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Thank You's
Started by NMH2001
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I sent, at most, one per program.
This has been hashed several times, but no, I don't think they're strictally necessary and I don't think that their intent is to swing your name just a bit higher on the rank list. I do, however, think it's a polite gesture and that's why I do them.
I don't think anyone can say if it is or isn't. Obviously some PD's have told applicants it's not but that doesn't mean all PD's think the same.
I think of it this way: I've spent $40k on undergrad, $104k on tuition alone for med school, and $? on the whole application process, interviews, traveling, etc so far so what is it to me to spent some time and a few bucks on thankyou notes.
I know it takes a lot of effort but really, how much effort have you put into the last 8 years getting to this point?
I agree. Someone on another thread said that if you someone invited you over, housed you, and fed you - you would write them a thankyou note or give them a thankyou gift. How is it not polite to do the same here?
I got a nice thank you letter from a PD. It wasn't a recruitment thing, just a nicely written letter that I'm sure he sent to everybody thanking them for taking the time to check out his program. I thought it was very classy and appreciated the gesture. Perhaps programs feel the same way when we send them thank you notes.
Ah, hand written or e-mail or snail mail? There's one way to find out if he sends it to everyone - just ask us - which program was it?
Haha. It was snail mail which only added to the class. And it was Emory. And I'd bet money everybody got it.
I don't know anyone who go that yet. Good for you!
As a resident who has interviewed a bunch a people this year I can tell you I've only received 2 thank you notes. I don't think they are mandatory and probably won't affect any rank list but I think it shows some class. I've been disappointed at the lack of class in general with the medical field. You all will come to realize that competitiveness and arrogance are actually a bad thing and that it really doesn't matter where you went to school or residency. What matters is how you treat your patients and the people around you. A thank you note is a small gesture in time and money but probably shows more about you than your application.
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So I know you said it doesn't change the overall rank list, but does it change how you recommend them to your pd? If the thank you notes says something conviencing do you go back and tell the pd? Just curious since you're in the unique position to answer some of these questions.
My thank you notes aren't just thank you notes. I put a little effort in squeezing in a little "letter of intent" type stuff. So I didn't know if when you're debating the ROL if someone pipes up and say "well, this person wrote x in their thank you note. Seems like they really want to be here and were really impressed by what we have to offer" . . . at least that's the way I like to imagine it, it gives me hope - otherwise I'd never get through writing them all.
Truthfully, I don't think your thank you letter will move you up a rank list. Showing interest by knowing about the program before the interview, striking up normal conversations with the residents, asking thoughtful questions (not ones straight out of some interview guide), doing a second look will all help you out. I think the most comments I hear are that this person was easy to talk to, has good LORs and did well on the boards- lets rank them high and this person got a 260 on the boards, but knew nothing about our program, was disinterested and seemed extremely arrogant in the interview-DNR. We want people who we enjoy working along with, not a cutthroat gunner who we will want to strangle when they walk into the ER.
I've started to get some letters from places I've interviewed. One personal e-mail from a interviewer talking about our interview. Another hand-written Christmas card from a resident I didn't even talk to at a program I interviewed at.
Anyone else getting anything? And really what does it mean?
Anyone else getting anything? And really what does it mean?
wow, didn't think of it that way. Obviously u r in a position to make that statement and I respect that. I thought of it more of a non-kosher approach to gain unfair advantage. someone called it "sneaky and cheezy" which I thought was funny.
In any event, I hope programs don't mis-interpret lack of notes as lack of interest, or lack of class.
I'm digging this up because I have a new question that isn't answered in the thread........
Is it okay to send thank-you's via email? I was just curious. I bought really fun ty's to send out, but just wondered what would be "okay" and what wouldn't.
I don't mind using snail mail, but obviously email would be more cost-effective, faster, and I can send one to more than one person at a program, etc..... I don't mind spending the money for stamps, especially since programs take me to dinner and sometimes pay for hotel. It's the least I can do, plus I think its proper etiquette. Email just seems more.... efficient. Input?
Is it okay to send thank-you's via email? I was just curious. I bought really fun ty's to send out, but just wondered what would be "okay" and what wouldn't.
I don't mind using snail mail, but obviously email would be more cost-effective, faster, and I can send one to more than one person at a program, etc..... I don't mind spending the money for stamps, especially since programs take me to dinner and sometimes pay for hotel. It's the least I can do, plus I think its proper etiquette. Email just seems more.... efficient. Input?
Ive used email for my thank yous so far. EM physicians are more about efficiency not formality (atleast that's what I'm banking on)
I have been using e-mail as well. I may drop a few handwritten notes as follow ups as the season drags on but we'll see.
10 interviewers? Good God. Where was that?
