Can You Use an Lor From Im Doctor for Family Medicine Residnecy

How to get the best rec letters for medical residency, including a sample alphabetic character of recommendation for residency

THE ERAS Letter of the alphabet OF RECOMMENDATION IS A CRITICAL PART OF YOUR MEDICAL RESIDENCY APPLICATION

Introduction

An important part of applying to residencies is getting physicians to vouch for your clinical skills. Over the class of medical school, you lot've likely developed some great relationships with doctors and professors who volition be excited to write on your behalf. But when, how, and who exactly to ask can be a challenge. Perhaps you've been diligent, requesting letters of recommendation from the kickoff of your rotations. Or maybe you're requesting letters of recommendation a few months earlier ERAS begins processing medical residency applications on September 15th.

Regardless of where y'all are in the procedure, you probable have questions like:

• "I had good working relationships with a number of doctors throughout the last four years, but I never got to know any of them personally. How well does someone need to know me in social club to write for me?"

• "I accept a expert human relationship with Dr. Gupta, only she'south spread thin and is known to write short, and non always warm messages. I don't know Dr. Braswell as well, merely he has connections at Stanford, which is my ideal residency program. Who'south the amend person to write for me?"

• "Should I go a recommendation letter from Dr. Lee? I don't think I did a stellar job when he was supervising my radiology rotation, but I'k applying for a radiology residency and I experience like the two radiology-specific letters I take might not be plenty."

• "One of my recommenders fell off the map. Will information technology be too late to submit their letter of recommendation if they go it to me next month?"

We've written a comprehensive guide to the ERAS letter of recommendation to reply these questions and more than. Though letters of recommendation are one of the materials in the residency application process that yous don't have much control over, it's important to know as much about these letters as possible.

In the NRMP'south 2020 Program Director Survey, messages of recommendation were rated the second-almost important gene in selecting which candidates to interview, with 84 percentage of plan directors stating that they took letters of rec into account. Additionally, letters of recommendation received an average "importance rating" of four.3, on a calibration of 1–five.

Why are these messages and then significant? Because everything you've done upwardly to this point on the road to condign a doctor has been more or less academic—you lot've been in the classroom, studying, acing tests, and and so on. Simply at present residency programs are hiring you as part of a job application procedure. That's why references and evidence of how you've worked with others are crucial.

This guide covers the ins and outs of the ERAS letter of recommendation to make sure that your second-nigh important awarding slice shines.

Click on any question below to spring directly to it.

• What types of recommendation messages for residency should I avoid?

• Should I ask for a residency recommendation letter in person or via e-mail?

• How should I inquire for an ERAS letter of recommendation in person?

• How should I inquire for a residency recommendation letter via e-mail?

• When and how should I remind my recommenders to submit?

• Should my recommendation messages be addressed to specific residency programs?

• Will I be able to view my ERAS letters of recommendation?

• What should I include in my thank you notes to recommenders?

• What is included in a letter of recommendation?

• How many messages of recommendation practice I need for the residency application?

• From whom should I request ERAS letters of recommendation?

• Do I accept to send letters exclusively from physicians working in my called specialty?

• When should I request letters of recommendation for residency?

• When is the ERAS alphabetic character of recommendation deadline?

• How many letters of recommendation should I send to residency programs?

• Can I send dissimilar letters to different residency programs?

• Does the MSPE count every bit a letter of recommendation?

• Does a section alphabetic character count as a letter of recommendation?

How many messages of recommendation do I need for the residency application?

You lot need at least three letters of recommendation per residency, and you can submit upward to four per residency. Yous tin check school-specific requirements using the AMA'southward FREIDA database.

From whom should I asking ERAS messages of recommendation?

Y'all should request letters of recommendation from those who have worked with yous in clinical settings, know y'all well, and can persuasively articulate your strengths. Though three letters are conventional, you will want to inquire for more than than three messages in instance a recommender goes G.I.A. as the deadline to submit approaches or yous're concerned that one of your letter writers may not write a stiff alphabetic character of recommendation. (It's worth mentioning: if you believe a author will not write you a strong letter of recommendation, enquire someone else.)

We recommend requesting messages from 4–v recommenders for each specialty to which you lot plan to utilize.

Finally, you desire to make sure that you lot've worked with the writers of your messages inside one year of applying to residencies.

Do I take to send letters exclusively from physicians working in my chosen specialty?

No, y'all do not have to send messages exclusive to your chosen specialty, but you should have at to the lowest degree 1 alphabetic character of recommendation from a physician in your specialty of choice. Ideally, you should have two letters of recommendation from physicians in your specialty of interest, virtually probable attendings with whom you worked on your rotations.

When should I request letters of recommendation for residency?

You should request letters of recommendation at least one month before September 29th. Ideally, you would request letters of recommendation at the very kickoff of a rotation, peculiarly if y'all know information technology's a specialty you hope to pursue for residency. Though request for a alphabetic character earlier y'all've even worked with a dr. may seem counterintuitive, in that location are certain perks to doing and so, including the following:

• Making your intentions articulate since the beginning indicates to letter writers that you lot have a strong and genuine interest in their specialty, and they tin can then comment on this in your letter.

• Letter of the alphabet writers will make a greater endeavor to assess your operation during the rotation, and their deep knowledge of your performance will see more strongly in their letter than information technology otherwise might if you inquire them for a letter after the fact.

• It will challenge you to perform your best during the rotation if you know from the start that your performance will be included in a letter of the alphabet to residencies.

• It incentivizes you lot to seek feedback on your performance throughout the rotation, which tin can both make you a stronger bidder and result in higher quality letters.

However, information technology'southward understandable if you'd rather wait until later a rotation is done to asking a letter of recommendation, specially if you're interested in seeing the grade you received in a rotation or constituent earlier doing so. If you're uncomfortable or unsure nigh requesting a letter of recommendation from the beginning of a rotation, you should request letters at the terminate of rotations in which you've performed well. Just be certain that yous've communicated the seriousness of your interest in that specialty well in advance of requesting the letter. If you take this approach, you may have your letter writers relieve the letter for you in their files or with an advising service at your school if available.

In improver, some attendings may offer to write you a letter of recommendation after your rotation. If this happens, have their offer. Even if yous decide to submit other messages when you ultimately send in your application, having that additional letter available may aid reduce stress if a writer is lagging on their submission. Plus, anyone who volunteers to write for you is likely pretty excited about your candidacy.

Finally, if you submit letters well in accelerate of the borderline, make certain to communicate with letter writers earlier they submit to have them update the dates on the letter and include any additional data, particularly if you've made recent additions to your CV and certainly if you have a polished personal argument to bear witness them.

(Farther reading: The Platonic ERAS Timeline)

When is the ERAS alphabetic character of recommendation borderline?

Messages are accepted throughout the application process, but you never want to exist the applicant who sabotages their lucifer by submitting late. And "late," in the example of the residency awarding, is September 29th, the first day that ERAS sends applications to programs. Make sure to communicate with your letter of the alphabet writers to upload their letters earlier September 29th to make sure you lot're in the running for those early on interview notifications. Many programs require that an bidder accept a minimum of two letters uploaded before they will schedule an interview, which is yet another reason not to miss the September 29th engagement.

How many letters of recommendation should I send to residency programs?

We recommend sending four letters of recommendation, even if three is conventional. That additional letter, bold it'southward every bit strong as the others, will brand you a more competitive applicant.

Can I send different messages to different residency programs?

Yes. While you can simply send four messages of recommendation to whatsoever given program, ERAS allows yous to store equally many letters every bit you'd like and to pick and choose which messages yous'd like to send to each program.

Does the MSPE count as a letter of recommendation?

The Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE), also known every bit the Dean'southward Letter of the alphabet, is 1 of the required materials you'll need to submit equally part of your ERAS awarding. All the same, the MSPE does non count towards your 4 letters of recommendation.

Does a department alphabetic character count as a letter of the alphabet of recommendation?

Some residency programs volition ask you to submit a "section letter" or "chair's letter," which is a alphabetic character of recommendation written by the chair of the section (i.e. the specialty) you've chosen to go into. While department letters are often standardized, this alphabetic character does count as one of your four letters of recommendation.

Because many medical schools have an established protocol that facilitates the writing of department letters, first check in with your section's administrative staff or your school'due south clerkship director. If no such protocol is in place, you can reach out to the department chair via email, adjusting the script given below, to request a coming together. It's okay if y'all have no prior relationship with the chair—they will be familiar with the requirement and will take written plenty of these letters earlier.

What types of recommendation messages for residency should I avoid?

Don't inquire someone with whom yous accept not worked closely to write you a letter of recommendation, even if they're superstars in their specialty—you'll fare meliorate having a alphabetic character from someone who knows y'all well and can speak to your strengths in detail, even if theirs isn't the splashiest name in the field. Avoid accepting messages of recommendation from writers who hesitate when yous inquire if they can write yous a "strong letter of recommendation." A lukewarm letter volition reflect poorly on your potential.

Finally, consider avoiding letters from someone who is hard to communicate with or unresponsive to your emails or requests to meet in person. This is non, withal, a rule. Sometimes these people are flaky schedulers because they're passionate about their field and may still be able to write a stiff letter for you. In other cases, though, these people can be scattered, which may bear on their power to write virtually your specific strengths. In borderline situations similar this, it's meliorate to request more messages of recommendation in the event that one of your writers doesn't come through, rather than to count them out entirely.

Should I ask for a residency recommendation letter in person or via electronic mail?

Ask for messages from professors in person whenever possible, and definitely if it's been a while since you've interacted with them.

Before y'all ask for a letter of recommendation, ready a packet for your recommenders that includes:

• Your CV or resume

• Your final or most-final personal statement

• Letter request form from ERAS

• A biographical sketch including career goals

• Copy of USMLE Step one and Step ii scores if bachelor

• Medical school transcript

How should I ask for an ERAS letter of recommendation in person?

Below are electronic mail scripts you can use to suit an in-person coming together:

Word-for-give-and-take email script when planning to ask someone you know well in person

Dear [Professor/Medico's Name],

I hope this message finds you lot well. I'one thousand applying to medical residencies in [specialty] this fall and was wondering if you'd be willing to share your insights on the process. I've always valued your perspective and your guidance would be much appreciated as I begin drafting materials. If yous are willing, please let me know when yous would exist available to meet in person. Thank you lot for your consideration!

Best,

[Your Proper name/Last Name]

Word-for-give-and-take e-mail script when planning to ask someone in person whom you lot haven't seen or spoken with in a while

Dear [Professor/Physician's Name],

I hope this message finds y'all well. My name is [Name/Last Name], and I participated in your [rotation/elective/class] during [Semester/year]. I really enjoyed working with you and learning about [specific and authentic details most your experience]. Since we last talked, [major update in your professional life, i.e. 'I did rotations in San Francisco in [specialty] and became certain I want to pursue [xyz].']

I'chiliad applying to residency programs this fall and was hoping you'd be wiling to offer your perspective on the process. If so, delight let me know when you would be available to meet in person. Thank you for your consideration!

All-time,

[Your Name/Last Proper name]

Boosted guidance for asking in person

Whenever you run into in person with someone to request a letter of the alphabet, it's important to allow them know why you would value a letter of the alphabet from them. You'll want to explain why you experience they are all-time equipped to speak about the specific qualities and experiences that would brand you an excellent fit for the programs to which you are applying.

Don't be afraid to request that they highlight specific qualities and experiences in the letter of the alphabet. This will work in your favor when the content of the letter of the alphabet confirms how you describe yourself throughout the rest of your application.

Once a alphabetic character writer agrees to write you lot a letter, provide them with the materials mentioned before.

How should I inquire for a residency recommendation letter via email?

Here is an exact e-mail script you tin can use to request a alphabetic character via electronic mail:

Word-for-word email script when planning to ask someone you know well via email

Dear [Professor/Doctor's Proper noun],

I promise this email finds you well. I'thou applying to residency programs this fall and was wondering if you lot'd feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation. [Accurate sentence describing why you would value a letter from them (e.thou., why yous value their perspective, which of your qualities they can speak to, etc.)].

If y'all're willing to provide a letter, I will provide the post-obit supporting materials: one) my CV, 2) a draft of my personal statement, 3) the letter form for ERAS, 4) a biographical sketch for more context, 5) a copy of my USMLE scores, and 6) my transcript. Thanks for your consideration!

Best,

[Your name/last name]

(Note: We have non included a script for requesting a letter via email from a professor who may non call back you because you shouldn't ask them for 1.)

When and how should I remind my recommenders to submit?

Recommendation letter writers often procrastinate on submitting letters on time. Therefore, you should electronic mail them using the following email script two to three weeks before September 29th:

Dear [Professor/Physician's Name],

I hope this e-mail finds y'all well. I plan on certifying my ERAS awarding past September 29th, and so I wanted to send a reminder regarding your recommendation letter. Please permit me know if there's whatsoever additional information I can provide.

Thanks again for your support!

Best,

[Your Name/Final Name]

On elevation of this first reminder email, feel gratis to send additional reminder emails every 1 to ii weeks if you don't hear back from a letter writer. If you're unable to get a response via electronic mail, call them. Only say you're aware it's a busy fourth dimension, just you want to be sure cipher falls through the cracks.

Should my recommendation letters be addressed to specific residency programs?

No, this is not expected.

Will I be able to view my ERAS letters of recommendation?

Y'all can, simply you shouldn't. You should waive your right to read your letters. Not waiving your right is a blood-red flag.

What should I include in my thank you notes to recommenders?

Once a person submits a letter on your behalf, you can use the following thank y'all note script to express appreciation (personalize this however you'd like):

Dear [Professor/Medico'southward Name],

Thanks over again for offering your perspectives on the residency awarding process and for submitting a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I am very grateful for your guidance and support throughout this procedure.

I'll make sure to inform y'all of whatsoever updates!

Best,

[Your Name/Last Proper name]

What is included in a letter of recommendation?

Here is a sample letter of the alphabet of recommendation for residency:

Dear Programme Director,

I am writing in back up of Ms. Rachel Armendariz for your residency program. I take 15 years of experience in pulmonary and disquisitional care medicine and a background in translational enquiry. I worked closely with Ms. Armendariz during her tertiary-year clerkship and during her pulmonary elective. In add-on to her many accomplishments, Ms. Armendariz'south clinical abilities, leadership, advocacy, and patient focus ready her autonomously. I take observed Ms. Armendariz during workups, taught her in class, and I oversaw her clerkship.

Ms. Armendariz's excellence goes well beyond her outstanding USMLE scores. She is warm and engaged with patients and colleagues. In addition, she is capable of synthesizing new information. In part, this is a production of her meticulous preparation; before Ms. Armendariz had fifty-fifty encountered pulmonary edema, she had already assimilated the key points of responding to respiratory failure into a detailed affiche for our care squad, ensuring fifty-fifty those new to the rotation could easily be brought up to speed.

Moreover, Ms. Armendariz has made advancement a fundamental part of her medical education. When she discovered that a serial of arrhythmia pamphlets were available in English merely, Ms. Armendariz communicated with the head of Cardiology about the lack of Spanish-language informational materials and even recommended a fellow classmate with translation experience to address the discrepancy. Her leadership in addressing gaps in care has prompted several positive responses, specially during inpatient procedures. In fact, Ms. Armendariz'south intuitive sense of patient needs made her an informal mentor to students entering the clerkship later she had finished.

Ms. Armendariz's skill besides extends to research. She has designed a report on the effectiveness of auxiliary treatments during outpatient procedures to aid our hospital in providing more comprehensive intendance.

Ms. Armendariz is in the top 10% of medical students with whom I have worked in the last 15 years. Her attention to detail, willingness to learn, and well-rounded approach to patient intendance, including research design and developing best practices, make her an outstanding candidate for residency. I give her my highest recommendation for your program.

If you lot require any farther information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jackson Abrams, M.D.

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Source: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/eras-letter-of-recommendation

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