Ophthalmology Residency Application Coversheet

Ophthalmology ResidencyApplication CoversheetName: Heger, Michael

Applicant ID: 65264

Applicant info

Documents included

LETTER S O F R EFE R E N C E

Name: Michael Heger

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-406-794-6775

Year of Graduation: 2022

Medical School Country: United States

Medical School Name: St. Louis University School of Medicine

Document Description Date Uploaded Document Source

College Transcript 08/25/2021 Applicant

Med School Transcript 08/19/2021 Medical School User

USMLE Step 1 08/08/2021 Applicant

USMLE Step 2 CK 08/08/2021 Applicant

MSPE 09/24/2021 Medical School User

Letter of Reference 1

Name: Steven Shields

Title: Associate Professor Department of Ophthalmology

Institution: Saint Louis University

Email: [email protected]:Address: St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Applicant has waived access to letter: Yes


Name: Eduardo Rodrigues

Title: Assistant Professor Department of Ophthalmology





Name: Deana Mikhalkova

Title: Assistant Professor Division of Cardiology




Ophthalmology ResidencyName: Heger, Michael

Applicant ID: 65264

Applicant info

Name: Michael Heger

Email: [email protected]

Credentials:

Cell Phone: 1-406-794-6775

Home Phone:

Pager:

Address: 2333 Tennessee Ave, Apt 1S, St. Louis Missouri 63104, United States

Permanent Address:

ED U C ATIO N

Medical

Gold HumanismNo, I was not selected.AOANo, I was not selected

Institution name: St. Louis University School of Medicine

Address: Saint Louis U. SoM, 1402 S. Grand, St. Louis Missouri 63104, United States

Attendance: 08/2018 - 05/2022

Degrees: MD

GPA:

Class Rank:

Undergraduate education

Institution name: Montana State University

Address: Bozeman Montana 59717, United States

Attendance: 06/2012 - 12/2016

Degrees: BS

Honors Highest Honors

GPA: 3.96

Major: Electrical Engineering

EXA M IN AT IO N S

USMLE

USMLE ID: 54423090

Step Date 3 Digit Score Times taken Outcome

Step 1 05/18/2020 249 1

Step 2 CK 05/27/2021 254 1

Step 2 CS

Step 3

I expect to take USMLE: Exam on:

My score in:

Employment

Dates Employed:01/01/2017 - 03/01/2018

OR Aide/Anesthesia TechEmployer name: Bozeman Health

Address: 915 Highland Blvd, Bozeman Montana, United States

Dates Employed:06/01/2016 - 08/01/2016

Summer AdvisorEmployer name: Midtown Educational Foundation

Address: 1819 N. Wood St., Chicago Illinois, United States

Dates Employed:05/01/2015 - 08/01/2015

Product Engineer InternEmployer name: Micron Technology

Address: 8000 S Federal Way, Boise Idaho, United States

Dates Employed:06/01/2013 - 08/01/2013

Tennis InstructorEmployer name: Billings Parks and Recreation

Address: 390 N 23rd St, Billings Montana, United States

PU B LIC AT IO N S

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts (Published)

Wide-field imaging combined with confocal microscopy using a miniature f/5 camera integrated within a high NAobjective lensAuthor(s): Dickensheets DL, Kreitinger S, Peterson G, Heger M, Rajadhyaksha M.

Name: Optics Letters

Issue Number: 7

Month/Year: 04/2017

PubMedId: 28362739

Publication Volume: 42

Pages: 1241-1244

Website (URL): https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.42.001241

Honors, awards, achievements, research activities, outside interest and hobbies

Scholarships

Montana University Systems Honors Scholarship (2012-2016)

Research

Saint Louis University (2021)

Data review and analysis for presenting ocular symptoms of neurosyphilis in the St. Louis area

Montana State University (2014)

Constructed video camera apparatus in handheld skin surveillance microscope for skin cancer detection

Designed illumination circuitry, implemented machining techniques, and utilized clean-room technologies

Extracurriculars

Hippocratic Forum - Intern (2021)

Organization of medical trainees and physicians meeting monthly to discuss ideals and challenges in medicine and ways to promote professionalism, relationships, andmindful reflection

Hobbies

Gardening

Pickleball

Basketball

Fishing

https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.42.001241

Additional Info

1. Are you legally eligible to work in the U.S. during the duration of this training program? Yes No

2. Do you now or in the future need sponsorship from an employer in order to obtain, extend, or renew your authorization in the U.S.? Yes No

If yes, what type of Visa will you pursue?

J1 H-1B O-1 Other:

Licenses/Examinations

I have passed the following:

NBME ECFMG FLEX VQE COMLEX Other:

Career Objectives

Seeking to enter the field of Ophthalmology, I envision continuing in my training to specialize in pediatrics after residency. As an ophthalmologist, I hope to return to my homestate of Montana and serve as a community physician. Though currently there are no medical schools or academic programs within the state, I believe I can still serve as aneducator through my work with the pediatric population. I hope to educate children through community outreach and encourage students to enter the medical field, especiallyophthalmology.

Specialty electives and related activities

Electives

Clinical Ophthalmology - July 2021

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Ophthalmology - September 2021 (future elective)

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Presentations

Grand Rounds Case Presentation - August 2021

Department of Ophthalmology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Public service and activities

Volunteer Activities

Advisor for The Elements, St. Louis, MO

September 2019 - Present

40 hours completed

Tutor for SLU Stars, St. Louis, MO

September 2018 - December 2019

12 hours completed

Store Assistant for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Billings, MT

May 2018 - July 2018

100 hours completed

Night Admission Assistant for HRDC Warming Center, Bozeman, MT

February 2018 - May 2018

20 hours completed

Self-Identification

In the interest of increasing and ensuring diversity in the ophthalmology profession, the AUPO is providing applicants the opportunity to voluntarily self-identify themselves asunderrepresented minority (URM) in the residency match process. For the purpose of the initiative, under-represented minorities in the ophthalmology include: Black orAfrican Americans, Hispanic Latinos, and American Indians or Alaskan Natives. If you are interested in voluntarily providing this information to programs, please indicate soby checking the box. I am an underrepresented minority.Self Identification URM: Yes

Personal statement

Autobiography:

I was raised on a charming, 10-acre hobby-farm in south-central Montana, where working was expected and dinner potentially came from a handful of different animals. Asthe middle child of seven kids, things were frequently busy at home; I often spent the school year between sports, academics and watching my younger siblings. Math andscience intrigued me early on and as I approached college, I decided to study Electrical Engineering at nearby Montana State University. Located in Bozeman, MT, andnestled comfortably in the mountains, I am proud to say I attended one of the prettiest campuses in the country. During this time, I was fortunate to spend my summers invarious environments, including mentoring inner-city students in Chicago and interning at a memory manufacturer in Idaho. College provided me the opportunity to trypractical forms of engineering through my internship and lab work in an optics research group. While I appreciated my studies in Electrical Engineering, I found myselfseeking a different career path as I neared graduation. Medicine quickly grabbed my attention through its integration of science, technology, and impact on the human person.Following graduation, I spent a couple more years in Bozeman working as an OR aide and anesthesia tech while also completing prerequisite coursework. Through theseexperiences I gained valuable insight into the field of medicine and built a foundation in the biological sciences. All the while I solidified my decision to pursue medicine, whichsoon brought me to St. Louis, where I began navigating this immense field and discerning my fit within.

Reflecting on my childhood and the setting where I grew up, I regard a strong work ethic as the theme that intimately ties me to my past. Summers and weekends werefrequently spent outside tending to animals (cows, goats, sheep, and even an alpaca), building fences, watering plants, or performing necessary tasks. Here I witnessed theexample of my father and his exceptional work ethic. Though he farmed only in recreation, he demonstrated the value of work when enhanced by the service it provides toothers, for the good of others. I had the unique opportunity to participate in these efforts firsthand, ultimately directed for the good of my family. This example, imparted on meby my father, is a treasure I seek to incorporate in my own hobbies and profession. Whether tending to my own garden, caring for my patients, or carrying out my otherobligations, I hope to benefit those I am responsible to by living out this ideal.

With this value of work ethic in mind, I am excited at the prospect of working in Ophthalmology. To me this field not only promotes a sense vital to human function, but it offersa tool whereby humans can attach meaning to their lives, shaping thought, action, and life! It is because of this that I desire to enter Ophthalmology with the goal of impactingthe visual health of patients, thereby assisting them to live more limitlessly.

Describe an important mentor and relate how that person has been helpful to you.

While there is no short list of the people who have mentored me, one noteworthy individual is my friend Jon. He influenced me the most by his quest for knowledge andpersonal growth, while also providing a model for open-mindedness. From his numerous academic pursuits to the current trends of pop-culture, he is always striving tobroaden the horizons of his own capacities. There are many modes by which Jon acquires his knowledge, but his most valued form is through conversation with people. Jon’sdesire to learn of new perspectives allows him to cultivate relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds. This mindset has provided a challenge to me and my naturaltendency for reservation and introversion. Since meeting Jon, I have felt more emboldened to strike up new conversation and open myself up to new people and ideas.

Jon has been a strong and influential mentor for me in my interpersonal relationships as well. Through his example and his insightful guidance, I have found my relationshipsstronger by practicing open-mindedness. For example, one of Jon’s most used phrases is, “What do you mean by that?” Though a simple question, it has been a powerfultool in my attempt to understand other points of view. Rather than interpreting someone’s words or assuming their meaning, this question is invaluable to better understandingothers while minimizing misinterpretation. Jon has been a critical mentor and friend and helped me develop these tools which have grown my relationships in quantity andquality.

If you were to start an ophthalmology residency program, what would be the three core values you would base it on?

The first value I would take into Ophthalmology is responsibility. A sense of responsibility to my patients and colleagues would motivate my work and help me be engagedwith those I serve. I strive to exemplify this mindset in my studies and clinical rotations. I am confident that my sense of responsibility will continue to develop into myresidency as I seek to address the visual health of those in need.

Another core value I desire to display is joy. Looking back on previous experiences, colleagues of mine who were most effective, in my opinion, expressed enthusiasm in theirwork. I found their enthusiasm to be both inspiring and contagious. I’m emboldened to imitate their example to promote a friendly and comfortable work environment. I’ve alsoexperienced patients to be more receptive to medical advice when they encounter a cheerful environment, where they feel respected and valued. For both my patients andmy colleagues, I want to contribute a joyful attitude to the field of Ophthalmology.

The last core value that I find crucial is to have a sense of gratitude. I have been blessed with encountering many helpful and dedicated individuals throughout my life whohave been instrumental in my development. To honor and acknowledge the help I’ve received, I want to display a sense of gratitude that influences my interactions duringresidency.

Page 1 of 4

FROM THE EXAMINEE’S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY. SHOULD RELY SOLELY ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY

FOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES

Step 1 Score ReportUnited States Medical Licensing Examination®

NAME: Heger, Michael Joseph5-442-309-0USMLE ID: May 18, 2020EST DATE:T

249PASSTest Result

Your PerformanceTest Score

Your Performance Compared to Other Examinees

The chart below represents the distribution of scores for examinees from US and Canadian medical schools taking Step 1 231 Reported scores range from 1-300 with a mean of 8 and December 31, 2018.for the first time between January 1, 201

.20and a standard deviation of

249

Your Score

MinimumPassing Score

194

If you tested repeatedly under the same conditions on a different set of items covering the same content, withoutlearning or forgetting, your score would fall within one standard error of the estimate (SEE) of your current score

points.8 The SEE on this exam is two-thirds of the time.

241 – 257Your score +/- SEE:

Page 2 of 4

United States Medical Licensing Examination

Step 1 Score Report

ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM THE EXAMINEE'S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY.FOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES SHOULD RELY SOLELY


Your Relative Strengths and Weaknesses

examination is indicated below.lower than your overall Step 1 performance. The percentage range of items from each content area on the Step 1 the same as your overall Step 1 performance. A box in the "Lower" column indicates that your performance in that area was performance shown on page 1. A box in the "Same" column indicates that your performance in that area was similar to or examination. A box in the "Higher" column indicates that your performance in that area was higher than your overall Step 1 The boxes below indicate areas of relatively lower or higher performance in each content area within the Step 1

integrative, USMLE recommends reviewing all content areas if retaking the test.This information can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness to guide future study. Because the exam is highly

Performance by Physician Task Relative to Your Overall Step 1 Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same Higher0MK: Applying Foundational Science Concepts (52 - 62%)

0PC: Diagnosis (20 - 30%)

0PC: Management (7 - 12%)

0PBLI: Evidence-Based Medicine (5 - 7%)

Abbreviations: MK, Medical Knowledge; PC, Patient Care; PBLI, Practice-based Learning and Improvement.

Page 3 of 4


Step 1 Score Report

ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM THE EXAMINEE'S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY.FOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES SHOULD RELY SOLELY


Performance by System Relative to Your Overall Step 1 Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same Higher0General Principles (13 - 17%)

0Behavioral Health & Nervous Systems/Special Senses (9 - 13%)

0Reproductive & Endocrine Systems (9 - 13%)

0Respiratory & Renal/Urinary Systems (9 - 13%)

0Blood & Lymphoreticular/Immune Systems (7 - 11%)

0Multisystem Processes & Disorders (7 - 11%)

0Cardiovascular System (6 - 10%)

0Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue (6 - 10%)

0Gastrointestinal System (5 - 9%)

0Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health (5 - 7%)

Performance by Discipline Relative to Your Overall Step 1 Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same Higher0Pathology (45 - 52%)

0Physiology (26 - 34%)

0Pharmacology (16 - 23%)

0Biochemistry & Nutrition (12 - 15%)

0Gross Anatomy & Embryology (11 - 15%)

0Microbiology (11 - 15%)

0Histology & Cell Biology (9 - 13%)

0Behavioral Sciences (8 - 12%)

0Immunology (7 - 11%)

0Genetics (5 - 9%)

Page 4 of 4


Step 1 Score ReportSupplemental Information: Understanding the Content Areas

form on the USMLE website (https://www.usmle.org/contact/) if you have additional questions.Step 1, can be found in the information materials on the USMLE website (https://www.usmle.org). Please use the contact guiding remediation. Descriptions of the topics covered in these content areas, as well as other topics covered on USMLE The information below is a visual representation of the content weighting on this examination that may be informative in

(% Items Per Test)Physician TaskMK: Applying Foundational Science Concepts (52 - 62%)PC: Diagnosis (20 - 30%)PC: Management (7 - 12%)PBLI: Evidence-Based Medicine (5 - 7%)

Abbreviations: MK, Medical Knowledge; PC, Patient Care; PBLI, Practice-based Learning and Improvement.

(% Items Per Test)SystemGeneral Principles (13 - 17%)Behavioral Health & Nervous Systems/Special Senses (9 - 13%)Reproductive & Endocrine Systems (9 - 13%)Respiratory & Renal/Urinary Systems (9 - 13%)Blood & Lymphoreticular/Immune Systems (7 - 11%)Multisystem Processes & Disorders (7 - 11%)Cardiovascular System (6 - 10%)Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue (6 - 10%)Gastrointestinal System (5 - 9%)Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health (5 - 7%)

(% Items Per Test)DisciplinePathology (45 - 52%)Physiology (26 - 34%)Pharmacology (16 - 23%)Biochemistry & Nutrition (12 - 15%)Gross Anatomy & Embryology (11 - 15%)Microbiology (11 - 15%)Histology & Cell Biology (9 - 13%)Behavioral Sciences (8 - 12%)Immunology (7 - 11%)Genetics (5 - 9%)

Page 1 of 4

United States Medical Licensing Examination®

Step 2 CK Score ReportFOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES

SHOULD RELY SOLELY ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM THE EXAMINEE’S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY.

NAME: Heger, Michael JosephUSMLE ID: 5-442-309-0 TEST DATE: May 27, 2021

Test Result

Your Performance

PASSTest Score

254Your Performance Compared to Other Examinees

The chart below represents the distribution of scores for examinees from LCME-accredited US/Canadian medical schools taking Step 2 CK for the first time between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Reported scores range from 1-300 with a mean of 245 and a standard deviation of 15.

Minimum Passing Score

209

254

Your Score

If you tested repeatedly under the same conditions on a different set of items covering the same content, without learning or forgetting, your score would fall within one standard error of the estimate (SEE) of your current score two-thirds of the time. The SEE on this exam is 8 points.

Your score +/- SEE: 246 – 262

Page 2 of 4

Step 2 CK Score Report


FOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES SHOULD RELY SOLELY ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM THE EXAMINEE’S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY.


Your Relative Strengths and Weaknesses

The boxes below indicate areas of relatively lower or higher performance in each content area within the Step 2 CK examination. A box in the "Higher" column indicates that your performance in that area was higher than your overallStep 2 CK performance shown on page 1. A box in the "Same" column indicates that your performance in that area was similar to or the same as your overall Step 2 CK performance. A box in the “Lower” column indicates that your performance in that area was lower than your overall Step 2 CK performance. The percentage range of items from each content area on the Step 2 CK examination is indicated below.

This information can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness to guide future study. Because the exam is highly integrative, USMLE recommends reviewing all content areas if retaking the test.

Performance by Physician Task Relative to Your Overall Step 2 CK Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same HigherPC: Diagnosis (34 - 46%)

PC: Pharmacotherapy, Interventions & Management (26 - 38%)

PC: Health Maint, Prevention & Surveillance (8 - 12%)

Ethics/Professionalism (5 - 7%)

Systems-Based Practice/Patient Safety (5 - 7%)

Abbreviation: PC, Patient Care.

Page 3 of 4



FOR EXAMINEE USE ONLY. THIRD-PARTY USERS OF USMLE SCORES SHOULD RELY SOLELY ON OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM THE EXAMINEE’S USMLE REGISTRATION ENTITY.


Performance by System Relative to Your Overall Step 2 CK Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same HigherCardiovascular System (8 - 10%)

Gastrointestinal System (7 - 9%)

Respiratory System (7 - 9%)

Musculoskeletal Sys/Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue (6 - 10%)

Behavioral Health (6 - 8%)

Nervous System & Special Senses (6 - 8%)

Blood & Lymphoreticular System (4 - 6%)

Endocrine System (4 - 6%)

Female Reproductive & Breast (4 - 6%)

Multisystem Processes & Disorders (4 - 6%)

Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium (4 - 6%)

Renal & Urinary System & Male Reproductive (4 - 6%)

Immune System (3 - 5%)

Performance by Discipline Relative to Your Overall Step 2 CK Performance

(% Items Per Test) Lower Same HigherMedicine (50 - 60%)

Surgery (25 - 30%)

Pediatrics (20 - 25%)

Obstetrics & Gynecology (10 - 20%)

Psychiatry (10 - 15%)

Page 4 of 4



Supplemental Information: Understanding the Content Areas

The information below is a visual representation of the content weighting on this examination that may be informative in guiding remediation. Descriptions of the topics covered in these content areas, as well as other topics covered on USMLE Step 2 CK, can be found in the information materials on the USMLE website (https://www.usmle.org). Please use the contact form on the USMLE website (https://www.usmle.org/contact/) if you have additional questions.

Physician Task (% Items Per Test)PC: Diagnosis (34 - 46%)PC: Pharmacotherapy, Interventions & Management (26 - 38%)PC: Health Maint, Prevention & Surveillance (8 - 12%)Ethics/Professionalism (5 - 7%)Systems-Based Practice/Patient Safety (5 - 7%)

Abbreviation: PC, Patient Care.

System (% Items Per Test)Cardiovascular System (8 - 10%)Gastrointestinal System (7 - 9%)Respiratory System (7 - 9%)Musculoskeletal Sys/Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue (6 - 10%)Behavioral Health (6 - 8%)Nervous System & Special Senses (6 - 8%)Blood & Lymphoreticular System (4 - 6%)Endocrine System (4 - 6%)Female Reproductive & Breast (4 - 6%)Multisystem Processes & Disorders (4 - 6%)Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium (4 - 6%)Renal & Urinary System & Male Reproductive (4 - 6%)Immune System (3 - 5%)

Discipline (% Items Per Test)Medicine (50 - 60%)Surgery (25 - 30%)Pediatrics (20 - 25%)Obstetrics & Gynecology (10 - 20%)Psychiatry (10 - 15%)