General Writing my own LOR?

[Question]

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I asked a physician I shadowed for an extended period for an LOR. He asked me to write a first draft and said he would just go over it and add or edit anything he needed. At first, I thought this was really odd, but after searching Reddit, it seems like maybe this isn't super uncommon? I don't want to do it, as i have no idea how to write a LOR, and im not sure of how objectively I can be when writing abouut myself. but at the same time this was my most extended shadowing experience and the closest relationship i have with a physician for a LOR. Does anyone have a template or any kind of direction for this?

— Experts please respond to this post —

 

[Dral]

Yes, not that uncommon. It has happened to me more than once.

A lot of times I might not recommend this, but you might start by using AI to write an initial draft. Then maybe go in and edit it - then pass it on to the attending.

When I say edit it, let AI write it out, then add/delete as you see fit; and alter syntax and sentence structure to a way you would do in your own writing.

 

[LizzyM]

https://www.aamc.org/system/files?file=2019-09/lettersguidelinesbrochure.pdf

May be of help. You can also pass it to people who you ask to be your letter writers.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

This is the ultimate in laziness by your preceptor. Any suggestion that it's somehow "good for you" to write your own LOR is BS.
</rant>

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Of course, the preceptor may also start with an AI draft.

Have you talked with your reference about what they feel are strong, persuasive points to include?

 

[GoSpursGo]

This is the ultimate in laziness by your preceptor. Any suggestion that it's somehow "good for you" to write your own LOR is BS.
</rant>

I don't necessarily agree--it helps to make sure that the LOR highlights the things that the applicant wants highlighted.

But I give them a template to work from.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I don't necessarily agree--it helps to make sure that the LOR highlights the things that the applicant wants highlighted.

But I give them a template to work from.

We agree to disagree then.

Lots of LOR's are just rehashes of the applicant's CV. What use is that to me? I already have their CV.

What's useful to me is your experience with the applicant. What did they do, how did they perform. Ignore everything else. Just what was your experience with this applicant like.

 

[GoSpursGo]

We agree to disagree then.

Lots of LOR's are just rehashes of the applicant's CV. What use is that to me? I already have their CV.

What's useful to me is your experience with the applicant. What did they do, how did they perform. Ignore everything else. Just what was your experience with this applicant like.

Well of course. In my template there is a whole paragraph where I re-write it for each applicant in a truly personalized manner.

But the part about rehashing the CV? I don't want to have to do that and parse what you do or don't want me to talk about.