Letters of Recommendation

This is the beginning of posts related to applying to residency! First up: Letters of Recommendation

When should I ask for letters?
Ask for letters right after you complete your rotation because your experience will be fresh in the preceptors mind then! Don't wait until a year later to ask them to write one. Be sure to recommend that they write the letter and hold onto it until you are able log into ERAS which is the July before your match year! Tell them you will contact them with the required instructions at that time to upload them.

Who should I ask to write the letters?
Anyone that you believe got to know you as an individual. Make an effort in the specialties you are interested in to really make yourself known to the program director! A program director's letter goes a long way but sometimes you mostly interact with the residents. Contact the program director early stating that you are interested in this specialty and would love to work with them (even if you're not scheduled to work with them). This initiative will be looked upon highly. Also don't underestimate the power the residents have. They are the ones working with you day in and day out so if an attending has any questions about you while writing the letter, he/she will most likely ask the residents what they thought of you!

You should ask a letter from the clerkship in the speciality you are applying. If it's Family then obtain a letter from your Clerkship in Family Medicine!

How many letters can I have?
You can upload an unlimited amount to ERAS! Each program has specific requirements on the amount of letters they require (usually 3) but then you can pick and choose which letters go where. If you happen to be apply to two different specialities such as Surgery and IM. You can have your surgical LoRs and IM LoRs and assign them accordingly.

What should I give to a potential letter writer?
If you already have access to ERAS, give them a copy of how to upload the letter. Give them your CV and a copy of your personal statement if available. I found it helpful to give them a list of key memories or specific patient interactions throughout the rotation. This will jog their memory of that specific encounter and how you addressed an issue, spoke to the patient etc. Some letter writers may request other information too.

When should I have my letters submitted?
Ideally, all letters should be uploaded by the time you submit your application by September 15th. Letters even once submitted to ERAS may take a few weeks to be uploaded so I would say beginning of September.

Can I submit letters after I have already submitted my application?
Yes! Your application will be automatically updated and the programs can view the letters as soon as they are available. However, programs can not see that you're waiting on a letter when they initially look at your application. They see you only have 2 letters instead of 3 which may or may not be viewed poorly.

Moral of the story, don't wait until last minute to ask your letter writers for letters because then you will be scrambling. If you have any other questions regarding letters of recommendation, let me know!