What to do about Covid and the potential inability to get LORs

[trundlethegreat]

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Hey guys, two questions:

I know a lot of students who are either being told by programs that they aren't taking visiting students either indefinitely, or at least through June. I'm curious if your schools have given you any specialty-specific advice on what to do in the event June-August is terrible for getting aways, and thus departmental letters? (assuming the ERAS timeline isn't pushed back)

Is it wrong to think MD students will be, on average, at less of a disadvantage as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic's effect on the NRMP because they can rely on home programs for letters? I envision that they will be giving major priority to their own students for these rotations, and thus it might be tough for us without home programs.

For a lot of people, I would assume LORs from rotations in 3rd year will suffice. Even for specialties like Neurology, Anesthesia, Radiology, ER etc. I would assume at least some programs are going to understand that people weren't able to get specialty-specific letters and definitely not more than one, but for some on the borderline or for very competitive specialties I'm wondering if it's better to apply a year later.

For instance, I was planning on applying for a competitive surgical subspecialty (where 100% of PD's in the PDS said they deem a specialty-specific letter important). I've been doing research with a big MD institution (that isn't trad very DO friendly) and know the dept chair but not sure if that's enough to ask for a letter. I had an elective at the end of this year that got cancelled and so far have nothing scheduled before Sep for aways. If things don't get better or ACGME/AAMC don't intervene, I am debating foregoing this match year altogether and applying for 2022.

Curious what y'all think. Things might turn around, but trying to be proactive and plan ahead where I can. Hope everyone is staying safe amidst this madness.

 

[Chibucks15]

I need it. Because damn I lost my rotation in my specialty of choice (neuro) which I was going to get a letter in. I’m sure they’ll be understand but I need it to get figured out haha

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I've been doing research with a big MD institution (that isn't trad very DO friendly) and know the dept chair but not sure if that's enough to ask for a letter.

Honestly it might be worth it to explain to him the situation and ask if he would be willing to write you a letter considering these circumstances. I'm probably going to have to try and get 2 letters from surgical faculty I only peripherally worked with.

According to some other posters in Allo their deans have told them there is a very real chance ERAS gets pushed back a month. So if that happens we still might be able to squeak in an away to get some LORs.

 

[Neopolymath]

You are one of the few people on here to acknowledge that this hurts us a lot more than MD students. Contrary to popular belief, we are not "all in this together" as third years. The fact that you recognize this is an advantage in itself over some of your competition (essentially DOs and anyone else without home programs to a lesser extent as they still have better resources than the typical DO school). Frankly, this is mostly going to be about luck and you hoping that ERAS gets delayed as it rightfully should. The only thing you can do is network like crazy to build the best system you can. It can't hurt to speak to these attendings and get the advising you aren't going to get anywhere else. You might end up with a decent letter anyways. I would strongly consider taking a research year if things aren't looking right though.

As for your school (or mine), I'm sure they would gladly accidentally-on-purpose welcome you to FM with some awful advice so don't even worry about what a school has to say.