Ophthalmology residents at UCSD enjoy an array of benefits and resources provided by the UCSD Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) as well as from the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute. These include the following:
The salary scale for AY 2023-2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) is listed below:
UCSD offers generous insurance coverage for housestaff and dependents. For full details, please see the latest information on the UC Resident Benefits page.
As a resident, you can start contributing to retirement savings via multiple tax-favorable vehicles offered by the University of California, including the mandatory Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) and the voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. These plans are operated through Fidelity Investments. Learn more about retirement benefits.
UCSD GME offers financial support for your California medical license, so residents do not need to pay for this directly out of pocket. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) application fees are waived for residents at UCSD. In addition, residents are eligible for reimbursement of costs associated with USMLE Step III exams.
All housestaff at UCSD receive $10,000 in housing stipend (as of Academic Year 2023-2024) to help offset costs of living in San Diego. UCSD GME and the San Diego House Staff Association Union determine how funds are disbursed (e.g., as monthly installments vs. lump sum payments).
UCSD housestaff receive meal funding on their ID cards to be able to buy food from eligible dining venues at the health system, both in La Jolla and Hillcrest. As of 2023-2024, the meal support consists of $200 per month.
The department provides support for catered lunches for the residents every Monday with the didactic lecture series. These lunches are typically catered from leading area establishments with a wide range of cuisines based on residents’ preferences.
The department purchases the AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course along with the AAO’s Practical Ophthalmology: A Manual for Beginning Residents. These are sent to our residents during their PGY1 year to help them get started on their ophthalmology course material. These textbooks are valued at over $1500.
The department provides approximately $500 per year from PGY2 to PGY4 for residents to use on educational supplies such as textbooks or online educational materials.
An additional $300 is provided for residents to use at any time during their residency for the purchase of equipment such as loupes or lenses.
The department supports each resident in obtaining 3 embroidered items, which includes white coats, scrubs, and/or jacket.
Airfare and lodging are supported by the Ophthalmology department for residents presenting as first author at national meetings, up to $800 per resident per conference.
Residents get four weeks of vacation per year, as well as state and federal holidays. Time off is scheduled into rotations early in the year in either one- or two-week blocks. Additional time is allotted for residents presenting at national meetings or attending fellowship or practice interviews.
Other assorted benefits provided by the department for residents include the following:
"I have nothing but good things to say about Shiley. I have been a patient there for more than 25yrs. I have had so many complications with my vision, and have seen various specialists at Shiley.. The doctors there are top notch, and have saved my eyesight on several occasions with emergency situations. Thank goodness We have Shiley here in San Diego."
Visitor
"I am extremely impressed with the Coronavirus preventative measures they have in place. I had some anxiety when I needed to go there for an appointment after the precautions went into effect. They have social distancing inside and outside the building. Every person wears a mask. Hand sanitizer is at the entrance and no one is allowed in until 12 questions are answered and your temperature is taken."
Patient
"I have nothing but good things to say about Shiley. I have been a patient there for more than 25yrs. I have had so many complications with my vision, and have seen various specialists at Shiley.. The doctors there are top notch, and have saved my eyesight on several occasions with emergency situations. Thank goodness We have Shiley here in San Diego."
Visitor
"I am extremely impressed with the Coronavirus preventative measures they have in place. I had some anxiety when I needed to go there for an appointment after the precautions went into effect. They have social distancing inside and outside the building. Every person wears a mask. Hand sanitizer is at the entrance and no one is allowed in until 12 questions are answered and your temperature is taken."
Patient
"I have nothing but good things to say about Shiley. I have been a patient there for more than 25yrs. I have had so many complications with my vision, and have seen various specialists at Shiley.. The doctors there are top notch, and have saved my eyesight on several occasions with emergency situations. Thank goodness We have Shiley here in San Diego."
Visitor