Letters of interest

[EFN6YP]

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So I have heard a lot of mixed opinions about this from various people in different specialties and wanted to know what some of the other applicants and matched residents in ophthalmology thought about letters of interest to programs you really like.

Has anyone done this and gotten success?
Do people usually write letters of interests?
Who do you usually send it to? The PD or the Program Coordinator?

I am really interested in this one program, for various reasons, and they haven't sent out invites yet and I was wondering if sending them a letter of interest would help.

P.S. Its not a top tier program, its just a run of the mill average ophtho program but I have various reasons I want to go to that program (location and other aspects of training)

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Bronze Medal]

I would wait until after invites are sent out for the program. If you have not received an interview at that point then send a letter of interest to the PC. I know of at least one program that reserves a few interview spots for applicants who contact the PC with a convincing desire to specifically interview at this program.

 

[DrZeke]

I would wait until after invites are sent out for the program. If you have not received an interview at that point then send a letter of interest to the PC. I know of at least one program that reserves a few interview spots for applicants who contact the PC with a convincing desire to specifically interview at this program.

Hmmm... I dunno... If it's a tasteful letter with clear goals and interest how could it hurt the OP. An after the fact letter if they don't have cancellations may be useless.

What kind of person receives a letter of interest and says "we were gonna interview him/her but their interest really turned us off"?

Just make it genuine

 

[Bronze Medal]

Most average programs will have cancelations. Either way is probably ok in this case. I waited until after invitations had been sent and snagged 2 extra interviews by emailing PCs. Just speaking from personal experience.

 

[EFN6YP]

Thank You for the advice @DrZeke and @Bronze Medal
I will definitely send them a letter. I just wanted to make sure it would not be seen in a negative light.
Obviously the letter won't make any huge improvements for my chances but hopefully it gets me on their radar 🙂