Obtaining LOR

[Justtsai]

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Hi all -

Been following this site for many years but this is the first time I've actually posted. I'm really impressed with the professionalism in which everyone carries themselves here and how willing everyone is to help.

I have a question regarding getting letters of recommendations. The impression I've gathered from this thread is that three LOR's from surgeons are needed. The problem with me is that so far my attendings have been so hands off and busy that I don't even have an opportunity to impress them and to subsequently ask for a letter. On the other hand, I can't help but think that I could be doing something more pro-active (e.g. approaching them early and letting them know I'm interested in surgery, etc.).

Addendum - just wanted to add that I've gotten offers from faculty in other rotations to write letters for me - so I don't think it's a problem with me. Anyways, any advice would really help me out. Good luck to everyone with whatever they are working on!

Best,

Justin

 

[goooooober]

I can't help but think that I could be doing something more pro-active (e.g. approaching them early and letting them know I'm interested in surgery, etc.).

Sounds like you already know what you need to do.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I have a question regarding getting letters of recommendations. The impression I've gathered from this thread is that three LOR's from surgeons are needed. The problem with me is that so far my attendings have been so hands off and busy that I don't even have an opportunity to impress them and to subsequently ask for a letter. On the other hand, I can't help but think that I could be doing something more pro-active (e.g. approaching them early and letting them know I'm interested in surgery, etc.).

I don't get this, even though I hear it a lot. It's surgery - you have a unique opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with your attendings for hours on end. I NEVER got as much face time with attendings as I did on my surgery rotations - on medicine they would float in for rounds and then disappear.

But you then go on to nail it - you've got to be proactive. You can't just expect someone to come to you and pat you on the head and offer you a letter of rec. Make use of that time with attendings in the OR - ask them questions (both about the case and surgery as a career) and make sure they know your interests!

 

[LucidSplash]

I don't get this, even though I hear it a lot. It's surgery - you have a unique opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with your attendings for hours on end. I NEVER got as much face time with attendings as I did on my surgery rotations - on medicine they would float in for rounds and then disappear.

But you then go on to nail it - you've got to be proactive. You can't just expect someone to come to you and pat you on the head and offer you a letter of rec. Make use of that time with attendings in the OR - ask them questions (both about the case and surgery as a career) and make sure they know your interests!

Agreed. Also, I think people forget that attendings at teaching hospitals KNOW medical students need letters and its not like they're shocked or blindsided by requests.

Just contact the attendings you want to ask for letters and ask to set up a meeting regarding "career advice/planning" and "your future in surgery." This is basically medical student code for "I'm going to ask about a letter." Its exactly the same as when you ask your resident "is there anything I can help with?" at 6pm or 7pm - medical student code for "For the love of God we're not doing anything please send me home."

Just ask EARLY. Sometimes even if they are happy and willing to write a letter, they need several, um, gentle reminders. But this isn't anything new - they get these requests every year. You have basically nothing to lose by asking even if you don't feel you've "impressed" them enough. Rotations are short and many attendings only need a few interactions before writing a letter. More interaction is always better, but there are limitations within the system and everyone knows that.