"Just write it yourself, Dr. 712"...

[doctor712]

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So, I'm in the process of getting my LORs ready for applying June 1, 2010!
This thread speaks to my mentor/supervisor LORs specifically, not my profs.

Anyway, I have been told by three of my mentors that I've worked with for 13 months now, whom are going to write "very strong" letters, upon asking for letters or having them just walk up to me and offer, that I should,

and I quote,

"Just write it up yourself, give it to me and I'll take care of it..."

Well, I don't like that. I mean, sounds great on its face, but, come ON!
I do a lot of writing for the group on papers and stuff and maybe these people like my "writing" background, but I HAVE NO CLUE how to compose an LOR in the style and form that an adcom wants to read.

Luckily, the big name guy that I'm going to ask, the piece de resistance, will not ask me to do that. It's not his style. I know that already.

But, how do I handle this situation of "write your own LOR?" I don't think it's appropriate, ethical, tactically wise... none of the above.

Anyone cross this bridge yet? Advice?

THANKS,
D712

 

[Schemp]

I haven't personally dealt with this issue, but I agree it's kind of a challenging situation. I don't think it's unethical since they've given express consent for you to write it, and it's unlikely they'll let you get away with writing anything untrue. The fact that they're willing to let you do it probably means they trust you to be honest about your qualifications and what you've shown them. Writing them in unique ways would certainly be the most challenging part, but I think you've got to do it. Just write it from their perspective - it should be pretty clear what traits in yourself you've shown them that they'd find admirable and would help you through med school and as a doctor.

 

[sumstorm]

this may also just be an exercise that enables them to build on what you think is important about your experience. Most mentors don't actually KNOW how to write a LOR, particularly for something that isn't standard or routine.

You could either do as they suggest and let them use it however they want, or you can speak up and say 'hey, how about I provide you with ideas of what I am hoping you emphasize and examples that I think illustrate that, plus a copy of my PS and my resume?' I know as a nontrad it helped my LOR's a lot for me to clarify what I was hoping they could touch on (client communications, response in emergencies, financial managemen, diversity of experience) and that way I didn't get a bunch of generic 'she's great' LOR's. And my recalling incidents and stories for them, I helped trigger their memories of positve encounters and gave them usable fodder to mine for their own writing.

 

[NTF]

It's actually not an uncommon practice (though I agree it's annoying). I don't think it's unethical as long as the recommender reads it and signs it afterward.

 

[familyaerospace]

I've had several people ask me to write my own letters. I hate it! HATE IT! It's a pet peeve of mine.

Just do it, write the letter to make it sound believable and then give it back to them.

 

[Segovia]

This is a gift.

 

[doctor712]

thanks gang.

i actually know that these guys can write really nice letters because i've edited their drafts of others who have gotten LORS. residents. fellows. one is a PD. so, i know they "can" and often do.

i guess it's a gift, so what i am going to do is give them the highlights of my accomplishments over the last 13 months and see what i get back. im expecting to edit these on my own anyway, it's just the first draft in a doctor's voice that is, of course, hard for me. right now. 🙂

the next issue is getting an LOR from the big boss. i did him a huge favor recently, and in his own words, was really really really thrilled with my work. so, now i feel that moment of balancing the request for the letter to feeling that im taking advantage of a good moment in our relationship after my "slam dunk." could be worse i guess...

d712

 

[Valvool]

I agree that this is a gift. Take your time with it, write thoughtfully. The adcom will have the chance to read about aspects of you that they wouldn't have otherwise.

 

[medschoolfamily]

When I was asked (twice) to write my own letters, by physicians whom I shadowed, I simply highlighted aspects of my experiences (both life experiences and shadowing experiences) that I thought might guide my future interviewers questions. Your actual letter writer will ultimately decide what to include from your letter, so don't think of it as cheating. Think of it as the most accurate letter as possible. It's a way for you to show your mentors what they have meant to you and what you have gained from the experience, rather than them assuming how you have benefitted from being around them. Take this opportunity and run with it, I'm sure you'll do fine.