FAQ

A: The USC / LA General Medical Center (LAGMC) residency program receives over 600 applications through the SF Match each year from across the country. We pride ourselves on being one of the most competitive residency programs in the nation with a longstanding tradition of excellence in clinical care, research, and education. In general, we consider the following during the selection process:

• Track record of academic achievement (including academic GPA, USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores, and clinical clerkship performance)
• Innovative basic and/or clinical research (including publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national meetings)
• Excellent letters of recommendation from faculty
• Demonstration of leadership and mentorship
• Evidence of collaboration, teamwork, integrity, compassion, and work ethic

A: We currently accept six residents per year in our 4-year program (1 year of internship integrated with 3 years of full-time ophthalmology).

A: In addition to the unparalleled clinical exposure that residents receive at the USC Roski Eye Institute, LAGMC, CHLA, and the Downtown Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic, the academic training is supplemented by a comprehensive and highly structured didactic curriculum that covers the AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) each year as well as imaging rounds and ocular pathology. Each week, residents receive a half day of protected time for these and other lectures given by our academic faculty. In addition, the department provides a variety of educational conferences including grand rounds, cataract case conferences, subspecialty journal clubs, and visiting professorships throughout the year.

A: The ophthalmology residency delivers a progressive surgical curriculum designed to guide residents seamlessly from foundational skills to microsurgical independence.  Residents begin with clinic procedures and extraocular surgery in the PGY-2 year – supplemented by early access to the Eyesi surgical simulator – before advancing to live cataract surgery in the spring.  Surgical competency is reinforced throughout the year with regular phacoemulsification wet-labs, oculoplastic cadaver labs, and MIGS training.  By the PGY-4 year, residents lead their own surgical panel and ORs at LAGMC under attending supervision while learning the nuances of OR utilization and management, preparing them to become outstanding, independent, and well-rounded ophthalmic surgeons.

A: Residents rotate through all major subspecialties during each year of training beginning in the PGY-2 year: cornea and external disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retina, and oculoplastics. Residents further benefit from a robust pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus experience at world-renowned Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) during the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, as well as a cataract and comprehensive experience at the Downtown Los Angeles VA Clinic during the PGY-3 year.

A: The call schedule differs for PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-4 residents. Residents take home call and always have senior resident back-up, in addition to fellow and attending coverage at all times. PGY-2 and PGY-4 residents are primarily responsible for call at LAGMC while the PGY-3 residents take call at USC Roski Eye Institute and Keck Hospital, as well as CHLA. We are strictly compliant with ACGME clinical and educational work hour requirements.

A: Attendance and presentation at conferences is an essential part of professional and academic development during residency. As a result, residents are allowed time to present at two conferences per year, in addition to the AAO Annual Meeting for PGY-4 residents.

A: Most of our graduates pursue subspecialty fellowships across all areas of ophthalmology, including anterior segment, cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculofacial plastic and retina, at some of the premier and most competitive institutions nationwide. Those entering comprehensive practice are fully prepared by the exceptional breadth and depth of clinical pathology seen during training. Many program alumni go on to become prominent leaders and excel in both academic medicine and private practice globally.

A: Residents have a total of four weeks of vacation per year (taken in one-week blocks) in addition to 8 sick/personal days per year.

A: Los Angeles offers an unmatched blend of vibrant culture, world-class dining, sports, and year-round access to outdoor activities – from coastal beaches to mountain trails. Residents thrive in a city that lets them hike, dine, and enjoy sunny weather year-round even in the middle of winter!

A: For questions about the ophthalmology residency program, please contact our Residency Program Coordinators: Lien Lam at [email protected] and Lorena Ramirez at  [email protected].