtho elective rotations minimum (home and away) ASAP early in your senior year to show commitment, and, MOST importantly, to also see if the field is right for you! You can’t make a life-altering decision based on seeing one or two cataract surgeries! And of course you’ll need those letters of recommendation from your home department.
There is a steep opportunity cost (of lost income and time) in doing a research year, and no guarantee of matching even then. And research is not a weakness in your application. Step 1 is the weakest part, irrespective of an extra research year.
As an aside, you might want to watch “CataractCoach” videos on YouTube for more exposure on what it will be like learning cataract surgery during residency.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply! I will definitely check out that Youtube channel. Would you recommend dual applying as well?

 

[i-doctor]

Dual applying isn’t a bad idea…(unless you become convinced it’s ophtho or nothing, in which case you reapply again if you don’t match.) Since ophtho match is early, dual applying is easy. Just make sure the applications are at different programs, so nobody finds out.

 

[Redpancreas]

Just do Ophtho. Apply this year. Obtain more research if it doesn't work out and apply next year. You can dual apply but the match is binding.