Applying to two specialty questions?

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nope80

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So if you are thinking of applying to 2 specialties what is the general rule about this in terms of people that should know? I'm assuming the dean that writes our deans letters should know about this whereas the places we apply to should not? Also, how about recommenders - should they know? And should I ask them to write a generic recommendation or should they write specific for certain specialties? The reason I ask is because one of my recommenders has specifically asked what my plans are for residency and I'm not sure how to handle this...She is in one of the specialties I will apply to but I'm sure I could use it for the other as long as it did not say I was applying to that field. Any ideas?
 
There is no simple answer.

You should talk honestly with your Dean about your career plans. They will write your MSPE such that it's vague in the end "Student X will do well in their future career" or whatnot.

For your LOR's, it's probably better to get different letters for the different specialties. You shouldn't lie to your LOR writers, but you don't need to volunteer that you're applying to two specialties. If they ask, then you should be honest. If the two fields are similar (such as FM and IM, or EM and IM) then it really isn't much of a problem. If it's derm and surgery, it is a problem.
 
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