Program Overview
The UNM Ophthalmology Residency Program is a four-year integrated training program designed to cultivate compassionate and skilled eye physicians and surgeons. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education, and it welcomes three residents annually through the SFMatch system. Applicants are encouraged to apply for medical student away rotations via the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) platform, with rotations occurring from July through October each year 1.
Curriculum
The residency curriculum involves extensive clinical training, encompassing the full spectrum of ophthalmic disorders. Major learning occurs at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), the only level 1 trauma center in the state, which also includes a dedicated children’s hospital, a cancer center, and a burn unit. This varied and rich clinical environment ensures residents gain exposure to a diverse patient population 5.
Clinical Rotations
Residents participate in rotations within two eye clinics, which are located just 1.5 miles apart and staffed by eight full-time clinical faculty, along with numerous voluntary faculty and optometrists. Together, these clinics handle nearly 15,000 outpatient visits annually and perform around 6,000 surgical procedures, providing ample hands-on experience 5.
Additional Training Sites
Additional sites for clinical training include the Albuquerque Veteran's Administration Medical Center and retinal specialties at Retinal Consultants of New Mexico. Residents gain experience in handling common and complex conditions, enhancing their surgical and clinical proficiency through varied patient encounters 5.
Research Opportunities
The program actively supports involvement in research, allowing residents to engage in ongoing projects and scholarly activities. While participation in research is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement for completion of the residency 2.
Unique Aspects of the Program
A significant feature of the residency is its commitment to a high volume of surgical experience, particularly cataract surgeries, which are performed multiple times each week. This intense surgical focus significantly enhances the learning curve for residents compared to many other programs where surgery frequency is lower 5.
The program also fosters a culturally diverse learning environment due to its patient demographics, which include Hispanic, Native American, and rural populations. Residents gain insight into unique medical concerns while providing care for underserved communities 5.
Visa and Application Requirements
The program is competitive and is friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates. It provides support for visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visa types. It is important for applicants to check specific criteria related to year of graduation and any failed STEP exams, as the program has particular application requirements that must be met 1.
Support and Funding
Financial support is available for resources such as ophthalmic diagnostic lenses and access to extensive online ophthalmology materials. The program also benefits from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine’s library, which hosts a wide array of ophthalmology journals and online resources for all residents 5.
Conclusion
The UNM Ophthalmology Residency Program combines extensive clinical exposure, research opportunities, diverse patient demographics, and a supportive educational environment. Its structure is ideal for training well-rounded ophthalmologists who are prepared to tackle a variety of clinical challenges.
Website
Director
James Chodosh, MD, MPHProfessor and Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Appointed Since July 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$62,429First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
21 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Albuquerque, NM
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM is a city rich in culture and history. Here is a breakdown of what it's like living in Albuquerque:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Albuquerque has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety.
- Fun Activities: Albuquerque offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.
- Climate: Albuquerque experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
- Races and Population: Albuquerque has a diverse population with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, White, and other ethnicities.
- Education: Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Albuquerque is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Albuquerque is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ, and a 6-hour drive from Denver, CO. These cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
Pros: Rich culture, diverse population, lower cost of living.
Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, temperature fluctuations.
Interview Questions
