Resident Program FAQ

How do I apply?

Applications are accepted through SF Match until October. Applications are no longer accepted for this year.  Invitations for interviews have already been sent and the scheduled interview days are November 11 and 12, 2005.

How many residents do you accept?

There are 6 residents per year, 18 in total. There are no fellows affiliated with the program.

How many hospitals would I go to?

There are 4 major hospitals affiliated with our program. University Hospitals is the home institution for the residents and is the site of all major subspecialty rotations.  Two to 4 months is spent at each of the other 3 hospitals each year. We see a very diverse patient population as we rotate at a tertiary care center (University Hospitals), VA, county hospital (MetroHealth Hospital), and community hospital (St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital). For more details on each hospital, click here.

What is call like?

Primary call is shared between the 1^st and 2^nd years at the different hospitals (except for the first 3 weeks). University Hospital and Metro are each covered separately.  The VA and St. Vincent’s call is shared.  Overnight call is taken from home and averages once every 4-5 nights and about one weekend a month.  Chief residents (3^rd years) provide back-up call on weekends and whenever they are chief at a particular hospital. Click here for a sample call schedule.

How many surgeries will I get?

As there are no fellows in this program, residents get an ample number of Class I and Class III surgeries.  Although the 1^st year is mostly Class III (observation), there are opportunities for Class I procedures throughout the year.  2^nd years get at least 80 - 100 Class I lasers (focal, PRP, ALT, PI, Yag) and are the primary surgeons on extracapsular cataracts and strabismus surgeries.  The bulk of surgeries come in the chief year but residents can expect to graduate with over 200 procedures in total.  The chief residents average over 100 cataracts as well as trabeculectomies, corneal transplants, and plastics cases in their surgical year.

Do I have to do research?

Research is not required to graduate from the program but is encouraged. There are numerous physicians affiliated with the program who have research opportunities available.  Departmental support is available for any poster or paper presentation. Current and past residents have done research in all different areas and have presented at AAO, ARVO, AAPOS and have been published in Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Hyperguides.

How much vacation is there?

Resident have 3 weeks (15 working days) of vacation per year.  Each week of vacation can be taken as an entire block or broken up into 2 and 3 days.  Each week does not include the weekend days. Click here to see other benefits offered by the program and hospital.

Is there anything to do in Cleveland?

Yes! There are plenty of things to love about Cleveland, not least of which is the weather (it’s not always cold).  There are tons of sports events (high school to professional), cultural icons (terrific orchestras and museums), trendy neighborhoods, and lots of nature around to explore.  Plus, the residents have a pretty active social schedule, much of which revolves around eating.  Click here for more about Cleveland!