Application Process

Considering Wilmer

The combined Wilmer/GBMC program seeks to attract a diverse group of individuals who are committed to developing an understanding of diseases of the eye and are dedicated to using that knowledge to providing excellent and ever-improving patient care.  The Wilmer/GBMC Residency Program offers a wealth of resources to foster ophthalmology resident education and development including, outstanding faculty clinicians, experienced researchers and scientists, a modern dedicated ocular OR, a fully equipped practice laboratory, a newly renovated library with a full-time librarian,  and dedicated ophthalmology nursing, photography and ocular imaging services. 

Before joining the program, many residents have pursued degrees in other interest areas (including physics, biology, physiology, business, public health, government), have worked in business and technology, have spent time exploring research interests, have traveled or lived in foreign countries, or have been involved in public outreach programs.  Graduates of the residency program also pursue various career opportunities.  Many have chosen to follow their residency with additional fellowship training and have consistently matched in the programs of their choice.  Following the completion of their training, our resident alumnae pursue their varied interests in academic positions, private practice, public health, clinical activities and research.

Residency applications to the Wilmer/GBMC Program are processed through the Central Application Service (CAS) provided by the San Francisco Matching Program. For more details on how to submit the necessary application, please refer to www.sfmatch.org. No additional application materials are required. Use of CAS is mandatory for all applicants.

Please note that it is the policy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that all offers of a house staff position (as well as offers to applicants for medical school or fellowship in any Graduate Medical Education program sponsored by Johns Hopkins) are conditional, based on a review of the prospective house officer’s criminal background. The University reserves the right to rescind an offer of appointment to any educational or training program , including the Wilmer Eye Institute, to any individual whose background investigation reveals a history of criminal conduct that:

a) the University reasonably determines increases the risk of harm to patients or individuals on Johns Hopkins premises;or
b) was not accurately disclosed in response to a direct question regarding criminal history on any application for admission or appointment in connection with the program; or
c) is inconsistent with the high standard of ethical conduct required of all members of the academic community or is otherwise unbefitting a member of the academic community. A complete description of the policy is available upon request.

The deadline for submitting applications to CAS is September 15, 2007. Applications are currently being considered for the 2008-2009 Wilmer Residency Program.

Interview Process

Approximately 45 individuals will be invited to visit Wilmer and interview with the Residency Selection Committee.  The interview dates for 2007 are October 15, October 29, and November 3.  An interview day consists of a welcome and overview of the program by Dr. Peter McDonnell, Chairman and Director of the Wilmer Eye Institute and Dr. Neil Miller, Chairman of the Residency Selection Committee.  You will have the opportunity to meet and talk with every member of the selection committee in 5 separate interviews.  The resident selection committee has representative members from every sub-specialty and from each of the sites including the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC).  Dr. M. Vaughn Emerson, a former resident of the Wilmer Eye Institute who is the Assistant Chief of Service for the 2007-2008 year, and Dr. Margaret Chang, who will be the Assistant Chief of Service for the 2008-2009 year, will also be available to answer questions.  Current residents will be available throughout the interview day and will also host social events that will provide ample opportunity for you to have any questions answered.

The residency selection process prohibits programs from directly contacting applicants following their interviews.  However, should you have any remaining questions or concerns that you wish to have addressed, our faculty, residents, and staff are happy to answer any questions.  Our residency coordinator, Cathy Taylor, can put you in contact with the appropriate person to answer your questions.

Please feel free to use the following contacts for further applicant information:

San Francisco California
Ophthalmology Matching Program
415-447-0350
www.sfmatch.org

Sr. Residency Program Coordinator
Cathy Taylor
410-955-8265
ctaylo65@jhmi.edu