Pathology letters of recommendation

[emayhem]

I'm in the process of accumulating letters for my path application this summer and I have 2 questions that have come to mind. First, I am about finished with a path elective month where I worked with all 9 pathologists at a hospital based group (no residents etc.) and got along well with all of them. I think all of them would be able to write very good letters (2 of them much more so than the other due to amount of time together), but would it be better to get a single letter co-written and signed by all 9? I'm debating getting 2-3 single letters (and possibly offending the docs I don't ask for letters) or asking the senior partner to for a group letter. What do you guys think?

The second question is about a general path letter that probably isn't much different than most LORs versus a letter I got from my OB/GYN rotation where my attending volunteered to write my letter; what she wrote is simply amazing. Since I can only submit 3 letters I will have one letter from my university mentor (head of path department), one from a path elective, and the third either this OB/GYN letter or another path elective letter. I will include a summation of the OB/GYN letter given to me by the registrar:

"Wonderful letter detailing your level of dedication, enthusiasm, scholastic effort, interpersonal skills as well as procedural skill level far exceeded that of any other med student or resident she has ever worked with. Well liked by pts and staff and learned at every opportunity. Inserted a chest tube, performed endotracheal intubation and attended codes while on ob/gyn rotation in addition to delivering babies, and assisted on c-sections. Performed enough speculum and bimanual exams to be proficient. Found in the lounge studying on l&d and participating in any activity going on, or responding to overhead announcements for trauma and code blues. Well liked not only by ob/gyn staff and l&d staff, but ER docs, general surgeons and anesthesia providers. Attended grand rounds of his own volition before clinic hours. Although pursuing pathology and gives highest recommendation although you would be an excellent ob/gyn, you will also be an excellent pathologist."

Thanks for any advice you all can offer.

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[mlw03]

Day after match 2012, and onto match 2013. good questions.

For the path letter, get the single best letter you can. I've not heard of co-letters being done that often. Having all 9 sign would be a bit odd, in my opinion. You want someone who can attest that you know what you're getting yourself into (a huge issue for prospective path residents), and that you have a decent fund of medical knowledge. That you are "teachable" is also good, since no one expects you to come in a star diagnostician, but you are expected to learn at an "average" pace. Don't worry about offending the other docs in the group. They all know how this process works.

I personally think 2 path and 1 clinical LoRs is the ideal mix. It makes it clear you're doing path because you like it, not because you stink at clinical medicine. A letter from an ob-gyn or a surgeon is ideal, since pathologists work with surgeons (which ob-gyns effectively are) more than the medicine subspecialties (in general, plenty of exceptions).

 

[KCShaw]

I think anyone applying for path should have at least 1 path LOR. Two is nice, and probably preferable, but depends on how well written they are. Three I agree is -not- ideal; having any decent letter from a clinician, IMO, is better than nothing but pathology letters. As far as who writes them, it's always good to have a big title after the name of the writer, the bigger the better, but I'd rather have the letter contain some useful meat than be obviously little more than a mass form letter. Some department heads/senior partners/other big titled people write great letters, some don't, in which case it might be better to have an enthusiastic underling (but obviously still an attending) write it instead. You kinda have to feel that out, or simply ask them -- hey, I'd love to get a letter of recommendation from this rotation, who do you think would be best to talk to about that?

Having said all of that, LOR's are, IMO, only a small part of what ultimately gets you a residency position. Yeah, if other parts of your application are a bit below average they might help you get an interview, but in the grand scheme of things they're just one of the things you have to do. What pathology programs want to see, as mlw03 said, is that you know what you're getting yourself into with pathology -- which is generally something most attendings, much less med students, have little real exposure to -- above and beyond the typical mindless LOR pratter.