So.......by this time last year I finished my Nephrology elective. Sad thing was ,I was given only 3 weeks to spend in Nephrology. But luckily...2 of the Nephrologists were kind enough to write letters for me. and then my Program director was going to write one. But I still tried to get a few more letters in. This is the reason behind this, and I would encourage you to do this.....
As many of my attendings/Professors are from different hospitals & Universities, I decided to send the LOR from an attending to the hospital where he was trained or may be worked before coming here (provide you think the program in that hospital is good for you). This can work in 2 ways. One...the person/program director reading the letter may know your attending.Two.....the attending who writes the letter for you will feel happy and might recommend you on a more personal note(email etc) to someone he knows in that program. Afterall, the more contacts you have..the more useful it is.
Since it might take a while for them to write letters...its important to start the process now ,by requesting the letter now. Once they agree (all of them usually do...unless u screwed up big time!). immediately print your cover sheet from ERAS...give it to them with a stamped envelope with the address written on it. It will be easier for them to have an updated CV from you. Ask them to seal the cover if you ve waived your right.
Regarding "waive your right "...this is my take on it. If I think I did well, and pretty confident that the letter writer will give me a nice letter, I will waive it (thats what I did for my letters).If you have doubts...dont hesitate to see the letter. Based on the 15 residents who applied last year with me....waiving or not waiving didnt make much of a difference.
Ok.....get ready with your LOR.
by the way.... Hope you all have started working on your application!
