Request for advice on specific SLOE (in thread)

[tom45]

I am a PGY-2 in anesthesia who is trying to switch to EM. To help me switch, my program allowed me to do one month in the ED, and this SLOE is the result. I have heard that they aren't supposed to be as praising as a standard LOR, but I have very mixed feelings on the letter.

Since I'm coming from another program, it's arguable that I could try to match without a SLOE, and since this is my only one, that might have to be an option. I would really appreciate it if someone who has experience reading these letters could tell me if it really is as bad as it seems, or if it's ok to use this SLOE. The three image links below go to the three pages of the letter. Thank you for the help!

http://i.imgur.com/qXfB4Rf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zVvPntb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tvqB4Df.jpg

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[NYEMMED]

I am a PGY-2 in anesthesia who is trying to switch to EM. To help me switch, my program allowed me to do one month in the ED, and this SLOE is the result. I have heard that they aren't supposed to be as praising as a standard LOR, but I have very mixed feelings on the letter.

Since I'm coming from another program, it's arguable that I could try to match without a SLOE, and since this is my only one, that might have to be an option. I would really appreciate it if someone who has experience reading these letters could tell me if it really is as bad as it seems, or if it's ok to use this SLOE. The three image links below go to the three pages of the letter. Thank you for the help!

http://i.imgur.com/qXfB4Rf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zVvPntb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tvqB4Df.jpg

It really isnt that good at all. First off they wrote that you did not rotate with them and you just passed. Then they didnt put the ranking percentages of the other candidates so it cant be compared to others. They ranked you at the level of your peers which is ok but not good. Lastly they put you as lower third in the rank list which basically means they are conveying that you arent competitive.

I would try to get another SLOE

 

[gman33]

The fact that you saw the letter makes it less valuable.

Not saying this is the case, but the letter might be more positive because they knew you saw it. This is the way some programs will view it.

Also, they rank you middle third, but based on what they gave over people you are in bottom 1/3 of their rankings for the year.

Overall, not a very strong letter.
Try to find an individual faculty member who can write a very strong letter for you.

Good luck with the switch.

 

[tom45]

In his e-mail to me he clarified as follows:

"Here is a copy of my letter. I always try to be as objective as possible with these type of letters. You performed well during your time in our ED. I think you would be right in the middle of the pack overall. We generally don't rank residents with previous residency training as highly, which is why I gave you the mark I did for where you would likely be on our rank list (not every program takes that approach)."

Unfortunately, programs will not see this. I am also bothered that he compared me to other PGY-2 residents and not other medical students when he rated me as in the middle of the pack. I don't know of a medical student who could effectively carry a 7 or 8 patient load by himself when the ED gets swamped.

Thank you for the input. If any PDs are reading, I would appreciate your input, too. I will likely try to find another letter writer, but I know time is not on my side right now.

 

[WilcoWorld]

I think that's a fine letter. The letter writer strikes me as someone whose assessment I can trust. It tells me that you respond well to feedback and (explicitly) that I should give you an interview.

Unless you have 2 or more SLOE's that you know are better, I'd keep it in your file.

 

[patch28]

It's a very tough call. I did the same, but without SLORs.

 

[Doctor Bob]

If any PDs are reading, I would appreciate your input

Not a PD... just an APD.

That letter would not sway me one way or the other. It's not as good as one would hope, but it does its job.
But as it's your only SLOE I'd include it.
So you'd have 1) your PD letter, 2) this SLOE, 3&4) LORs from anesthesia staff.

It's proper for the evaluator to rank you relative to other people at your skill level. You'd be coming in to the program with additional knowledge, we expect that. But what we want to know is how you have progressed relative to other people. It sort of gives us a glimpse into the future.

 

[patch28]

I agree with what Dr. Bob says. I've heard from several that they tend to be lackluster in appearance.