To aPD: LOR from IM chair for prelim/TY spots

[gluon999]

I am applying from prelim medicine (at university hospitals) and TY spots. Do I need a letter from the chair of Medicine even though I will just be doing an internship? Most of those residency websites do ask for a department letter for the categorical residency but make no mention about requirements for the prelim year program.

I do have two letters from IM attendings but nothing from the chairman and haven't really thought about this being an issue until now...should I be concerned?

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[Pinkertinkle]

Im not APD but about 40% of prelim medicine programs will stil require a chair's letter. So unless you plan on not applying to that 40% you should get one. Transitional years do not require such a letter.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

for example stanford: http://medicine.stanford.edu/education/apply.html

"Please note: We recommend a Chair's/ Department letter for all candidates, both categorical and preliminary."

or from cedar sinai http://www.csmc.edu/5245.html

"Submit an application through ERAS with the following:

* Transcript of medical school records
* A letter from the Dean of your medical school in support of your application
* A letter from the Chairman of the Department of Medicine in your support. Required for both categorical and preliminary applicants.
* Letters of recommendation from at least two medical sponsors in support of your application
* Copy of USMLE Part 1 and Part 2 results, if available"


Anyway its my impression that chairs are used to writing such letters and are pretty much required to do so should you request one. Since most programs won't be making any real decisions till the dean's letter you still have plenty of time to ask your chair for one. Even if turns out to be rather generic, it'll still allow you to apply to many more programs.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree with above. Will depend on program. Best to have one.

 

[Futuredoc1364]

I made an error in posting, sorry