I didn't actually say not to write thank you letters/notes. I just think it is disturbing that PDs ROL could come down to something as prescribed as a non-sincere thank you letter/note.
I definitely, however, feel that it is important to have some post-interview communication with the programs of your top choice. An important thing to remember is to do what is comfortable for you. If you're the type that gets lost without a leader, then read all the books and send your thank you letters within 48 hrs. If you're the type, however, that shys away from the premade cake mixes and opts to make yours from scratch and to taste, then add a little spice to the your post-interview comminucation, ie do a second look, third look, dinner with the PD, who knows. No, but, seriously, do a second look, or phone the PD and tell him your interest in their program and follow-up with an email soon after, or perhaps just send a letter in the next couple of weeks prior to ROL completion reminding the PD of why you would rank them highly (contrary to md- student) .
To say that thank you letters are mainly to say thank you is ludicrus. Of course most people use them to say "hey, look at me, remember me?" Otherwise, do you really think as many people would send them if they were just being polite. How many times do these "polite" people just walk past other classmates and collegues in the hall and opt not to speak? Better yet, not to even look in their direction? OK, I am getting off task. The point is anyone can be "polite" under circumstances where they get something in return, and I think most PDs understand this when it comes to thank you letters and probably don't give too much credit to them anyway. Also, remember, this is your application process and you can do with it what you choose. Just be true to yourself. If you think one should write a letter-a thank you letter or a hey-you-look-at-me letter, then do it.
The most important thing in the end is to have the programs you think highly of know you think highly of them, and that means being assertive. So, go get'em...umm, but hold off on the dinner thing.
Best of wishes,
Sweetfynesse,
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"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi.