On Feb. 1, medical students and training programs experienced a memorable and historic Match Day for ophthalmology: the first ophthalmology students to match in a pandemic!
See a slide show of some of the festive Match Day 2021 photos, and let’s celebrate!
During this cycle students endured a lot of unanticipated challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic year. Because of COVID-19, some critical clerkships were canceled, visiting rotations were shut down, research doors were closed, scientific meetings where students could present their projects and shine were converted to virtual meetings without the glory of the podium. Since the in-person AAO 2020 in Las Vegas was canceled, students also missed out on the tradition of meeting their potential mentors and networking with future programs.
This group of students persevered and showed us their adaptability during a time of adversity. In this strange and difficult pandemic year mentoring, teaching and learning were forced to take on new looks including virtual residency interviews! Ophthalmology students flexed and thrived! There is no doubt in my mind that we’ve got some of the most talented and resilient students entering our field of ophthalmology. The Academy’s YO committee congratulates all the students and welcome them to our distinguished profession!
Janice C. Law
YO Committee Chair