Fellowship Applications and Interviewing: Tips for Success

By Aaron Miller, MD, MBA

Fellowship training in ophthalmology can be one of the most exciting and enjoyable times of your entire medical education. The days of being on first call for the emergency room have past and your focus is now on your board examinations. In most programs, fellows are considered junior faculty and are frequently instrumental in the residency training process. At the same time, you are able to participate as a student under the supervision of your fellowship director.

There are many important factors to consider during the fellowship application and interview process. The application and interview process is very different from medical school. Think of this process more as a job interview… one that will help mold your entire future career!

Pearls for Fellowship Applications and Interviewing

1. You should first review your career aspirations. Make sure that a fellowship is truly needed to satisfy your professional goals!
2. Fellowships should be considered more of an apprenticeship within your field of subspecialty. The pedigree of “who trained who” is an important factor.
3. Start early doing your homework. If your heart is set on doing retina, spend time with retina faculty and community retina specialists. Many private practice sub-specialists maintain close ties with their old fellowship directors.
4. Fellowship rank lists are created by only a few faculty members. Applying for fellowship is unlike residency selection where the rank list is created by departmental committee. First impressions are especially important.
5. Fellowship Timeline (applies to all sub-specialties except oculoplastics):
   
   Second Year of Ophthalmology Residency
   
• January: Decide if you are going to pursue a fellowship.
• March: Decide on your fellowship sub-specialty.
• April: Begin to research programs.
• May: Contact targeted programs to request an application.

Third Year of Ophthalmology Residency

• June-July: Register for the fellowship match (www.sfmatch.org).
• July-August: Mail in completed applications.
• September-November: Interviews.
• December: Fellowship Match announced.
• January: Apply for a medical license in the state where you matched for fellowship.
  
6. Each fellowship program has a unique application, unlike residency applications where there is a centralized application system. The SF Match only processes the fellowship rank lists. You should contact each program to determine their individual application guidelines and deadlines.
7. The match for oculoplastics is a completely different process. It occurs through the National Resident Matching Program (http://www.nrmp.org/). The Match Day is typically in April of your 2nd year of residency training. Because of the early match, you should move the previous timeline up 8 months. This means you should decide on pursuing an oculoplastics fellowship by the end of your 1st year of residency training. Most oculoplastics applications are due by December of your 2nd year of residency training.
8. While salary and benefits of residency tend to be somewhat standardized by region, those for fellowship positions can be highly variable. Most programs pay their fellows around the same salary as residents. When requesting an application, it is often helpful to inquire on the details of income and benefits. These questions should be answered prior to the interviews. Sometimes this information may help you narrow your application list.
9. Many programs require you to sign a non-compete clause after matching. Keep this in mind when deciding where your want to train and eventually practice.
10. The “legacy” of the fellowship director is frequently molded by the future success of his or her fellows. Determine whether your anticipated career path is similar to those of prior fellows… this is an accurate measure in determining if you will be a good match with a program.
11. Have fun during your interviews! Stay positive and energetic!