Use same LOR for different specialties?

[GreenShirt]

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I'm thinking about applying to two specialties. Do I need to have my letter writers tailor my letter to a specific specialty or can they write me a general letter that can apply to any residency program? One office of undergraduate medical education was very adamant that the letters should be general in case you change your mind during the app process but I spoke to some residents in specialties to which I am applying that emphasized it was crucial that the letters be specific...any thoughts? Requesting 6 LORs to cover both specialties is very difficult.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

A virtually identical question was asked recently here. In general, the letters should be specific. In addition, in many fields if you suggest to your LOR writers that you're not serious about that field, they may be less excited about recommending you. The more similar the two fields are (and the less competitive they are) the less of a problem this is. So, the answer to your question is: Better to have 6 LOR's specific to the fields to which you are applying. Just make sure that you assign the correct letters to programs. And if you interview in both fields at the same program, you risk being "noticed".

 

[GreenShirt]

If you have people from outside your chosen field(s) writing the LORs is it ok if they're not specific about about it? Afterall, they don't work in that specialty so how would they be able to judge that you are a fit for it as much as someone from within the field.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

If you have people from outside your chosen field(s) writing the LORs is it ok if they're not specific about about it? Afterall, they don't work in that specialty so how would they be able to judge that you are a fit for it as much as someone from within the field.

Well, you bring up an entire other issue. If they aren't able to judge your fit for the field, their letter may not be valued as highly.