How to Get Into an Ophthalmology Residency:

How to Get Into an Ophthalmology Residency: Advice from Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers, MD, FACS Ophthalmology is one of the most competitive medical specialties today, and for good reason. It offers an unparalleled combination of professional fulfillment, intellectual challenge, and a balanced lifestyle that is increasingly rare in the medical field. As someone who has thrived as an ophthalmologist, with the privilege of doing life-changing surgeries every week, publishing meaningful research, raising six children, and enjoying a strong marriage, I want to share my perspective on what it takes to succeed in this specialty and how to set yourself apart as a candidate. Why Ophthalmology? Ophthalmology offers a unique blend of surgical precision, medical care, and technological innovation. Few fields allow you to restore a person’s vision—sometimes overnight—transforming their life in profound ways. The sense of gratitude and joy patients feel after cataract surgery, corneal transplants, or sight-saving treatments is unparalleled. Additionally, ophthalmology provides flexibility in how you structure your career. Whether you want to focus on surgery, research, clinical practice, or education, the opportunities are vast. It’s a less stressful lifestyle compared to many other specialties, with manageable on-call hours and the ability to balance work and personal life. My own father, a cardiothoracic surgeon, once told me: “The worst thing that can happen as an eye surgeon is you lose an eye. For me, the worst thing is the patient dies.” That perspective gave me great appreciation for the immense impact ophthalmology has while allowing for a sustainable lifestyle. The Growing Competitiveness of Ophthalmology Residencies Over the years, ophthalmology has become increasingly competitive, driven by its attractive lifestyle and rewarding outcomes. In addition to excelling academically and scoring well on exams, candidates now need to distinguish themselves in other ways. Simply “doing well” in medical school is no longer enough. Residency programs look for candidates who demonstrate not just technical and academic excellence but also passion, innovation, and leadership. They want to see evidence of your commitment to advancing the field and helping patients in unique ways. How to Set Yourself Apart: When I applied to ophthalmology residency, and eventually got in and went to New York Eye and Ear Infirmsry in New York City, it was competitive. When my sister, Andrea Kossler who is now Co ahead of the Oculoplastics Department at Stanford, applied to ophthalmology residency it was very competitive and she went to Bascom Palmer (still considered the best ophthalmology residency in the world). Now it is hyper competitive! When my sister started to help with the admissions process at Stanford's ophthalmology residency a few years ago, she noted that many of the medical students had already started a company before they even applied to Stanford ophthalmology residency. Having your name on the paper was so "yesterday" she said. That that might be true for the hyper competitive residencies, but havinh your name on a paper and contributing to Real research is still a very important distinguisher. Here are the key distinguishers aside from starting your own company or business or discovering something "Important." 1. Academic Excellence • Strong USMLE or COMLEX scores are essential, as they demonstrate your ability to excel in a challenging specialty. • Honor your clinical rotations, especially in ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine, to show your dedication and capability in the field. 2. Research • Getting published in peer-reviewed journals is a significant advantage. Focus on impactful topics, such as innovative surgical techniques, treatment outcomes, or advancements in technology. • Collaborate with mentors who are leaders in ophthalmology research. Attend conferences and present your work to build credibility and networks. • Explore emerging topics like the use of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for dry eye disease, or artificial intelligence in diagnostics. 3. Innovation • Start or contribute to projects that advance ophthalmology. This could be developing a device, designing a mobile app for patient education, or spearheading a public health initiative. • Entrepreneurship can distinguish you. Founding a startup related to eye health or creating a novel approach to patient care demonstrates leadership and creative thinking. 4. Leadership and Service • Volunteer for programs that provide eye care to underserved populations. Show your commitment to helping those in need. • Take on leadership roles in medical school organizations or professional societies. 5. Clinical Exposure • Spend time shadowing ophthalmologists or working in clinics. The hands-on experience shows your dedication and gives you stories to share during interviews. 6. Personal Story and Passion • Programs value candidates who are genuinely passionate about ophthalmology. Your personal statement and interviews should reflect your enthusiasm for the specialty and your desire to make a meaningful impact. • Share unique experiences that demonstrate resilience, creativity, or your drive to excel in the field. The Benefits of a Career in Ophthalmology As an ophthalmologist, you can design your career around your priorities and interests: • Flexible Career Paths: Whether you want to focus on research, surgery, teaching, or patient care, ophthalmology accommodates diverse goals. • Work-Life Balance: The specialty allows for manageable hours, giving you time to nurture relationships and raise a family. • Competitive Salary: Ophthalmologists earn an excellent income, with opportunities for additional growth through surgery or private practice. • Universal Need: Everyone will need an eye doctor at some point, making it a stable and respected field. My Journey as an Ophthalmologist I chose ophthalmology because I wanted a career that allowed me to have a meaningful impact while maintaining balance in my personal life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing surgeries that restored vision, conducting research that advanced the field, and raising a family of six children—all while enjoying a less stressful lifestyle than many of my colleagues in other surgical specialties. This field has brought me immense joy and fulfillment, both professionally and personally. I encourage anyone considering ophthalmology to embrace the challenge, put in the effort to stand out, and pursue this incredible specialty with passion and purpose. Final Thoughts Getting into an ophthalmology residency is no easy feat, but it is achievable with determination, focus, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Whether through research, innovation, or leadership, find ways to distinguish yourself and show your commitment to the field. The rewards of this career—a life-changing impact on your patients and a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle—are more than worth the effort.