Question on letter of references

[flash3]

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Just had a quick question on letter of references for residencies. Should I be asking each letter writer to address each site I am applying to or would a general letter of reference work for different PGY1 programs? I know that certain programs require things like free form letters and such, but what about programs that don't have any specification?

New to this process and could use some help!

 

[flash3]

Anyone?

 

[bacillus1]

It all goes through Phorcas now. It sends us your list of programs, and we fill out a form for each program.

 

[flash3]

It all goes through Phorcas now. It sends us your list of programs, and we fill out a form for each program.

Thanks for the reply. At what point does it send out the form for each letter? I asked one preceptor already and sent a request for a general recommendation letter. Not sure if I'm doing it incorrectly.

 

[bacillus1]

Thanks for the reply. At what point does it send out the form for each letter? I asked one preceptor already and sent a request for a general recommendation letter. Not sure if I'm doing it incorrectly.

You need to put your references into Phorcas, and I think it'll know to send to them? I'm not sure. All I know is I get reference requests and I fill them out.

 

[flash3]

You need to put your references into Phorcas, and I think it'll know to send to them? I'm not sure. All I know is I get reference requests and I fill them out.

Follow up question, what information do you ask from the student besides the program they are applying to? What kind of institution is it, what interests them etc?

Also, how much do you tailor the letter of recommendations to the program? Do you just include it in the section that addresses it to the specific program? Have a preceptor that is writing letters for the first time and wanted to give some specific advice.

 

[bacillus1]

I'll do whatever the student tells me to. If the student wants me to tailor, I will. Otherwise, I really don't know about all the programs, so I'll just write one letter, since most residencies are pretty similar.

 

[KARM12]

Agree with the above. I almost always use the same letter of rec for multiple programs. The only time I might change it up is if I personally know the program director.