Requesting LOR my E-mail

[braxtonhicks]

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Hi,

I am going into OB and thought I had my letters all lined up, but turns out I need a non-OB letter for some programs. I have attendings I could ask for letters from in rotations I honored, but the best way to contact these people is via e-mail. I should have asked for letters during the rotation but I didn't.

Does anyone have suggestions for a tactful way to ask for a LOR by e-mail? Has anyone else done this?

Thanks!

 

[medgirl20]

Hi,

I am going into OB and thought I had my letters all lined up, but turns out I need a non-OB letter for some programs. I have attendings I could ask for letters from in rotations I honored, but the best way to contact these people is via e-mail. I should have asked for letters during the rotation but I didn't.

Does anyone have suggestions for a tactful way to ask for a LOR by e-mail? Has anyone else done this?

Thanks!

Dear X

I waas a student of yours during X. I was wondering if you would be willing to write a LOR for me. I'm available to meet with you X to discuss same.

 

[TruTrooper]

I had to ask for two letters through email well after the rotation ended. Both emails went sort of like this:

Hello, Dr. So and So. First, I would like to thank you for the great evaluation you wrote for me After the such and such rotation. I am now applying for residency and would like to know if you are willingly to write me a STRONG letter of recommendation. I would greatly appreciate it. Attached to this email is my CV and personal statement to medical school. Thank you very much and I hope to hear from you soon.


Sincerely,


Trutrooper
Cell phone#: 555-5555


I was reluctant to leave my PS for my particular residency in case it would kill their enthusiasim during the letter writing.

 

[Haiku]

I don't mean to hijack the thread. . .
My emails were similar -- I enjoyed X rotation, and be sure to specify a "strong" letter.

However, my problem is how long do you wait for a response? I only sent one email, but I'm suspicious that a secretary is screening for this particular attending. What to do next?

Thanks

 

[TruTrooper]

I don't mean to hijack the thread. . .
My emails were similar -- I enjoyed X rotation, and be sure to specify a "strong" letter.

However, my problem is how long do you wait for a response? I only sent one email, but I'm suspicious that a secretary is screening for this particular attending. What to do next?

Thanks

I waited one week before I had to page one of the Attendings after no response. Why wait around? It's crunch time!

 

[Wednesday]

Hi,

I didn't get a response to one email after a week and a half (best to wait this long since it's summer and people very well might be on vacation). I decided to email the secretary. Said I had emailed him and not heard back and what was the best way to get into contact with the attending. She forwarded the email to the attending (who HAD just returned from vacation) and got back to me right away. Didn't want to seem annoying, but some people don't check their email.

I did supply him with my PS (going into OB, attending is a surgeon) because I think it's important for the writer to be able to tailor their comments to the specific requirements of a field. I doubt someone will hold it against you that you are applying to a different field. If they do, you may not want them to write you a letter anyway.