Fellowship letters from attendings besides PD

[coroner]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Do fellowship programs make it a point to get some type of input on an applicant from the program director (PD)? Meaning if they get a recommendation letter written by the PD that might be all the input they need; however, if they do not get a letter from the applicant's PD, then they most certainly will call the program director for some type of verbal evaluation and to further inquire about the candidate.

The reason I ask is because, I'm in the process of applying to fellowships and was wondering how important it is to get a recommendation letter from one's PD? I think I could get stronger overall letters from other attendings. But, if I know that the fellowship programs will call my PD without receiving a letter from him, then I may as well ask him for one. Basically, what are the odds that a fellowship program will bypass any contact with one's PD if they have solid letters and contact info with other attendings (none of whom they personally know)?

 

[KCShaw]

Depends. Personally, were I a fellowship director, I'd want some kind of input from the PD before making a decision to accept an applicant. But, if the fellowship program doesn't list it as a requirement then they may not. I thought many programs had such a documented requirement, though -- I seem to recall one place requiring a letter from the department chairman (who, in that case, worked off-site in the medical school building and was never seen by resident eyes).

Frankly, I'd give them the best of what they require. If that means no letter from the PD then so be it, just be prepared to answer if someone asks about it -- a nice honest answer is probably better than some vague story about not getting around to it. Most people know not everyone is known for writing exuberantly positive recommendation letters. In one place I was at, one of the attendings would wax exceedingly poetic, literally going through a thesaurus to glean as many flowery descriptive terms as possible and essentially paint you as the next coming of Christ, but cooler, so only fools and ragamuffins wouldn't try to get a letter from him. Others would all but just write "yep, does OK usually". And still others feel it's their solemn duty to point out your every miniscule flaw so nobody is surprised and blames them for recommending you later. It is what it is.

 

[KeratinPearls]

Do fellowship programs make it a point to get some type of input on an applicant from the program director (PD)? Meaning if they get a recommendation letter written by the PD that might be all the input they need; however, if they do not get a letter from the applicant's PD, then they most certainly will call the program director for some type of verbal evaluation and to further inquire about the candidate.

The reason I ask is because, I'm in the process of applying to fellowships and was wondering how important it is to get a recommendation letter from one's PD? I think I could get stronger overall letters from other attendings. But, if I know that the fellowship programs will call my PD without receiving a letter from him, then I may as well ask him for one. Basically, what are the odds that a fellowship program will bypass any contact with one's PD if they have solid letters and contact info with other attendings (none of whom they personally know)?

I've seen a few sites where they specifically ask for a letter from the PD.

 

[gschl1234]

Do fellowship programs make it a point to get some type of input on an applicant from the program director (PD)? Meaning if they get a recommendation letter written by the PD that might be all the input they need; however, if they do not get a letter from the applicant's PD, then they most certainly will call the program director for some type of verbal evaluation and to further inquire about the candidate.

The reason I ask is because, I'm in the process of applying to fellowships and was wondering how important it is to get a recommendation letter from one's PD? I think I could get stronger overall letters from other attendings. But, if I know that the fellowship programs will call my PD without receiving a letter from him, then I may as well ask him for one. Basically, what are the odds that a fellowship program will bypass any contact with one's PD if they have solid letters and contact info with other attendings (none of whom they personally know)?

I recently applied and was accepted into fellowship. No one asked for a PD letter and I didn't provide one. From my interviews, they told me they called attendings whom they know personally (who all happened not to be the PD) at my program. I think fellowship directors are more likely to call people they know and not necessarily the PD. I didn't ask my PD to write a letter because I've barely worked with him on service (he doesn't sign out much) and have never worked on research with him so I didn't think he'd have a lot to contribute.

 

[2121115]

Just get good letters, PD or not. Ask around among older residents and those who have gone before who the good attendings are to ask for recommendations. It is probably common knowledge who the good attendings are, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Some attendings may think the world of you but don't know how to write a letter (aka they may tell the honest truth rather than blow smoke, which is what good letters are all about).

 

[coroner]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It helps with this semi-arduous process...but I'm guessing it's still not as bad as looking for a job 🙄