Screwed by an attending

[OphthoStudent]

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Let me just start by saying that I'm not a troll. I just created a new login because I think my posting history might give away who I am, and I prefer to remain anonymous regarding this issue.

Anyway, I was about to ship out my package to CAS and went to pick up my last letter that I asked for over a month ago. Unfortunatly, this attending decided that he couldn't write me a letter for whatever reason, but strung me along for a month. Where I am supposed to go from here? I don't want to delay submitting my application any longer, but I need at least a week or two for someone to write me another letter. What sucks is that I didn't even need to ask this person, and could easily have gotten one from elsewhere. One of my letters already in hand is an ophtho one. I'd rather not get into any details or specifics about any of the rest in the public forum, but if anyone thinks they have any ideas please respond here or PM me. Thanks

 

[Wolverine98]

Let me just start by saying that I'm not a troll. I just created a new login because I think my posting history might give away who I am, and I prefer to remain anonymous regarding this issue.

Anyway, I was about to ship out my package to CAS and went to pick up my last letter that I asked for over a month ago. Unfortunatly, this attending decided that he couldn't write me a letter for whatever reason, but strung me along for a month. Where I am supposed to go from here? I don't want to delay submitting my application any longer, but I need at least a week or two for someone to write me another letter. What sucks is that I didn't even need to ask this person, and could easily have gotten one from elsewhere. One of my letters already in hand is an ophtho one. I'd rather not get into any details or specifics about any of the rest in the public forum, but if anyone thinks they have any ideas please respond here or PM me. Thanks

That's tough. The attending involved should have let you know as soon as he/she decided not to write it.
I would submit the app without the last letter, and then get a new one lined up ASAP and send it in as soon as you get it.
Another issue to address, if possible, is to try to find out why the person felt they couldn't write the letter. In reality, it will likely not be pleasant to hear, no matter what it is. However, you may learn about some misconceptions about you that you can correct, or, more importantly, it may alert you to something you did or routinely do that you need to correct in your progression as a physician.

 

[neuronerd]

I'm sorry. Although I did not have quite this same issue, I absolutely feel your pain. I was expecting to get a letter right away at my away rotation but it turns out that I needed to work extra hard for them to open up to me in the least . . it turns out that I wanted that CAS in ASAP so I went ahead and got a letter overnight mailed from another physician that I was not expecting to get one from and submitted that. My other letter will be sent out to accepting schools later.

If you could have gotten a letter from other physicians but choose to have this guy write it . . why don't you contact the other physicians, explain your situation and see if they can write you a great letter asap? If I was an attending I would understand and do it.

Good luck, we are rooting for you.

 

[ophthoapplicant]

One ophtho letter, especially if it is strong, is sufficient.

At this point you may have already resolved your issue, but if not, find an attending who really liked you (any field) and have them write you a rec for your third rec letter.

Good luck.

 

[KHE]

Sometimes when I browse through these forums to learn a little bit about the process that you all are going through, I'm often left a bit perplexed and quite often feeling very sorry for you all.

I understand that ophthalmology is a highly competetive residency to obtain because it's lucrative, has prestige and generally affords a decent lifestyle with respect to hours and time away from the office and the fact that it's not too messy and you're not putting your fingers into places that were not meant for your fingers.

I also understand that there are relatively few ophthalmology spots compared to other medical specialties.

However, the process seems unnecessarily onerous. The wailing, gnashing of teeth and rending of garments over letters, board scores, grades, etc. etc. that people seem to be doing is frightening. It almost seems like you guys are trying to elect the Pope with each residency spot.

My question then is this:

Is this process that horrible because of the reasons I listed above and it's just a highly sought after specialty or does being a competent ophthalmologist really require such a hellish initiation?

 

[Mye Eye]

or does being a competent ophthalmologist really require such a hellish initiation?

it's required...you cant be a good ophthalmologist without getting mentally paddled by your frat/ophtho brothers...you didnt get the memo? 👍

 

[Mirror Form]

My question then is this:

Is this process that horrible because of the reasons I listed above and it's just a highly sought after specialty or does being a competent ophthalmologist really require such a hellish initiation?

The former of course. Almost all med students are competitive and hard working. And then you have an even more competitive and hard working subset all competing for a limited number of slots.

 

[KHE]

The former of course. Almost all med students are competitive and hard working. And then you have an even more competitive and hard working subset all competing for a limited number of slots.

So then what would you all like to see to make it less hellish?

 

[7ontheline]

So then what would you all like to see to make it less hellish?

It's no different than any other competitive specialty in medicine. Or, in all likelihood, any other extremely competitive occupation. The hassles are certainly not exclusive to ophthalmology. Not to turn this into a hijack, but this is one of many reasons why it's pretty laughable to compare the difficulty of getting into optometry into ophthalmology. In any case, an easier way to do things would be certainly very welcome, but this is what happens when programs are trying to differentiate among a number of very motivated, talented candidates. Every little thing gets magnified beyond reason.

 

[macro0rchidism]

Why would you want to make it less hellish?

Crying is for girls.

The surgical subspecialties are for real men.

well said