LOR for IMG - late match

[Greggles45]

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I am an IMG graduating this year. I will be doing 1 or 2 rotations in the US soon and hopefully will get some LORs out of them.

I was planning on applying in 2015 for the 2016 match (doing 1-2 years of post-graduate years in my home country is mandatory for any chance of coming back here).

Obviously US clinical experience is very important for my CV, but for IMGs it essentially needs to be done as a student.

Are their any special considerations I should take given my LORs will be 2 years old?

Please don't reply saying "you will be disadvantaged for having old LORs" / "you will be disadvantaged if you wait this long to match" - I know this.

Should I ask for LORs at the end of my rotation and 2 years later ask them to be updated?

I feel like I can't waive my right to see the LOR - because I'd actually like a copy to make sure it's not lost - my med school won't look after it. Is this the case?

Should I even bother to ask for LORs at all?

Is a 2 year old US LOR + recent local LORs probably going to be the best way to submit my application?

Thanks SDN

 

[Staryy]

Ask them to write the LORs and keep a copy on file. When you apply for residency ask them to update the letter and submit it then.

In general :
- LORs should be written within one year of your application to residency
-US LORs are carry more weight than LORs written by non US doctors

Good luck

 

[Greggles45]

Thanks Staryy

Any other takers? 270 views and only 1 reply...

 

[splik]

My US letters were for electives done 3 years before. They do need to be dated for 2015 or whenever you are applying. You should ideally stay in contact with your the people who write you letters. Really it should be updated to reflect your current status even though it also serves as an assessment of your clinical skills, knowledge etc from beforehand.

You MUST waive your right to see the letters. There should a statement to this effect at the beginning of the letter. That doesn't mean you can't see the letter, it just means you've waived your right to see it! That is, once it goes on file with ECFMG or whoever you cannot request it. but you should definitely get a look at the letters.

Also, you are somewhat limited, but ask prospective letter writers if they would be able to write a 'strong LoR'. you need to do your best to be likeable.

 

[Greggles45]

That doesn't mean you can't see the letter, it just means you've waived your right to see it!

What!?

Do I just ask them to email me a copy?