For Applicants
Medical students interested in rotating at CPMC, click here.
Why CPMC?
Former residents describe the following advantages of the Ophthalmology training program:
- Each resident is valued as an individual with educational modifications tailored to his or her needs
- Clinical training is outstanding, and surgical volume is excellent
- Internationally recognized faculty, who care deeply about patient care as well as resident education and well-being, and enhance fellowship opportunities (see Alumni)
- The diversity of rotations offers a broad view of various practice styles (private practice, managed care, county hospital, resident clinics for the uninsured - see Clinical Experience)
- Extensive opportunities for international clinical and surgical experience at the Aravind Eye HospitalOpens new window in India and other countries, including Tibet and Guatemala, which can provide life-enhancing personal and professional experiences
- Research opportunities are plentiful across multiple subspecialties, and funding is readily available
- Fellows in retina and oculoplastics absolutely enhance the resident experience, as there is no competition with fellows for surgical cases
- The pass rate of the oral and written boards for all residents over the past 5 years has been 100%
- The residency program was granted the maximum of 5 years of accreditation in the most recent ACGME review
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Benefits
- The PGY-2 (1st year Ophthalmology) salary for 2012-13 is $57,131.01
- Heath, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Travel expenses, up to $2000 per year, for annual professional meetings (AAO, ARVO) are covered for residents who are presenting research and for all third year residents
- New Lenses (20 diopter, 90 diopter, and goniolens)
- The Basic and Clinical Science Course (textbooks)
- $250/year stipend for books, meetings, journal subscription, or professional society membership
- $300 to purchase a device with PDA capabilities (ie, an Iphone) during the first 6 months of residency
- $900 licensure application reimbursement (PGY-2)
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The Staggered Start
One unique aspect of this residency program is the fact that all 3 residents in a given class do not begin training simultaneously. Instead, one resident starts every 4 months, with one resident beginning on July 1, another on November 1, and another on March 1. This of course means that each resident completes residency at a different time, exactly 3 years after that individual starts. Therefore, each year, one of the three residents begins and ends training on cycle (starting and completing on July 1) and the other 2 residents begin and end "off-cycle" (either March 1 or November 1).
Advantages of the staggered start include:
- More individualized, 1-on-1 attention and teaching from upper level residents and faculty
- No competition with fellow residents for surgical cases
- Great camaraderie with co-residents in a non-competitive, friendly atmosphere
- For off-cycle residents, there are tremendous opportunities after a busy intern year to perform research (funded by the department), pursue outside interests, or travel prior to starting residency
(Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.Opens new window)
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Other Practical Information
San Francisco is an exciting and wonderful place to live during residency. The following are some additional anticipated questions about moving here:
- Will I need a car?
Yes, a car is necessary in order to drive to private offices around San Francisco, to Highland, and while on call. - Where should I live?
While most residents live in San Francisco, a few have chosen to live in South San Francisco or in Oakland. Feel free to contact us for further information regarding the convenience and affordability of the various neighborhoods within and outside of San Francisco.
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Application Requirements
Ophthalmology residency applicants must apply through the Ophthalmology Matching Program (OMP). You can contact them at SF Match or by calling (415) 447-0350.
Following the Program Director's review of your application, you will be notified by email whether or not you have been selected for an interview. Interviews are by invitation only. We make every effort to process applications as they arrive; however, due to the large number of applications received, processing may take up to three weeks. There are 3 interview days, which are typically conducted on Mondays in late November and early December.
For further information regarding our program please contact the Graduate Medical Education Office at (800) 743-7707 or email us.
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