Letters from Residency PDs

[em phys 2011]

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I was wondering how to tell if a letter from a program director is sincere or just a form letter with my name typed in at the top. I have received a few of them, and they all seem to say the same thing: "I really enjoyed talking to you... I hope you enjoyed your time at our program... I am impressed with your application... We hope you rank us highly." I know that the Match keeps PDs from saying "You are our #_ choice" which is kind of upsetting to me. Is it inappropriate to respond to these stating that you are my #1 choice (of course only to the program that is my #1 choice) and to the others as a courtesy to them? For those who are residents, did the program you match to send you such letters/emails? Thanks!

 

[southerndoc]

If you've already received these letters, then it would inappropriate for a program to tell you where you rank when they haven't completed their rank list since they haven't interviewed all applicants yet.

Likewise, unless you have interviewed at all programs, you should reserve your "you're my #1 program" comment because programs can and often will surprise you.

For the most part, program directors are gracious that you interviewed with them, especially if you traveled a long way to interview.

 

[Hercules]

I know that the Match keeps PDs from saying "You are our #_ choice" which is kind of upsetting to me. Is it inappropriate to respond to these stating that you are my #1 choice (of course only to the program that is my #1 choice) and to the others as a courtesy to them? For those who are residents, did the program you match to send you such letters/emails? Thanks!

This comes up every year, so just to clear up: There is no rule against a program voluntarily telling you where you are on their ranklist just like their is no rule against you voluntarily telling a program where they are on your ranklist. It is illegal for either of you to ask the other, though. Yes, many programs will contact you in February and tell you where you are on their rank lists.

 

[Hard24Get]

bump

Seriously, what's up with these letters? I know a lot of us have gotten them (though only some programs send them, so don't worry if you don't have one) and are wondering how seriously we can take these love notes/emails. Yeah, yeah, we all know not to change our ROL based on these letters, but I'm sure everyone knows we are going to wonder how much they want us up until match day.

So, do PDs that send letters send them to everyone? I'm not talking about "thanks for interviewing, it was great", I'm talking about, "we had our match meeting and we think you'd be outstanding/fit in here, etc" Very positive but no promises made, and I know a lot of people that get the same letters. Anyone in EM get a letter like this and still not match there?

We're neurotic, but humor us 🙄

 

[emoptions]

Here is the similar February thread from last year. It is more a list of places and people's opinions on writing programs and declaring their love.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=362069&highlight=love+letters

 

[Hard24Get]

Here is the similar February thread from last year. It is more a list of places and people's opinions on writing programs and declaring their love.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=362069&highlight=love+letters

Thanks! However, the problem with that thread is that it lists all the love letters received, etc (which is controversial) without really discussing what it means when a program tells you the committee felt/decided you would be a match

 

[sleepymed]

Thanks! However, the problem with that thread is that it lists all the love letters received, etc (which is controversial) without really discussing what it means when a program tells you the committee felt/decided you would be a match

i think the point is that it really doesn't mean anything; that everyone is playing a game, we are trying to match, and PDs are trying to go as low on their list as possible. Basically we just have to wait till march 20th when we can finally take deep breaths and move on with our lives... personally, i can not wait!!!

 

[Hard24Get]

i think the point is that it really doesn't mean anything; that everyone is playing a game, we are trying to match, and PDs are trying to go as low on their list as possible. Basically we just have to wait till march 20th when we can finally take deep breaths and move on with our lives... personally, i can not wait!!!

stay out of this, you!

There has to be someone out there that has been given an extremely promising letter by a program in EM and went lower than that program's number. Once I hear their tale, I'll be able to return to reality.

Alternatively, if EM PDs are less deceptive than others, I'll feel good 🙂

 

[sleepymed]

stay out of this, you!

HEY!!!! 😱 we're in this together I thought!!! If you're allowed to whine and complain, then so am I, it's only fair.. we already discussed this remember; don't make me take you down; I may be small, but I'm loud and disinhibited, I could totally take you...

by the way, your avatar is tripping me up