Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

Ophthalmology Analyst Verified · Aug 31, 2026

Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program is a residency program specializing in Ophthalmology, located in Loma Linda, California, directed by Samantha E. Perea, MD and coordinated by Jason Polanco. The program accepts applications through September 30, 2027. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (909) 558-2182. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

Loma Linda University's ophthalmology residency is an academic, faith-mission-oriented program built on a multi-site clinical model spanning a university/community medical center, a VA hospital, a county safety-net system (RUHS), and a naval refractive surgery rotation, giving residents broad exposure to indigent, veteran, and tertiary-referral populations. Surgical volume is emphasized heavily, with residents consistently running 80-90% above national case-log averages and a structured progression from extraocular to intraocular surgery culminating in chief-level autonomy at each site. Research is required (one QI project, one research project per resident) but explicitly subordinated to clinical/surgical skill development, and the program is expanding its research enterprise with a new basic science lab. The program's Adventist mission identity is distinctive and active: residents are funded and encouraged to complete international surgical mission trips, reflecting an explicit institutional value on global service alongside surgical competence.

Who it fits

An applicant whose ERAS narrative combines strong surgical/procedural interest with demonstrated global health or medical mission involvement, seeking broad safety-net and VA surgical exposure rather than a narrowly research-driven academic track.

Research intensity

Moderate - required but explicitly secondary to clinical/surgical training, though growing via a new research enterprise.

Career orientation

Mixed - Community Practice, Fellowship

Important

The program highlights mission/global surgical service as a valued resident activity, with dedicated funding (Robert Shearer MD Mission Fund, Dorothy McNeil Walker Residency Fund) and allotted time for international surgical trips.

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