appropriate thank you for a LoR?

[m1234d]

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so my letters are coming in, and the 3 non-chairman letters have all been from attendings whom i have really enjoyed working with and learned a lot from professionally and personally. Obviously a thank you note reflecting those sentiments is nice, but what about a small gift (like <$20) if it is in relation to something you remember them mentioning they like? 👍 or 👎? i know classmates that dont even write a thank you to others who give gifts i honestly cant afford (and feel inappropriate anyway) giving.

 

[mlw03]

so my letters are coming in, and the 3 non-chairman letters have all been from attendings whom i have really enjoyed working with and learned a lot from professionally and personally. Obviously a thank you note reflecting those sentiments is nice, but what about a small gift (like <$20) if it is in relation to something you remember them mentioning they like? 👍 or 👎? i know classmates that dont even write a thank you to others who give gifts i honestly cant afford (and feel inappropriate anyway) giving.

it's a tough call - as long as there is no perception that the gift is a bribe, i don't see a problem with it. i mean, i make wine and i've given bottles to attendings and residents i got along well with who voiced an enjoyment of wine. however i certainly do not think a thank you gift is necessary for someone writing a LoR. but i think it can be done in a way that's professional.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Its certainly not necessary, as you know, but a small gift, within your budget is fine, if you feel comfortable giving it.

I might err on the side of sending a thank you now, and then when you match, send a gift of further thanks to 1 or 2 faculty members who might have been some help to you.