FAQ

A: We pride ourselves on being one of the most competitive residency programs in the nation with a longstanding tradition of excellence and education. Our graduates have gone on to world-renowned institutions for further fellowship training and practice and have fulfilling careers in academic medicine and clinical care. Many of our graduates pursue positions of leadership in ophthalmology in the U.S. and around the world. We highly value the following:

  • Outstanding academic achievement (including Board scores and academic GPA)
  • Innovative research (including publications in both basic science and clinical research)
  • Excellent letters of recommendation from faculty
  • Leadership and mentoring qualities
  • Being collaborative and team-spirited
  • Strong work ethic
  • Compassion, empathy, and the highest of ethical standards

A: We currently accept seven residents per year, with a total complement of 28 residents (including our integrated interns).

A: In addition to the unparalleled clinical exposure that residents receive at the USC Roski Eye Institute, Los Angeles General Medical Center, CHLA, and the VA Downtown Los Angeles Medical Center, the academic training provided is also comprehensive and highly structured. The residents receive three hours of protected time each week for formal lectures and discussion led by our attending physicians (academic half day). An additional three to four hours per week, including grand rounds, case conferences, and rounds also take place. Journal clubs and Visiting Professorships occur regularly throughout the year.

A: The USC Roski Eye Institute Ophthalmology residency surgical program exposes residents to OR rotations early in the residency experience. Our first-year residents begin cataract surgery training in early spring and culminate their first year with their own primary cataract cases. One of the most unique aspects of the surgical program is the resident-run OR at Los Angeles General Medical Center during senior year. This robust experience allows residents to gain confidence and develop their surgical skills to develop into outstanding, independent, and well-rounded ophthalmic surgeons. The program also provides regular wet-labs for phacoemulsification throughout the year, cadaver labs for pediatric and oculoplastic procedures, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Our residents have access to the Eyesi surgical simulator with complete cataract and retinal surgery platforms. A bimonthly discussion is also held to review surgical planning, techniques, and complications.

A: The call schedule differs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year residents. Our residents take home call and always have senior resident back-up, in addition to fellows and attending coverage every day and night of the year. The 1st and 3rd residents are primarily responsible for call at Los Angeles General Medical Center while the 2nd year residents take call at Roski, the USC Keck Hospital, and CHLA. We are strictly compliant with ACGME duty hour requirements.

A: Attending and presenting at conferences allows residents to develop academically and is critical for their education. Residents are allowed time to present at one conference per year, and senior year residents are allowed time to attend a second conference such as the annual AAO meeting.

A: Residents have a total of four weeks of vacation per year.

A: Many of our residents have said that there is no place they would rather be. There is no question that soaking up the sun outside with your fellow residents while enjoying a cup of coffee in the middle of December is one of the biggest perks of Los Angeles living. Whether you enjoy hiking in the mountains, walking on the beach, skiing at a local resort, going out for a night on the town, or enjoying great culture and an international food scene, LA has it all!

To learn more about the opportunities available with the residency and fellowship programs at the USC Roski Eye Institute, email our Academic Program Administrator Michelle Cox at michelle.cox@med.usc.edu.

Next, read about our ophthalmology fellowships.