IRMP | Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation (LoRs) are a crucial component of your residency application for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match. Strong LoRs can greatly influence a program's perception of your qualifications and character. Here are some guidelines for obtaining effective letters of recommendation:

Request Early: Reach out to your letter writers well in advance of the application deadline, preferably several months before. This gives them ample time to write the letters.
Self-Assessment: Reflect on your own experiences, skills, and career goals. Be prepared to discuss your medical background, clinical rotations, research, and why you're interested in a particular specialty.
Provide Necessary Information: Offer your letter writers a copy of your CV, personal statement, and any specific guidelines or forms required by the programs to which you're applying. This information helps them tailor their letters to your goals.
Meet in Person or Virtually: Whenever possible, meet with your potential letter writers in person or through video conferencing to discuss your goals, experiences, and reasons for pursuing a particular specialty. This conversation can help them write a more personalized and effective letter.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure your letter writers are aware of the submission process, including any electronic submission portals or guidelines provided by ERAS. Some programs have specific requirements, so make sure your writers follow them.
Write a Thank-You Note: After your letter writers have agreed to write on your behalf, send them a thank-you note expressing your gratitude. This is a professional courtesy and helps maintain a positive relationship.
Set Up Interfolio or a Similar Service: Interfolio is an online service that helps manage and distribute your LoRs to residency programs. It streamlines the submission process for your letter writers and allows you to control who has access to your letters.
Ensure Confidentiality: Remember that you often won't have direct access to the contents of your LoRs. Letter writers should submit them directly to ERAS or the specific residency program to maintain confidentiality.
Follow Up: Stay in touch with your letter writers to confirm that they have submitted your letters by the application deadline. Gentle reminders can help ensure timely submission.
uality over Quantity: It's generally better to have a smaller number of outstanding letters than a larger number of mediocre ones. Programs value the content and insights provided by your references.
Diversity of Perspectives: If possible, try to obtain letters from individuals in different roles or specialties who can highlight various aspects of your qualifications.
Reiterate Your Goals: Remind your letter writers of your career goals and what you hope to achieve through residency. This can help them craft more focused and supportive letters.

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