Neurology and LORs

[Strawberrylover]

Applying to Neuro residency programs. Due to a combination of circumstances only able to get 1 Neuro LOR (and one primary care LOR) from M3...and can't do my neuro AI/get more letters until October after ERAS apps are submitted.
I am able to get other, non-neuro letters before that but my question is-how bad is it to apply with just 1 (vs 2) neuro LORs?

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[GucciManeMD]

I would probably reach out to your school's neuro PD or APD to see what options you have or if you can get in an elective or something done in the mean time. Neurology departments are usually super receptive to med student interest since its not the most popular specialty choice. They might even point you to a researcher that lets you jump on a project and then you could end up getting a letter from them. Program coordinators also know who writes good letters so they might also be helpful.
I'm a neuro resident and one of my letters was from IM, but it was my research mentor. Even if you have just one neurology LOR, I think you could still match to a good program assuming you are a US grad, have decent board scores and your personal statement talks about why you want neurology.

 

[Strawberrylover]

I would probably reach out to your school's neuro PD or APD to see what options you have or if you can get in an elective or something done in the mean time. Neurology departments are usually super receptive to med student interest since its not the most popular specialty choice. They might even point you to a researcher that lets you jump on a project and then you could end up getting a letter from them. Program coordinators also know who writes good letters so they might also be helpful.
I'm a neuro resident and one of my letters was from IM, but it was my research mentor. Even if you have just one neurology LOR, I think you could still match to a good program assuming you are a US grad, have decent board scores and your personal statement talks about why you want neurology.

Thanks. This is super helpful. So the rule "2 neuro letters" is not set in stone?
My step score was a 240

 

[longhaul3]

I know neuro is not competitive, but I feel like no matter what, you have to do an advanced elective in your specialty before you apply. I just can't imagine that not happening. I know you mentioned a combination of circumstances, but if I were in your shoes I would do everything possible to find one month for a neuro sub-i.