How To Upload Letter Of Recommendation To Eras

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

THE ERAS LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION IS A CRITICAL Role OF YOUR MEDICAL RESIDENCY Awarding

Introduction

An of import office of applying to residencies is getting physicians to vouch for your clinical skills. Over the course of medical school, y'all've likely adult some smashing relationships with doctors and professors who volition be excited to write on your behalf. But when, how, and who exactly to ask tin can be a claiming. Perchance you've been diligent, requesting letters of recommendation from the beginning of your rotations. Or maybe you're requesting letters of recommendation a few months before ERAS begins processing medical residency applications on September 15th.

Regardless of where you are in the process, you lot probable have questions like:

• "I had good working relationships with a number of doctors throughout the last 4 years, but I never got to know any of them personally. How well does someone demand to know me in order to write for me?"

• "I have a good relationship with Dr. Gupta, but she's spread thin and is known to write brusk, and non e'er warm letters. I don't know Dr. Braswell as well, but he has connections at Stanford, which is my platonic residency program. Who's the better person to write for me?"

• "Should I become a recommendation letter from Dr. Lee? I don't recall I did a stellar job when he was supervising my radiology rotation, but I'yard applying for a radiology residency and I feel like the two radiology-specific letters I have might not exist plenty."

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

Nosotros've written a comprehensive guide to the ERAS letter of the alphabet of recommendation to answer these questions and more. Though messages of recommendation are one of the materials in the residency application process that y'all don't have much command over, it'south important to know as much nigh these messages every bit possible.

In the NRMP's 2020 Programme Director Survey, letters of recommendation were rated the second-most of import gene in selecting which candidates to interview, with 84 pct of programme directors stating that they took letters of rec into account. Additionally, letters of recommendation received an average "importance rating" of 4.3, on a scale of 1–5.

Why are these letters so significant? Because everything you've washed up to this point on the route to condign a physician has been more or less academic—y'all've been in the classroom, studying, acing tests, and then on. But now residency programs are hiring you equally part of a job application process. That's why references and prove 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-most of import awarding piece shines.

Click on any question beneath to spring direct to it.

• What types of recommendation letters for residency should I avert?

• Should I ask for a residency recommendation letter in person or via email?

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

• How should I ask for a residency recommendation letter via email?

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

• Should my recommendation letters exist addressed to specific residency programs?

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

• What should I include in my cheers notes to recommenders?

• What is included in a letter of the alphabet of recommendation?

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

• From whom should I request ERAS letters of recommendation?

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

• When should I request letters of recommendation for residency?

• When is the ERAS letter of recommendation deadline?

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

• Tin can I ship different messages to different residency programs?

• Does the MSPE count as a letter of recommendation?

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

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

Yous demand at to the lowest degree three letters of recommendation per residency, and yous tin submit up to iv per residency. You can cheque school-specific requirements using the AMA'due south FREIDA database.

From whom should I request ERAS letters of recommendation?

You lot should request letters of recommendation from those who accept worked with you in clinical settings, know you well, and tin persuasively clear your strengths. Though three letters are conventional, you will want to ask for more than three letters in case a recommender goes M.I.A. as the deadline to submit approaches or you're concerned that one of your letter writers may not write a potent letter of recommendation. (It's worth mentioning: if you believe a author will not write you a stiff letter of recommendation, enquire someone else.)

Nosotros recommend requesting letters from 4–v recommenders for each specialty to which yous programme to apply.

Finally, you want to brand certain that you've worked with the writers of your letters within one year of applying to residencies.

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

No, you lot exercise not have to ship messages sectional to your chosen specialty, but you should have at least i letter of recommendation from a physician in your specialty of choice. Ideally, y'all should have ii messages of recommendation from physicians in your specialty of interest, almost probable attendings with whom you lot worked on your rotations.

When should I asking letters of recommendation for residency?

You should asking messages of recommendation at least one month before September 29th. Ideally, you would request letters of recommendation at the very commencement of a rotation, especially if yous know it's a specialty yous hope to pursue for residency. Though asking for a letter before you've even worked with a physician may seem counterintuitive, in that location are certain perks to doing so, including the following:

• Making your intentions clear since the beginning indicates to alphabetic character writers that yous have a strong and genuine interest in their specialty, and they can then comment on this in your letter.

• Letter writers will make a greater effort to appraise your performance during the rotation, and their deep knowledge of your performance volition come across more than strongly in their letter than it otherwise might if y'all ask them for a alphabetic character after the fact.

• Information technology volition claiming you to perform your all-time during the rotation if you know from the offset that your operation will be included in a alphabetic character to residencies.

• Information technology incentivizes you to seek feedback on your performance throughout the rotation, which tin can both brand y'all a stronger applicant and result in higher quality letters.

Nonetheless, it's understandable if you'd rather wait until afterward a rotation is done to request a letter of recommendation, especially if you're interested in seeing the grade you received in a rotation or elective earlier doing and then. If you're uncomfortable or unsure about requesting a letter of recommendation from the beginning of a rotation, y'all should asking letters at the end of rotations in which you've performed well. Just be sure that you've communicated the seriousness of your involvement in that specialty well in advance of requesting the letter. If you accept this approach, you may have your letter writers save the letter of the alphabet for you lot in their files or with an advising service at your school if available.

In addition, some attendings may offer to write you a letter of recommendation after your rotation. If this happens, accept their offer. Even if you decide to submit other letters when y'all ultimately send in your application, having that boosted letter available may assistance 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 y'all submit letters well in advance of the deadline, brand sure to communicate with alphabetic character writers before they submit to have them update the dates on the letter and include any additional information, especially if you've made recent additions to your CV and certainly if yous have a polished personal argument to show them.

(Farther reading: The Ideal ERAS Timeline)

When is the ERAS letter of recommendation deadline?

Letters are accustomed throughout the application procedure, but you never want to be the bidder who sabotages their match by submitting tardily. And "late," in the case of the residency application, is September 29th, the first day that ERAS sends applications to programs. Brand certain to communicate with your letter of the alphabet writers to upload their letters earlier September 29th to brand certain you lot're in the running for those early interview notifications. Many programs crave that an applicant have a minimum of two letters uploaded earlier they will schedule an interview, which is however some other reason not to miss the September 29th engagement.

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

We recommend sending four letters of recommendation, even if 3 is conventional. That boosted letter, bold it's equally strong as the others, will make you a more competitive applicant.

Tin I transport different letters to different residency programs?

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

Does the MSPE count as a alphabetic character of recommendation?

The Medical School Functioning Evaluation (MSPE), also known as the Dean'south Letter of the alphabet, is ane of the required materials you lot'll need to submit as part of your ERAS application. However, the MSPE does not count towards your iv messages of recommendation.

Does a department letter of the alphabet count equally a letter of recommendation?

Some residency programs volition ask you to submit a "section alphabetic character" or "chair'south letter," which is a letter of recommendation written by the chair of the department (i.e. the specialty) you've called to go into. While department letters are often standardized, this letter does count as 1 of your four letters of recommendation.

Because many medical schools have an established protocol that facilitates the writing of department letters, first cheque in with your department's authoritative staff or your school'southward clerkship manager. If no such protocol is in place, you tin can reach out to the department chair via email, adjusting the script given below, to request a meeting. It's okay if you have no prior relationship with the chair—they volition be familiar with the requirement and will have written plenty of these letters before.

What types of recommendation letters for residency should I avert?

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

Finally, consider avoiding letters from someone who is difficult to communicate with or unresponsive to your emails or requests to meet in person. This is not, however, a rule. Sometimes these people are flaky schedulers because they're passionate about their field and may nevertheless exist able to write a strong letter for you. In other cases, though, these people tin be scattered, which may affect their power to write about your specific strengths. In borderline situations like this, it's better to request more letters of recommendation in the event that ane of your writers doesn't come through, rather than to count them out entirely.

Should I ask for a residency recommendation letter of the alphabet in person or via email?

Ask for letters from professors in person whenever possible, and definitely if information technology's been a while since y'all've interacted with them.

Before you ask for a letter of the alphabet of recommendation, gear up a package for your recommenders that includes:

• Your CV or resume

• Your final or near-final personal statement

• Letter request form from ERAS

• A biographical sketch including career goals

• Copy of USMLE Step one and Step 2 scores if bachelor

• Medical school transcript

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

Beneath are electronic mail scripts yous tin can utilise to arrange an in-person meeting:

Word-for-word email script when planning to enquire someone you know well in person

Dear [Professor/Doctor'southward Name],

I hope this bulletin finds you lot well. I'm applying to medical residencies in [specialty] this autumn and was wondering if you lot'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 you are willing, please let me know when yous would be bachelor to meet in person. Thank you for your consideration!

Best,

[Your Proper name/Last Proper noun]

Word-for-discussion email script when planning to ask someone in person whom y'all haven't seen or spoken with in a while

Love [Professor/Dr.'due south Name],

I promise this message finds you 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 accurate details almost your experience]. Since we terminal 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'm applying to residency programs this fall and was hoping you lot'd be wiling to offer your perspective on the procedure. If then, please let me know when you lot would exist bachelor to run into in person. Thank you for your consideration!

Best,

[Your Name/Concluding Name]

Additional guidance for asking in person

Whenever y'all run into in person with someone to request a letter, it'south of import to allow them know why yous would value a letter from them. You'll want to explain why you feel they are all-time equipped to speak about the specific qualities and experiences that would make y'all an fantabulous 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. This will work in your favor when the content of the letter confirms how yous describe yourself throughout the residual of your application.

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

How should I ask for a residency recommendation alphabetic character via email?

Here is an exact e-mail script yous can use to request a letter via email:

Word-for-give-and-take electronic mail script when planning to ask someone you lot know well via email

Dear [Professor/Physician's Proper name],

I hope this e-mail finds yous well. I'1000 applying to residency programs this fall and was wondering if you'd feel comfortable writing a potent letter of the alphabet of recommendation. [Authentic judgement describing why yous would value a letter from them (e.g., why you lot value their perspective, which of your qualities they can speak to, etc.)].

If yous're willing to provide a letter, I volition provide the post-obit supporting materials: 1) my CV, 2) a draft of my personal statement, 3) the letter of the alphabet form for ERAS, four) a biographical sketch for more context, five) a re-create of my USMLE scores, and 6) my transcript. Cheers for your consideration!

All-time,

[Your name/last name]

(Note: We take non included a script for requesting a letter via email from a professor who may non recollect you because you lot shouldn't ask them for one.)

When and how should I remind my recommenders to submit?

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

Dear [Professor/Physician's Name],

I promise this email finds you lot well. I plan on certifying my ERAS application by September 29th, so I wanted to send a reminder regarding your recommendation letter. Delight let me know if there's whatever additional information I can provide.

Thanks once again for your support!

Best,

[Your Name/Last Name]

On top of this showtime reminder electronic mail, feel free to send additional reminder emails every one to two weeks if you lot don't hear back from a letter of the alphabet writer. If you're unable to get a response via email, call them. Just say you're aware it's a busy time, but you want to be certain nothing falls through the cracks.

Should my recommendation letters exist addressed to specific residency programs?

No, this is not expected.

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

You tin, but you shouldn't. You should waive your right to read your letters. Non waiving your right is a ruby flag.

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

Once a person submits a alphabetic character on your behalf, you tin can use the post-obit thank you annotation script to express appreciation (personalize this however you'd similar):

Dear [Professor/Doctor'due south Name],

Thanks 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 process.

I'll brand sure to inform you of any updates!

Best,

[Your Proper noun/Last Name]

What is included in a alphabetic character of recommendation?

Here is a sample letter of recommendation for residency:

Beloved Programme Managing director,

I am writing in support of Ms. Rachel Armendariz for your residency program. I take fifteen years of experience in pulmonary and critical care medicine and a groundwork in translational research. I worked closely with Ms. Armendariz during her third-year clerkship and during her pulmonary elective. In add-on to her many accomplishments, Ms. Armendariz's clinical abilities, leadership, advancement, and patient focus set her apart. I have observed Ms. Armendariz during workups, taught her in class, and I oversaw her clerkship.

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

Moreover, Ms. Armendariz has made advocacy a key function of her medical education. When she discovered that a serial of arrhythmia pamphlets were available in English only, 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, especially during inpatient procedures. In fact, Ms. Armendariz'south intuitive sense of patient needs made her an informal mentor to students entering the clerkship subsequently she had finished.

Ms. Armendariz's skill too extends to research. She has designed a written report on the effectiveness of auxiliary treatments during outpatient procedures to assist our infirmary in providing more than comprehensive care.

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

If you require whatsoever further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jackson Abrams, M.D.

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

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