Recruitment, Appointment, Eligibility and Selection of Residents

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology
Policies and Procedures


Title: Recruitment, Appointment, Eliigibility and Selection of Residents

Purpose: This document outlines the policy of the Department of Ophthalmology in the selection or residents. In addition to the criteria listed below, the resident selection policy will follow all institutional policies.

Responsible Parties: Faculty and Residents of the UPSOM Department of Ophthalmology


Eligibility

Applicants will be considered only if, after completing training in the program, they would be eligible for certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. ABO requirements for Certication are attached below. In addition, applicants must meet all requirements for eligibility set by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program. This policy is attached below as well. The result of these requirements is that applicants for residency must be pending graduates or graduates of at least one of the following:

  • An LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accredited medical school
  • An AOA (American Osteopathic Association) accredited medical school
  • A medical school listed in the World Health Organization Directory of Medical Schools
  • Completion of a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school
 
Application Process
The use of the SFMatch Central Application Service (CAS) is mandatory for applicants.
 
Interview Selection
While the typical successful applicant to our program has demonstrated excellence in undergraduate training and medical school, there are no hard criteria or cut-offs used in the resident selection process. The program values cultural diversity and has accepted candidates from all parts of the United States and abroad. The program values the broad range of experiences that our residents bring to the program.
 
Interview Process
The applicant typically meets with the Chairman, the Residency Program Director and several members of the faculty comprising the Appointment Committee In addition applicants also meet with other residents and faculty members involved in departmental educational programs. Candidates are also taken on a tour of the facilities. Each interviewer evaluates the candidate using the following criteria:
  • Grades & Honors
  • USMLE scores
  • Dean’s letter
  • Letters of reference
  • Personality aspects
  • Communication skills
  • The interview
 
Formation of the ‘rank list’
After all interviews are complete, the Appointment Committee meets and each application is reviewed and ranked. The Program Director then draws up the ‘rank list’ based on this review.

File: