Phase 1: Preclinical Years
Preclinical Course Grades
It is important to study diligently for your basic science courses during your first and second years of medical school and, if your school does not use pass/fail for preclinicals, to earn as many Honors and Near Honors grades as possible. While these grades are not weighted as strongly as your grades in clinical rotations (according to Nallasamy's 2010 study), they will still appear on your transcript. [2] Furthermore, they can be important in being elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society, and mastering knowledge of the basic sciences will prove useful when it comes time to take the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Board Exams.
Extracurricular Activities
Grades are important, but residency programs also want well-rounded and interesting residents. It is recommended applicants choose several extracurricular activities to pursue. These may include student organizations, student government, tutoring, service projects, or other activities. Ophthalmology-related groups at the Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) include ReSpectacle, UI Sight, Free Eye Clinic, and Ophthalmology Interest Group. These groups provide early opportunities to practice exam skills and engage with ophthalmology residents. There are many non-specialty-specific volunteer opportunities available in the Iowa City area, and research positions are plentiful as a medical student. Of note, it is not necessary to do research with ophthalmology faculty, although this can be useful later on for recommendation letters.
If you are a student at Iowa, you should pursue one of the Research, Service, Humanities, Healthcare Delivery Science Management & Policy (HDSM), Teaching, or Global Health Distinction Tracks to gain official recognition for your activities. Many of these tracks require early interest, so do not wait to join a track until your second year! The summer between your first and second years is a great time to work on a Distinction Track project.
Finally, apply for scholarships as they are available. There is a rather large section on the SF Match application specifically asking for awards you have received and activities that you have participated in. It is best to get involved with these activities early as time does not become any more abundant during your core clerkships.
NEXT PAGE: Phase 2: Core Clerkships
