preceptor asked me to write my own LOR. what should i do?

[docmd2010]

Hey guys,

So i just finished my internal med rotation and i asked my doc to write me a LOR and she told me to write it myself and then she'll modify it and then sign it. I feel like her and I had a pretty good relationship over the rotation. I really want to go into IM at an academic center, so I think that this LOR is really important for me. I want to write a strong letter, but I don't know how to approach it. How do u write this letter? Of course you don't want to sound pompous but don't want your letter to be bland. What are some keypoints that for sure need to be included in the letter? My intern told me to write " he has the knowledge base of an intern" in my LOR. I think that's a little bold, what do you guys think? Also, should i even take this opportunity up? What if she turns around and makes my letter a bad one?
any sample or anything out there that you would guys would suggest?



Really needing advice here. Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[TOXOSIS]

I used google to find sample letters of recommendation and put the pieces together... I also wrote something similar to the intern statement you mentioned. So take advantage of the opportunity and write that letter on how great you are.

 

[2tall]

knowledge base of an intern sounds bland. you can do better than that. what does that even mean?

so you want a career in academic medicine. gear your letter toward that. talk about your eagerness to learn, concern for patients, leadership potential. if you did specific things on the rotation that stood out...present an interesting article to the team, etc. go the extra mile for a patient. Three paragraphs....I'd do two paragraphs regarding the professional relationship and your work ethic. I'd shift the last paragraph into something more personal...something about your character...yada, yada, yada...docmd will make a fine house officer and is bound for a great career in academics.

it's better to err on the side of pompous. why would she turn your letter into a bad one? that's just silly.

you need to calm down. you're in control.

 

[vtucci]

Hey guys,

So i just finished my internal med rotation and i asked my doc to write me a LOR and she told me to write it myself and then she'll modify it and then sign it. I feel like her and I had a pretty good relationship over the rotation. I really want to go into IM at an academic center, so I think that this LOR is really important for me. I want to write a strong letter, but I don't know how to approach it. How do u write this letter? Of course you don't want to sound pompous but don't want your letter to be bland. What are some keypoints that for sure need to be included in the letter? My intern told me to write " he has the knowledge base of an intern" in my LOR. I think that's a little bold, what do you guys think? Also, should i even take this opportunity up? What if she turns around and makes my letter a bad one?
any sample or anything out there that you would guys would suggest?



Really needing advice here. Thanks!

PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you one that I drafted for one of my mentors. If asked to draft your own LOR, absolutely do it. The professor is giving you the opportunity to shine and they are often overworked. Sometimes a secretary will do the draft for them and any draft you put together, will likely be put together with more care and attention than by someone else.

 

[themudphud]

Hey guys,

So i just finished my internal med rotation and i asked my doc to write me a LOR and she told me to write it myself and then she'll modify it and then sign it. I feel like her and I had a pretty good relationship over the rotation. I really want to go into IM at an academic center, so I think that this LOR is really important for me. I want to write a strong letter, but I don't know how to approach it. How do u write this letter? Of course you don't want to sound pompous but don't want your letter to be bland. What are some keypoints that for sure need to be included in the letter? My intern told me to write " he has the knowledge base of an intern" in my LOR. I think that's a little bold, what do you guys think? Also, should i even take this opportunity up? What if she turns around and makes my letter a bad one?
any sample or anything out there that you would guys would suggest?



Really needing advice here. Thanks!

This is a great opportunity. Here are some points to consider making in the letter (depending on you specific context, which you know best):
1) mention your important academic accomplishments
2) describe you best qualities
3) You get along well with your team and residents all have good things to say about you--e.g. you are a team player
4) Your patients all like you and you establish repoire with them.
5) You will be a future leader in your field
6) That the writer strongly recommends you
7) That you would be an asset to any residency program

 

[NeuroTox]

Write the first letter yourself and if a future attending asks you to do this have a friend or colleague write it so they don't sound the same. Definately use this chance.