How serious are PDs when they ask for...

[Kate D]

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How serious are PDs when they ask for a
LOR from the "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department"?

Is it futile to apply without such a letter or is this an issue that is workable?

I suppose I could find someone with a "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department" title somewhere, but he/she wouldn't know who I was and most likely would never give me a letter, let alone a strong letter.

Why do they ask for this? Is it just to weed out unconnected souls like myself?

 

[GeneGoddess]

How serious are PDs when they ask for a
LOR from the "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department"?

Is it futile to apply without such a letter or is this an issue that is workable?

I suppose I could find someone with a "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department" title somewhere, but he/she wouldn't know who I was and most likely would never give me a letter, let alone a strong letter.

Why do they ask for this? Is it just to weed out unconnected souls like myself?

A few of the places I am applying want a Pedi Chair letter. I set up a time to meet with the chair, gave him a copy of my PS and CV, and he's writing me a letter. They don't expect it to be personal...

 

[doc05]

if they ask, then you need a chairman's letter. it's a pretty standard thing for many programs; if you know the chairman, great. but if you don't, then do what others do...set up a meeting.

 

[fourthyearmed]

A few of the places I am applying want a Pedi Chair letter. I set up a time to meet with the chair, gave him a copy of my PS and CV, and he's writing me a letter. They don't expect it to be personal...

Did the same thing. Our chairman was brand new and had no idea who I was. But I got my letter, hope it was OK!

 

[Jamezuva]

most places who require also say a chairman's designee is also fine, but what about those that don't include that statement on their website? Do you really need one specifically from the chairman? The one here doesn't do them unless he worked with you clinically 😕

 

[kenfused]

If they want one, you NEED one!

They also know that most chairman's type letters are probably either written by someone else, or done as a composite of several evaluations from your clerkship rotation.

Usually getting one is pretty painless, b/c your Chairman probably expects to have to write a bunch of em each year.

 

[speyeder]

How serious are PDs when they ask for a
LOR from the "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department"?

Is it futile to apply without such a letter or is this an issue that is workable?

I suppose I could find someone with a "Chairman of the Internal Medicine Department" title somewhere, but he/she wouldn't know who I was and most likely would never give me a letter, let alone a strong letter.

Why do they ask for this? Is it just to weed out unconnected souls like myself?

Out of curiosity, where would mention of this requirement be posted? On FREIDA? On the websites of the individual programs?

 

[carol ann]

I agree -- that if they ask for one, you better send them one.

Chairman's letters are pretty standard fare -- I am sure that your school has some way of dealing with it. Our school has two designees who write the chairman's letter which is then cosigned by the chairman.

Most programs specify which letters they want on their website -- I recommend looking at the websites for each individual program. Although it may be a pain, in the end it will save you time if you print all the application and program summary info as you go -- that way you don't have to hunt on the internet again at interview time.

 

[Jaded Soul]

Does anyone else think the Chair letter is completely pointless? All it proves is that you set-up and appointment and gave the Chair your CV and personal statement. I hate the fact that quite a few times I had to sacrifice a strong, personalized letter from an attending that actually knew me just because the program wants a letter from the head of the department.

 

[Kate D]

Does anyone else think the Chair letter is completely pointless? All it proves is that you set-up and appointment and gave the Chair your CV and personal statement. I hate the fact that quite a few times I had to sacrifice a strong, personalized letter from an attending that actually knew me just because the program wants a letter from the head of the department.

I totally agree. The request for a chairman's letter (found on the websites of a fair number of programs) is the one thing holding me back from many programs. I'm thinking it may be just a sneaky way to keep out older grads and IMGs such as myself who have no access to chairmen of any variety. I'll still apply to a few of those that are requesting such a letter and will let you all know if I get any interviews from them. Maybe they'll be so overwhelmed by my cool application 😎 that they won't notice I haven't got a chairman's letter?