If you’re on great terms with an attending (obviously same department) and can explain the situation well, most of us would write a letter and have either the chair of the department sign or co-sign. I personally don’t give a damn and have written many a letters I never signed. Otherwise you’re gonna get a generic fluff piece, you still might, but odds are slightly better you won’t.
i was in that situation - never even met the chair before i needed a letter. He met with me, asked me to send him my CV, a quick write up (one page) of my story. We met, - he asked me some questions. THen he asked me to get comments from a few pathologists (that was a pathology chair, i am applying for pathology) that he can use as quotes. So he wrote a letter to me without knowing me, but inserted comments from pathologists who DID know it. Of course I havent read the letter myself, but several interviewers mentioned that they loved my letters. So i think it all worked out.
from what i understand - they do it for a reason. To make sure your home department loves you (Vs you are a crazy psychopath that dont want to come anywhere near). you should send chair letter everywhere. And at least 2 letters should be from your field, - the letters from other medical fields can show you as saint, which is great. but what you NEED to show is that other doctors who are already practicing in your field wants you as a colleague - this is why it is CRUCIAL to have letters from your field.
Uhh, you should probably get at least one or two letters from the field you are applying.
Are neither of those attendings friends with your home chief?
