Foreign Medical Graduates & Ophthalmology Residency – Success Stories

How they did it, what they learned from the process and how they would alter the path if they had to go through this process again.

By Vinay A. Shah, MD

Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit MI.

In the US, ophthalmologists are among the most professionally satisfied physicians. The broad scope of ophthalmic practice including the medical and surgical aspect, treatment of pediatric and adult patients, and provision of primary care as well as highly specialized treatment makes ophthalmology a desirable specialty. Ophthalmology is one of the most competitive specialties in the US and thus acquiring a residency in ophthalmology is very hard for a foreign medical graduate.

In the international ophthalmology section of Pearls in Ophthalmology we have decided to start a series of articles on individuals who have been successful in acquiring an ophthalmology residency in the USA. Personally, I believe that by reading these stories the medical students/residents in the international community will get an idea on possible pathways to procure a residency, how much it took for that particular individual to get there and may give them ideas for their future. There is a perception that it is impossible to get into an ophthalmology residency in the US, which is not true. We believe with determination, patience, focus, luck and intelligence it is possible. We also want the American graduates to know what all it takes for an individual from another country to make it into ophthalmology in the US.

Disclaimer: The presented articles will all be from either present/past or future ophthalmology residents who are foreign medical graduates. These are article provided by the individuals where we will only perform copy editing but will try not to change the content. This is not legal or professional advice. We do not take any responsibility for accuracy of information provided. Please use this information at your own risk.