ATul Jain, MD
Contributing Editor
The application process for a retina fellowship is a little different than that for applying to an ophthalmology residency. While still a match—meaning one either gets a seat at a fellowship or one does not match (i.e.—goes without a seat)—there is only one or zero acceptance offers made. That is were the similarities end, there is no centralized application, applicants must enroll through the sfmatch program (www.sfmatch.org), but then contact each fellowship program individually to request an application. The only role sfmatch plays is that once all applications are completed and interviews awarded, the final rank lists are sent to sfmatch (from both the applicant and the programs) and an official result is processed (it is sent to your residency program director/program coordinator who will notify you, the program will also generally call on match day, but this might not be until later in the afternoon).
Keep in mind it is critical to register with sfmatch in order to receive a list of programs that offer fellowships, their contact information, as well as your ophthalmology match identification number. While it is a bit of a hassle to fill out several different application forms all of which ask for different material (some ask for undergraduate transcripts, medical school transcripts, copies of all USMLE scores, medical school dean’s letter, a photo, proof of completion of an internship, internship review/evaluation letter, personal statement, CV, 2–3 letters of recommendation, and a blood sample for DNA testing – joke…just that last one though), the upside is that there are no application fees. Some programs ask for more material than others, but if you plan on having copies of all the aforementioned on hand, it will make the application process that much easier as you won’t ever lack a document.
The deadlines vary from August 1st to sometime in mid October. Once an application is complete notification of an interview will be given sometime thereafter, usually in mid-September to early November either by telephone call, email (most), or snail mail (rare). Note, that several programs interview on only one day (which may or may not conflict with another program’s interview date) and if you cannot make this day, you are sometimes out of luck despite how much you beg and plead (though some programs are willing to make special arrangements, thus, it does not hurt to ask). Unfortunately, as with residency applications, programs are not so good about telling you that an interview was not awarded and this oftentimes requires you calling the program to find out for yourself (at least in a timely manner so you can make travel arrangements), though they expect this and do not seem to mind getting a quick phone call inquiring about an application’s status.
A word to the wise: get your application together early and apply broadly (not necessarily to have safety programs, but because several programs might have interview date conflicts and even though one gets, say 10 interviews, it might only be possible to go on 6 due to conflicts arising from dates, call coverage, etc…).
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