Abstract
Background The ophthalmology residency matching program is the first successful medical specialty
match, dating back to 1979. This article reviews the impetus for starting the match
and the roles that ophthalmologists Bruce Spivey, MD, and August Colenbrander, MD,
PhD, played in establishing the match and developing the machinery to make it possible.
Challenges to the match's operations over the years have improved the process.
Objective This article aims to research the roles of key individuals and institutions in establishing
and maintaining the ophthalmology residency matching program.
Methods Oral and written interviews with key participants in establishing and maintaining
the match were conducted. Primary and secondary written materials were reviewed.
Results Two physicians played key roles in establishing the ophthalmology residency matching
program. Bruce Spivey, MD, spearheaded the drive to persuade the Association of University
Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) to support and sponsor the match. August Colenbrander,
MD, PhD, created the original match algorithm and single-handedly ran the match process
in the early years. Obstacles were overcome, including resistance from the Association
of American Medical College's National Resident Matching Program, a challenge to the
validity of the algorithm, and the threat that antitrust laws might prohibit all graduate
medical education residency match programs. The ophthalmology match evolved over time
to become a more formal entity, the San Francisco Matching Program (SF Match). With
continued support of the AUPO, the process of matching applicants to residency programs
has flourished despite contemporary challenges related to electronic applications
and social media.
Conclusion The ophthalmology residency matching program has benefited applicants and teaching
programs for more than four decades due to visionary founders, ongoing support of
the AUPO, and strong leadership within SF Match.
Keywords
ophthalmology residency match - graduate medical education - history of ophthalmology
