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PGY-1 Preliminary Internal Medicine Internship

The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Ophthalmology Residency includes a required PGY-1 preliminary year in Internal Medicine. Applicants who match into the WSU BSOM Ophthalmology Residency will complete their internship through the Wright State Internal Medicine Residency Program before beginning dedicated ophthalmology training in the PGY-2 year.

The preliminary year is designed to provide a strong foundation in the care of medically complex patients and to prepare residents for the clinical responsibilities of ophthalmology training. Ophthalmology residents gain experience evaluating patients, managing acute and chronic medical conditions, working within multidisciplinary teams, and developing confidence in hospital-based care.

Internship Experience

During the PGY-1 year, ophthalmology residents will participate in the educational and clinical structure of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. The year includes inpatient medicine experiences, night team and admitting responsibilities, and other rotations intended to build core skills in patient assessment, communication, clinical reasoning, and systems-based care.

This internship also provides early connection to the WSU BSOM clinical learning environment, faculty, residents, and health system partners. The goal is for incoming ophthalmology residents to enter the PGY-2 year with a strong medical foundation, familiarity with local clinical systems, and an early sense of belonging within the residency program.

Ophthalmology Preparation During PGY-1

The preliminary year also creates opportunities for early exposure to ophthalmology. PGY-1 residents may participate in ophthalmology-related educational activities, resident didactics, clinical observation, or other experiences designed to support the transition into dedicated ophthalmology training.

By the end of the preliminary year, residents should be prepared to enter the PGY-2 year with stronger clinical judgment, improved comfort caring for complex patients, and an early understanding of the expectations of ophthalmology residency.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Ophthalmology Residency through the San Francisco Match (SF Match).

Because the PGY-1 preliminary Internal Medicine internship is a required component of the WSU BSOM Ophthalmology Residency, applicants must also register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants who match into the WSU BSOM Ophthalmology Residency will be expected to complete the required PGY-1 preliminary Internal Medicine year at Wright State.

There is no separate interview process for the preliminary Internal Medicine year. Applicants interview with the Ophthalmology Residency Program, and candidates who match into ophthalmology will complete the linked preliminary internship as part of the overall training pathway.

Application Steps

  1. Apply to the WSU BSOM Ophthalmology Residency through SF Match.
  2. Register with the NRMP for the required preliminary Internal Medicine internship.
  3. Complete the ophthalmology residency interview process.
  4. If matched into WSU BSOM Ophthalmology, candidates must apply to the WSU BSOM Prelim IM track in the NRMP match.
  5. Complete the required PGY-1 preliminary Internal Medicine year at Wright State before entering PGY-2 ophthalmology training.

Applicants should review SF Match and NRMP timelines carefully to ensure all registration, ranking, and application requirements are completed by the appropriate deadlines.