Elevate your residency application with a Residency Letter of Recommendation that highlights your unique strengths and experiences.
Updated June 15, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Residency Letter of Recommendation, or an ERAS letter of recommendation, is a document attesting to an applicant’s competencies, character, and suitability for a medical residency program. It is typically written by a medical school faculty member or a medical professional who has worked with the applicant in a clinical setting.
Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of the ERAS residency application process. A well-crafted residency letter of recommendation can significantly influence the outcome of a residency application by setting an applicant apart from peers.
Understanding the significance of residency letters of recommendation is crucial for any applicant aiming to secure a position in their desired medical specialty.
Here’s why ERAS letters are so pivotal:
Approach the process thoughtfully and with careful planning. Here are some steps to guide you when requesting letters:
Residency applications generally require a minimum of three letters of recommendation, and most programs will only review three letters. However, the EMAS Portal allows you to upload an unlimited number of letters and assign a maximum of four letters to each program. Check individual program requirements to see how many letters they need.
Selecting the right individuals to request letters of recommendation is crucial for a strong medical residency application. You should prioritize recommenders who have closely observed your academic and professional prowess.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing your recommenders depending on your situation:
Ensure that your recommenders are familiar with your work and willing and able to convey your suitability for a residency program effectively. Avoid relying solely on prestigious titles unless the recommender knows you well enough to provide a substantive evaluation.
While the Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (also known as the Dean’s Letter) is a required part of your ERAS application, it does not count as a residency letter of recommendation.
Here’s a guide to help you write a strong and compelling ERAS letter of recommendation:
Use an official letterhead that includes your institution’s logo and address, along with the date created. Begin the letter by clearly stating the purpose of the letter with enthusiasm. Introduce yourself, stating your position and providing context by detailing the length and nature of your relationship with the applicant.
The body of the letter should contain two to three (no more than four) paragraphs.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that highlights the applicant’s knowledge and skills relevant to the opportunity they are pursuing, including attributes mentioned in their personal statement and the ACGME Core Competencies. Follow this with specific clinical examples and anecdotes that illustrate and support the statement.
In addition, consider sharing anecdotes or exemplary stories that showcase their competencies and strengths, providing a well-rounded view of their capabilities. Comment on their growth and development, if applicable.
Below are the six Core Competencies and how you may demonstrate them in your letter of recommendation according to the ACGME Guidelines:
Conclude the letter by summarizing the applicant’s strengths and reaffirming your recommendation. Provide a final endorsement and summarize their performance, focusing on their suitability for the residency program.
End the letter with a handwritten signature, followed by your name, title, academic rank, and contact information.
Once the letter is finalized, save it in PDF format and ensure the file size does not exceed 500 KB. Use your AAMC account to upload the letter through the EMAS Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP). You must use the Letter ID from the Letter Request Form the applicant provided to submit the letter.
An applicant can upload recommendation letters only if they have not waived their right to view the letters on the ERAS.
[Institution Letterhead]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing with great enthusiasm to recommend Marshall North for the Pediatric Residency Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As an attending physician in the Pediatric Department at University Medical School, I had the pleasure of supervising Marshall during his clinical rotation in pediatrics, where I closely observed his interactions with patients and his clinical skills over several months.
Marshall’s patient care and procedural skills were exemplary throughout his rotation. I vividly recall a challenging case where he managed a young child presenting with a severe asthma attack. His quick assessment, administration of appropriate treatments, and consistent monitoring showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations with competence and care. His dedication to ensuring the child’s stability and comfort was commendable and demonstrated his deep commitment to patient care.
Marshall also stood out in our weekly case discussions, where his medical knowledge and clinical reasoning were consistently impressive. During one such discussion, he correctly diagnosed a rare case of Kawasaki disease in a child with prolonged fever and rash. His ability to synthesize complex clinical information and arrive at accurate diagnoses highlighted his exceptional analytical skills and deep understanding of pediatric conditions.
Additionally, Marshall showed an understanding of systems-based practice. He participated in a quality improvement project aimed at reducing wait times in the pediatric emergency department. His contributions helped streamline the triage process, which significantly improved patient flow and reduced wait times, showcasing his ability to enhance healthcare delivery systems.
In conclusion, Marshall North is an outstanding candidate for the Pediatric Residency Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His clinical skills, medical knowledge, and professionalism make him well-suited for this prestigious program. I am confident that he will make significant contributions and excel in his residency.
Ivanna Clark, M.D.
Attending Physician, Pediatric Department
University Medical School
[email protected]
(123) 456-7890
[Company Letterhead]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend Megan Voltz for the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Florida. Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of supervising Megan, a Clinical Research Associate at XYZ Pharmaceuticals, whose skills and dedication have consistently impressed me.
Megan’s commitment to patient care was evident in her management of clinical trials. During a particularly complex trial for a new diabetes medication, Megan excelled in patient recruitment, data collection, and follow-up procedures. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured high-quality patient care and reliable data collection, reflecting her dedication to the well-being of participants.
Her medical knowledge and clinical reasoning are equally commendable. Megan frequently contributed valuable insights during our study design meetings. For example, her suggestion to include a broader range of patient demographics in a hypertension drug trial significantly enhanced the study’s applicability and robustness. Her ability to apply clinical knowledge to real-world scenarios demonstrates her analytical skills and clinical reasoning.
Megan also actively engages in practice-based learning and improvement. She continuously seeks ways to enhance her knowledge and skills. For instance, after noticing inconsistencies in patient data collection methods, she researched and implemented a new standardized protocol, significantly improving data accuracy and consistency across trials.
In conclusion, Megan possesses the skills, knowledge, and professionalism required for a successful career in family medicine. Her dedication to patient care, strong clinical reasoning, and excellent communication skills make her an ideal candidate for the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Florida. I am confident she will excel in her future endeavors and make significant contributions to the field of family medicine.
Carlos Bayes
Clinical Research Manager
XYZ Pharmaceuticals
[email protected]
(789) 012-3456
[Institution Letterhead]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Natalia Lovette for the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. As a Sports Medicine Specialist at ABC Sports Clinic, I had the privilege of working with Natalia two years ago during her rotation in our department; throughout our time together, she displayed remarkable dedication, clinical skills, and a passion for sports medicine.
Natalia’s patient care and procedural skills were evident from the beginning of her rotation. I vividly recall an instance where she managed a young athlete with a severe ACL injury. Natalia’s thorough assessment, combined with her precise execution of the initial treatment plan, demonstrated her exceptional clinical skills. She effectively coordinated the patient’s care from initial assessment through to physical therapy, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to treatment.
Natalia’s professionalism is one of her standout qualities. She consistently exhibited a high level of professionalism in all interactions, whether with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals. Her ethical approach and dedication to patient confidentiality were always apparent. Natalia’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care, even in high-pressure situations, was truly commendable.
Interpersonal and communication skills are also among Natalia’s strengths. She effectively communicated complex medical information to patients and their families, ensuring they were well-informed and comfortable with the treatment plans. Her ability to build trust and rapport with patients was particularly evident during her work with young athletes, who often require a compassionate and understanding approach.
In conclusion, Natalia Lovette is a highly capable and dedicated individual with a strong passion for sports medicine. Her clinical skills, medical knowledge, professionalism, and excellent communication abilities make her an outstanding candidate for the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. I am confident that she will excel in any program and make significant contributions to the field.
Sarah Coleman, M.D.
Sports Medicine Specialist
ABC Sports Clinic
[email protected]
(456) 789-0123
Copy the sample below or download a customizable residency letter of recommendation template.
___________________ [Recommender’s name]
___________________ [Recommender’s institution/entity]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s address]
___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email]
___________________ [Recipient’s name]
___________________ [Recipient’s institution/entity]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s address]
___________________ [Recipient’s phone or email]
Dear ________________________ [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend ___________________ [Candidate’s name] for the ___________________ [Program applied for] at ___________________ [Institution/entity name]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Candidate’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to Candidate] for ______ [Time] at ___________________ [Institution’s name], I have been impressed by their interactions with patients and clinical skills. This positions me well to attest to their suitability for this application.
During their tenure, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Skill or expertise]. A notable achievement was their commitment to _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Skill or expertise] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
In addition, ___________________ [Candidate’s name]’s capacity for ___________________ [Skill or expertise] was demonstrated by their contribution to _____________________________________ [Applicant’s accomplishment]. Because of them, ______________________________ [Result of achievement].
In conclusion, ___________________ [Candidate’s name] possesses the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in medicine. Their dedication to patient care make them an ideal candidate for the ___________________ [Program applied for] at ___________________ [Institution/entity name]. I am confident they will excel in their future endeavors and make significant contributions to the field.
I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss ___________________ [Candidate’s name]’s journey further. I can be reached at ___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email].
___________________ [Recommender’s name]
___________________ [Recommender’s title]
___________________ [Recommender’s institution/entity]
___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email]
