Ophthalmology ST1 Portfolio Masterclass
You’ve ploughed your way through revision and sitting the MSRA, now it’s time to make sure that your portfolio is up to scratch and ready for submission. All of the hard-work preparing for your ophthalmology portfolio is going to be reflected in your portfolio score so this guide aims to give you tips on how to maximise it.
The scoring system
This is an overview of the sections covered in the portfolio scoring system (2024):
Previous posts (0 points)
Additional qualifications (5 points)
Prizes/awards (5 points)
Ophthalmology specialty links (12 points)
Multi-source feedback (3 points)
Publications (6 points)
Quality improvement projects/audits (5 points)
Presentations (6 points)
Education and teaching (5 points)
Portfolio layout (3 points)
As a general rule of thumb, we’d advise you to aim for 32+ to receive an offer, and 38+ if you want to be in a competitive location. Note that, at the time of writing, Severn deanery have said that if a domain is scored at x.5, then the score will be rounded up.
Dr Rishi Ganhewar, who ranked 1st in the 2024 Ophthalmology application process, discusses in detail each of the sections in the portfolio and how you can maximise the points in each section in our webinar below.
Tips on maximising your portfolio score
Align interests with points
If you can align your own interests and expectations with what they are looking from you in the portfolio, then the process is that bit more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Be organised, work hard and plan smartly
Focus on the low hanging fruits and really make sure that you don’t lose out on those easy points because every little counts.
You can get points up until the submission date so keep churning away until the last moment when you have to click that submit button!
As a medical student, you are already ahead in the game so try to nab as many points as you can, such as by doing the Duke Elder course.
If you would like to write articles for Eye Academy and to gain some points as a ‘non-peer reviewed publication’ in the Specialty Links section, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Write your own letters
Following on from being organised, writing your own letters (then asking supervisors to review and sign them) is very helpful. It allows you to demonstrate your achievements ensures that the correct wording is used to make it fair and appropriate. In addition, you can also tailor them so that they are easy to mark by the assessors, so that you can get all the points that you deserve. Our ST1 Portfolio Review service includes free letter templates and guides that you can access.
Self-score and plan
As you go along with building your portfolio, keep calculating your score and see where else you can gain more points. The points are all laid out for you so be sure to get as many as you can.
How we can help
Eye Academy understands that the portfolio can be daunting and it’d be useful for you to get feedback to make life that little bit easier. Therefore, we are now offering a ST1 Portfolio Review service which will give you a personalised portfolio score of your evidence, plus a one-to-one feedback session to give you further advice and share more tips.
In addition, we have a ready-made, applicant-focussed ST1 Interview course that you can attend. It includes full mock interviews, personalised feedback and high-yield lectures.
We also provide you with lots of information in different formats such as webinars, articles and posts so please join us on our various social media platforms including a WhatsApp Community, Linked in and Instagram.
TLDR summary
A strong portfolio score significantly impacts your chances of getting an interview and securing a competitive location.
The portfolio is assessed in several sections, and aiming for a score of 32+ is recommended to receive an offer, with 38+ needed for competitive locations.
Focus on easy points ("low-hanging fruits") to ensure you don’t miss out!
Leverage opportunities as a medical student, like completing the Duke Elder course, which can earn you valuable points.
Draft your own letters.
Regularly calculate your score as you build your portfolio to track where you can earn additional points.
