When should you ask for a letter of recommendation?

[DrDude]

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If you finish a rotation way before you're even supposed to apply for residency, when should you request a letter of recommendation from the attending?

Also, is there a specific ERAS form you give attendings who are writing your letters?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

If you finish a rotation way before you're even supposed to apply for residency, when should you request a letter of recommendation from the attending?

Also, is there a specific ERAS form you give attendings who are writing your letters?

You should ask your letter writer immediately at the end of the rotation for a letter. They can hold onto it, and when you actually apply to ERAS (I'm assuming you are a third year student, and won't apply until next year) you can then give them the "form" that goes with it. Better yet, have them send the letter to your Dean of Students office -- that's where it will get uploaded next year. They can keep it in your file AND will tell you that it's done.

The only think you will need to decide is whether you "waive" your right to review the letter. US law gives all students/employees a legal right to review any LOR written for them. Let me make it easy for you: waive your right. It's what everyone does, and although most PD's will "measure" a letter that has not been waived equally, it does make it stand out in a bad way.

To more globally answer your question, I recommend you tell your evaluator that you'll probably be asking for a letter half way through your rotation -- this way they can be thinking about that while you finish working together.

 

[justwondering]

ask ur dean about it (specifically if u can send in letters to their office as a 3rd year..). its better to get it while they still remember u well.