Specialty Advisor
Specialty Advisor(s)
Dr. Nisha Chadha
nisha.chadha@mssm.edu
http://www.mountsinai.org/profiles/nisha-chadha
Program Director
Dr. Sumayya Ahmad (Interim PD)
Sumayya.Ahmad@mountsinai.org
https://profiles.mountsinai.org/sumayya-ahmad
Advice from Specialty Advisor
What should students be doing in year 1 and 2?
Ophthalmology is a competitive specialty. Students interested in this field should be proactive in finding opportunities to shadow, do research in the field, and establish a connection with a mentor. Participation in EHHOP Ophthalmology Clinic is also highly encouraged. Students are also encouraged to join the ophthalmology interest group as part of recommended activities.
What should students be doing in year 3 and 4?
Ophthalmology Electives or the Surgery-Anesthesia Selective; Meet with Dr. Chadha as early as possible to discuss application plans.
Is an away elective recommended?
Many students do an away elective. Typically only one is recommended.
LoRs
Departmental letter necessary?
No, individual letters only. CAS (the application service for Ophthalmology) will only allow you to submit three letters
Any specific writers needed?
No; Dr. Tsai, the chairman of the department, offers to write a letter for our students, but it is not mandatory. It can be helpful if you are lacking other more personal letters.
All from the specific specialty or from other specialties as well?
Typically at least one from ophthalmology is standard. It is also helpful to have at least one from Medicine/Surgery.
Recommended websites
American Academy of Ophthamology
CiM Ophthalmology Profile
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Ophtho Book: The free eye book and lecture series
The Iowa Guide to the Ophthalmology Match
The Eyes Have It (http://kellogg.umich.edu/theeyeshaveit/)
Recommended journals
Ophthalmology
JAMA Ophthalmology
American Journal of Ophthalmology