sample application letter for residency training

• Residency Letter of Intent Articles and Resources

How To Write The Residency Letter of Intent (2022-2023)

• Make it clear why you are interested in the program.

Table of Contents

Residency Match 2022 – 2023 Letter of Intent Example.

As residency interview season comes to an end, you’ve identified your top choice program and you want to write a residency letter of intent. Even though programs are not allowed to ask for letters of intent, more and more are asking applicants to communicate interest. Therefore, at MedEdits, we consider letters of intent a very important part of the residency match process and encourage all applicants to send one.

These are some concerns applicants have about letters of intent:

“I have no idea what to write.” “I want to stand out.” “I want to be different.”

This is what you want to convey through your letter of intent:

• Why are you a great fit for the program?
• Why is the program a great fit for you?
• How will you contribute?
• Explicitly state the the program is your #1 choice and you will be ranking them first.
• Address the letter to the program director and any people with whom you have connected (interviewers, coordinator)
• Send your residency letter of intent by mid-January or once you have completed all of your interviews.

Program directors want to rank applicants who are likely to match into their program. This is why a residency letter of intent matters! 

FREE – Residency Rank Order List Strategy eBook

• How many programs should I rank to match?
• What is a rank order list?
• What is the best match rank list strategy?
• When do programs submit their rank list?

Make it clear why you are interested in the residency program.

And, don’t forget to explain why you’ll be a good fit.

Below is an example residency letter of intent from How To Be an All-Star Residency Match Applicant which you can buy on Amazon.

Heading into the final stretch of the residency match season?

Be sure to read:

• NRMP Rank Order list Guidance, Match Day Schedule, and SOAP (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program)
• Residency Match Success: Lessons Learned

Example Residency Letter of Intent

Dear Dr. X,

I interviewed at your program on January 6th, and did a second look on January 31st. I am writing this letter to express my strong interest in your program and to inform you that I am ranking Excellent Program as my #1 choice for residency .

Excellent Program offers several unique strengths that make it the right program for me. I am particularly interested in the clinical and research opportunities that Excellent offers, including great subspecialty surgical electives, international mission trips with faculty and diverse training sites. The chance to take a year off to pursue my research interests is something else in which I am interested. I also enjoyed meeting with Drs. Great and Awesome during my second look and learning about resident involvement with community and departmental initiatives. I plan to pursue leadership positions during and after residency, and Excellent would help me achieve these goals.

I am also extremely impressed with your program’s structured didactics. I learned from Dr. Accomplished’s presentation and handouts on interview day that residents are consistently tested on the material they are learning in conferences and during rotations. In addition, I highly value the extensive simulation training that is an ongoing part of the curriculum. I was also impressed by the camaraderie and teamwork that your residents exhibited. I think I would fit in very well with the group.

During my second look visit last week, I also explored the city of Urban Oasis and became aware of its incredible diversity. Even though I will have limited free time during residency, the city’s cultural and culinary venues will offer valuable diversions. I would be really excited to live in a new part of the country and learn how medicine is practiced there.

For all of these reasons, Excellent is my top choice for residency. I would be honored to match there. As a resident, I hope to learn from my attendings and offer the best care for my patients. I also hope to make meaningful contributions to the program. My desire to become an excellent surgeon, along with my current interests and future goals, make me an enthusiastic, motivated, focused, and excellent fit for Excellent.

Sincerely, Your Top Choice Too

Residency Match Services

Learn more about MedEdits’ residency letter of intent editing services , or contact us to create a residency admissions plan.

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Residency Letter of Intent

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Letter of Intent Residency

Introduction.

Crafting a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a residency program is an essential part of the medical journey.

It conveys an applicant’s interest in a particular residency program and why they believe they’re the right fit.

Below are 20 examples to inspire aspiring residents:

Letter of Intent Residency Examples

• General Residency LOI :

Dear [Program Director’s Name],

Following my recent interview at [Residency Program Name], I am writing to express my strong intention to join your team. I was deeply impressed by the commitment to patient care and dedication to resident education evident throughout my visit.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

• Surgical Residency Intent :

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Your surgical residency program emphasizes both clinical skills and research—two areas I am passionate about. I am keen to contribute and learn under the guidance of esteemed professionals at [Institution Name].

• Pediatrics Enthusiast :

Hello Dr. [Last Name],

The vibrancy and warmth of your pediatrics team truly resonated with me. My previous experiences have molded me to be a compassionate and dedicated pediatrician, and I believe [Institution Name] is where I can thrive.

• Highlighting Research :

Your residency program’s commitment to research in [specific field] aligns with my academic interests, notably my work on [specific project]. I am eager to continue this trajectory at [Institution Name].

• Post-Interview Appreciation :

Post our engaging interview, I’m more convinced that [Residency Program Name] is the right fit for me. I appreciate the comprehensive training and hands-on experience the program promises.

• International Medical Graduate :

Hello [Program Director’s Name],

As an international medical graduate, I bring diverse experiences that can contribute to the depth of [Program Name]. Your program’s inclusive approach is what draws me the most, and I am enthusiastic about joining.

Yours sincerely,

• Internal Medicine Aspirant :

My rotations in internal medicine have cemented my passion for the field. The multi-faceted approach of [Program Name] at [Institution Name] aligns perfectly with my aspirations.

Best wishes,

• Enthusiastic for Community Service :

Your program’s emphasis on community service resonates deeply with my personal and professional values. I am eager to serve, learn, and grow at [Institution Name].

• Psychiatry Passionate :

The dynamic nature of psychiatry intrigues me. I was inspired by [Institution Name]’s compassionate care model and its emphasis on integrative treatments. I am hopeful for the opportunity to further this mission.

With respect,

• Family Medicine Intent :

My goal is to be at the forefront of family care, and your program offers the comprehensive training that I seek. The welcoming environment at [Institution Name] was palpable, and I am eager to be part of it.

• Praising Program’s Reputation :

The stellar reputation of [Program Name] precedes itself. Your program’s achievements in [specific field or aspect] are commendable, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to its future successes.

• Applicant with Specific Skills :

I bring a unique skill set, including [specific skills, e.g., “advanced laparoscopic techniques”]. I believe these skills, combined with the advanced training at [Institution Name], can prove mutually beneficial.

• Emergency Medicine Enthusiast :

The fast-paced, ever-evolving realm of emergency medicine captivates me. Your program’s emphasis on both clinical acumen and compassionate care is precisely what I seek in my residency training.

• Reiterating Commitment :

I want to reiterate my commitment to [Specialty, e.g., “oncology”] and my keen interest in joining your team. The groundbreaking work at [Institution Name] aligns seamlessly with my career goals.

• Thanking for Consideration :

Thank you for considering my application. The ethos and approach of [Program Name] resonate with my professional aspirations. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining.

• OB/GYN Dedicated Applicant :

The privilege of being part of women’s healthcare journeys drives my passion for OB/GYN. The integrative and compassionate model at [Institution Name] is one I ardently wish to be part of.

Best regards,

• Expressing Professional Alignment :

The values and goals of [Program Name] align perfectly with my professional journey so far. I believe the next logical step for me is to be part of such an esteemed program.

Warm wishes,

• Appreciating the Faculty :

Meeting the dedicated faculty of [Program Name] was truly inspiring. Their mentorship, combined with the program’s robust curriculum, is the ideal environment I seek for my residency.

• Infectious Diseases Specialty :

In today’s rapidly changing global health landscape, the specialty of infectious diseases has never been more vital. During my rotations, I was consistently drawn to the intricate balance between diagnostics, patient care, and public health implications. I am particularly impressed by [Institution Name]’s commitment to research in emerging infectious threats and its renowned faculty in the field. I sincerely believe that under the guidance and mentorship of your esteemed team, I can hone my skills and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts against infectious diseases.

With utmost respect,

Remember, while these examples serve as a template, it’s essential for each letter of intent to be personalized, reflecting the applicant’s genuine experiences, aspirations, and reasons for choosing a particular residency program.

Residency directors appreciate sincerity and passion, so always be true to your journey and aspirations!

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• MyERAS Application Written Sections
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Residency Document Editing
• Our Process
• Applying to Residency Programs
• Residency Application Red Flags
• Application Common Mistakes
• Letter of Recommendation Guide

Residency Letters of Interest, Thank Yous, & Letters of Intent

Following up with residency programs during the medical residency application cycle is extremely important and can help garner more interviews, higher rankings, and ultimately, your best Match.

Generally speaking, there are three types of residency follow-up letters :

Letters of Interest

Thank You Letters

• Letters of Intent

Sent to programs you’ve applied to but have not yet heard back from to express your particular interest in their program.

Sent after completing your residency interview. Do NOT send Thank You Letters to programs that have explicitly told interviewees not to send them.

Letters of Intent 

Sent during Rank Order season to those programs you intend on ranking highly and possibly expressing a number one rank choice.

Every Residency Letter of Communication Signature Should Include: 

• Your AAMC ID
• Your ERAS Photograph

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Sending Letters of Interest to Residency Programs

The Goal: Generate interest in your candidacy from top programs you have not yet heard from.

Send To: Residency Letters of Interest should be sent to approximately your top 5-20 programs.

When to Send : Send 1 month BEFORE applications are released- OR – send at least 2-3 weeks after applications have been released by ERAS. If applying late, be sure to give programs at least 1-2 weeks before sending follow up Letters of Interest.

Sample Residency Letter of Interest Content

Possible Letter of Interest Subject Lines: 

• Letter of Interest from J. Doe
• Letter of Interest from J. Doe for your {Specialty} Residency Program
• Letter of Interest from J. Doe to {Program Name}
• Letter of Interest from J. Doe to {Specialty + Program Name}

Addressed To: 

• Program Coordinator
• Program Coordinator + Program Director
• Program Coordinator + Cc Program Director

Residency Letter of Interest Content:

1. The specific reasons for your interest in the program. This could include specific research projects, elective rotations, special training tracks, wellness initiatives, and geographic preferences. The Mission and Values of the program are also options, but typically come across as generic and non-informative to your specific interest.

This is the most important part of the Letter of Interest. Sell the program to themselves. Make them understand ALL the reasons you are so excited to be a part of their program.

Do not copy and paste information from the program’s website; it will be obvious to programs that you’ve done this.

2. The most important strengths you’re bringing to the table . Look back at your Personal Statement and CV. Identify 2-3 points you can draw their attention to that are most relevant to their program (which you’ve already discussed via your reasons for your interest).

3. How you plan to contribute to/improve the program . Briefly summarize your intended involvement and attributes that will add to their program.

You can conclude by reiterating your sincere interest and hope for an opportunity to discuss further, also inviting them to look at your ERAS Application.

Optional : Attach your ERAS CV or a separate professional CV to the email for quick reference.

Sending Thank You Letters to Residency Programs 

The Goal: Expressing thanks and reinforcing memorable aspects of your interview with key interviewers.

Send To: All residency programs that have interviewed you and do not have a policy against Thank You Letters. Send to as many key individuals that interviewed you as is possible and reasonable for each program.

When to Send : Within 1 week of your interview.

Sample Residency Thank You Letter Content

• A Thank You from John Doe
• A Sincere Thank You from John Doe
• Program Director
• Each particular person who interviewed you (and you had memorable conversation with)

Residency Thank You Letter Content:

• Thanks and gratitude for the interview opportunity.
• Reminder of the date the interview took place.
• Mentioning memorable moments from the interview (when addressing the Thank You to that particular interviewer).
• Summarizing your reasons for interest in that particular program + why you are a good fit.
• Hope and desire to potentially work together in the future.

Remember, do NOT send Thank You Letters to programs who specifically tell you not to. Doing so implies you cannot follow directions, which is of course a bad thing. 

Sending Letters of Intent to Residency Programs 

The Goal: Confirm with top programs you’ve interviewed at that you intend on ranking them highly. Consider specifically signaling your number one program.

Send To: Top 3-7 programs appearing on your Rank Order List. Consider a special letter for your number one residency choice.

When to Send : Send approximately 2 weeks before the Rank Order List opens to 2 weeks before the Rank Order List Deadline.

Sample Residency Letter of Intent Content

• Letter of Intent from John Doe
• {Program Name} Will Be Ranked #1 – from John Doe
• A reminder of when you had your interview.
• An announcement of your intention to rank highly.
• ex. facilities, amenities, faculty, location
• Draw your details from your actual experience with the program, people you met with, and the things you saw during the interview
• Don’t just tell the program you love them, demonstrate your knowledge and familiarity with concrete examples
• Any other reasons you are interested in the program.
• Any additional strengths you have as an applicant that you feel would benefit the program.
• Close with your intention to rank highly and desire to work together in the near future.

Should I Tell A Residency Program They Are My #1 Choice? 

Questions about Residency Letters of Communication? 

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: (858) 221-8580

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Residency Letter of Intent

A residency letter of intent (LOI) is a letter sent to a residency program director as part of post-interview communication to attend the desired program.

It is one of the additional yet important steps in applying to medical residencies. It follows the creation of a rank order list that contains residency programs an applicant would wish to attend. The school letter of intent , in this case, is your chance to choose the top program and show your strive to apply for this or that exact program to its directors. Learn more about this in our full article .

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What Are the Benefits of a Medical Residency Letter of Intent?

How to write a residency letter of intent, sample residency letter of intent.

A well-written residency LOI increases the chances of matching your top-choice program. As we have said, it is not an imperative part of applying to residencies, but taking your time to create one will never hurt. It will show that you have put your best efforts to increase your chances of being ranked highly with your residency application. Not all medical residency programs will take a LOI into consideration, but you never know whether your dream program is among them.

Interesting statistics — a 2014 survey of directors of one of the USA residency programs showed that you increase your chances of being ranked highly with your residency application by almost 30% if you accompany it with a good residency LOI.

Yes, you can receive a match without a letter of intent. An outstanding application and a successful interview are surefire ways to become a resident at a desired medical residency program. Essentially, your letter helps you stand out from other applicants who are at about the same level in the program’s ranking but failed to take their chance and write a good letter of intent.

However, you should be confident about your application and interview to ensure that your LOI actually increases your chances. If you haven’t done well at previous stages, even the best letter of intent is unlikely to make much difference.

Step 1 — The information about the applicant and responder

The letter should start with the information about the applicant placed in the top left corner. It should tell their name and address.

Beneath it, there should be the effective date of the letter.

Under the date, the information about the responder (director of the program) should be included, namely, their name, title, and address of the medical facility they work at.

Step 2 — Opening

The letter should start with the respectful “Dear [Name of the program director]. Then, the letter should tell the purpose of writing —  in our case, to convey the applicant’s strong interest in the residency program. This section might reveal that you were impressed by your visit to the medical facility when you had an interview, and in this letter, you want to tell why you think you would be a good fit for the program.

Step 3 — Benefits of the program

Next, it is vital to convey why you consider this particular program a perfect residency choice. You should specify what exactly makes the program your top choice residency.

These might be specific qualities of the program, such as various research opportunities, flexible curriculum, matching research interests, good location, range of experiences it offers, etc. This information might come in several paragraphs, but it is recommended to keep the entire letter short — not more than one page long (about 250–270 words).

Step 4 — Closing

The letter should end with you saying how you want to attend the program and intend to rank that program first on your list. Along with that, there should be a confident statement that you would be a good fit for the residency. You should show that both the program and you will benefit if you become a resident.

The last thing to write in the residency LOI should be the word “sincerely” and the applicant’s name.

If you want to get an excellent example of a residency letter of intent, our website is at your disposal. Use our residency LOI sample to get an idea of a letter that would enhance your chances of attending the desired program.

From: Jonas Jones 47 Rockledge St. Pasadena, TX 77506 Email: [email protected] Phone number: +1555444786

To: Dr. Eric Johnson Program Director The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Dr. Johnson,

My name is Jonas Jones. I was honored to be interviewed about the Endocrinology Residency Program you offer on February 25, 2021, and share my goals with renowned Dr. Brown. I am writing this letter of intent to express my strong interest in the program and let you know that your program is my number-one choice in my list of residencies. Given the opportunity to join it, I will gladly accept the offer. With this letter, I would also like to update you on my recent activities.

There are two main reasons why The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine residency program is my top choice. The first reason is that it perfectly aligns with my professional interests. The program will help me further support them by creating a new generation of drugs for patients with endocrine disorders. The second reason is that I am really excited about my possible mentors at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I would be honored to get involved in the projects supervised by reputed Dr. Brown and Dr. Grisley.

What excites me when I think about the residency program is facing various challenges and professional growth when being a resident of such a cutting-edge program. I am confident that I align with your program’s goals and mission and share the commitment to community care and the principles of the medical profession. Furthermore, I would be glad to contribute to your programs’ reputation using my research experience in endocrine disorders. Finally, it would be a great honor for me to be given a chance to complete the final stages of my training at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Regarding some updates to my application materials, I would like to tell you that I was recently invited to participate in the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ (AACE) 30th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress. There, I will have a chance to present my latest publication in thyroid disorders.

Thank you for your consideration. For any additional information, please contact me at my email or phone number.

Sincerely, Jonas Jones

Empowering International Medical Graduate (IMG) Community since 2004.

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Medical Residency

• 24 May, 2021
• ERAS Application Letters of Recommendation
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When you’re applying for medical residency, having high quality Letters of Recommendation can strengthen your application. First, become familiar with the appropriate content for an LoR and how to choose the best letter writers. Next, you might find it helpful to review a strong sample Letter of Recommendation. Doing so can help you feel more confident about these supporting documents, whether you’re getting ready to request them or preparing to draft them yourself.

Below, we’ve provided a sample LoR for an internal medicine residency applicant. First, you’ll notice that the letter touches on all the key points highlighted in our blog Guide to Writing Residency Letters of Recommendation. Specifically, this letter includes:

• Details about how the writer knows the applicant
• An acknowledgement of the specialty being applied to
• Discussion of the ACGME 6 Core Competencies
• Specific examples
• A clear and straightforward recommendation for the specialty being applied to

Sample Letter of Recommendation

Finally, we hope this sample is helpful in demonstrating what a specialty specific and well-written Letter of Recommendation looks like!

Also, if you’ve been asked to author your own LoRs, or have access to those written for you, consider signing up with  Residency Experts. When you sign up, our highly qualified editors will edit your Letters of Recommendation to perfection, and we also offer editing of the written sections of your MyERAS Application and Personal Statement. You can also check out Residency Experts’ helpful tips by reading Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide .

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• Residency Application

Residency Personal Statement Examples from Matched Residents

Use these residency personal statement examples as a reference as you are working on  preparing you residency applications . The following are printed with permission from our own past successful students who worked with us as part of our  application review  programs. If you are having trouble getting started, you are not alone. Many students find that the personal statement can be one of the most challenging components of the  ERAS  or  CaRMS  residency applications. However, your personal statement can make or break your application. Get started on the right track by following the guidelines outlined for you below reviewing the emergency medicine residency personal statement example , pediatrics personal statement example , cardiology personal statement example, and more..  

This blog will outline what types of things to include in your residency personal statement. It will also give you 10 examples of personal statements from 10 different specialties written by actual students who matched into those fields. Reviewing personal statement examples is also good essay writing practice if you decide to write a residency letter of intent . Many of the same principles you apply to the personal statement can be applied to other application materials as well, so consider this review comprehensive. Believe it or not, personal statements also entail a great deal of self-reflection, which means they also function as a great review for residency interview questions , like the “tell me about yourself” residency interview question .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 39 min read

Residency personal statement example #1: family medicine.

During the pre-clerkship years of study in medical school, I enjoyed learning about the many specialties within medicine and actively considered pursuing several of them. I was drawn to the complex pharmacology of the drugs used by anesthesiologists, the acuity of care faced by emergency medicine physicians and the complicated medical issues of patients cared for by internal medicine specialists. I also found myself interested in psychiatrists’ thorough history-taking and the technical skills in performing procedures exhibited by surgeons. It started becoming clear to me that I was interested in many different areas of medicine. I began realizing that I wanted a career that combined the many things I enjoyed in different specialties. A family physician has the flexibility to practice all of these facets of medicine. As clerkship drew nearer, I knew I wanted to gain more clinical experience in family medicine to see if it would be a good fit for me.

My clinical experiences in family medicine were fantastic. I worked with family physicians and family medicine residents not only during my core family medicine rotation and family medicine electives, but also during my psychiatry, surgery, anesthesiology, and pediatrics rotations. These clinical experiences confirmed my belief that family medicine is a diverse and exciting specialty; family physicians, while maintaining a broad base of medical knowledge, can tailor their practices to the needs of their communities and to their own interests and areas of expertise. During my family medicine rotation and electives, I also found myself greatly enjoying my encounters with patients. I enjoy hearing patients’ stories and sorting through their many medical and psychosocial issues. I am also naturally a fastidious person. Being a thorough history-taker and a meticulous recorder of details helps me in formulating a complete story about a patient. My joy in interacting with patients and my attention to detail allow me to appreciate patients as people, not just as disorders or diseases. I am both interested in learning about and have a certain affinity for, family medicine clinical experiences; pursuing a career in this specialty is an obvious choice for me.

The versatility and diversity of family practice initially drew my interest but the wonderful encounters I had with family physicians solidified my desire to pursue a career in this specialty. These family physicians have not only been skilled and knowledgeable clinicians but also, variously, dedicated teachers, researchers, and administrators. They were committed to improving their clinical skills by attending continuing education lectures and courses. They practiced patient-centered care and were knowledgeable about community resources that may help their patients. They worked cooperatively with other health-care professionals to improve patient care. Importantly, these physicians have also been friendly and approachable towards both learners and patients. The family physicians I have worked with also strive toward a healthy work-life balance; all of them seemed to have many interests and hobbies outside of their professions. These clinicians demonstrated to me what being a family physician involves: practicing both the science and art of medicine, advocating for patients, guiding patients through the health-care system, being committed to improving clinical knowledge and, importantly, maintaining one’s own health and happiness.

Being sure of the specialty I want to pursue is the first step in my career. There are many learning opportunities ahead. [Name of the program]’s family medicine residency program is attractive in so many ways: the protected academic days, the opportunity to participate in research and, most importantly, the clinical curriculum, all appeal to me. I believe the solid foundation of family medicine experience, as well as the exposure to other specialties, alongside the opportunities to build the skills necessary for life-long learning through the academic experiences and research, make this an ideal program for me. On a personal note, I grew up in [hometown] and did my undergraduate studies at [name of university]; I would be thrilled to return to my hometown and a university already familiar to me. My career goals after finishing my residency include having a community-based, urban family practice and being actively involved in teaching residents and medical students. I am also open to being involved in research and administration. Career goals, however, may change as I progress through my training. I am excited to begin the next stage of medical training and begin my residency in family medicine!

1. Emphasis on why the applicant wants to enter that specific specialty

This family medicine personal statement example does a great job of explaining why the applicant wants to enter that specific specialty. Their interest is clearly stated and the decision to enter the field is well explained. The author does an excellent job of talking up the specialty and stating what they like about the field based on their clinical experience. For your residency personal statement, you want to highlight any influential moment you had during these experiences. If you had a certain “aha” moment, you might mention this. If demonstrating this commitment is difficult for you, you can always find a reputable ERAS application review service .

2. Intentions are clear

Clearly stating your intentions and using the program's name makes your statement personal and stand out. It shows that you pay attention to details and that your goals and passion align with what the program offers. Use strong, precise language when you are writing. You only have about 800 words, so state your intentions and keep your story clear.

3. Personal connection is established

This particular applicant has a personal connection to the city in which the residency would take place. This won’t be true for every applicant, but if it is, be sure to make room to mention it as long as it fits with your personal narrative. In this example, the applicant also ties this in with one of their goals: having a community-based, urban family practice. In your personal statement, you should merge these elements together for a more cohesive essay.

What to Include in Your Personal Statement

Most residency programs, whether through  ERAS  (US-based) or  CaRMS  (Canada-based) require applicants to submit a personal statement or letter. Some programs will include specific instructions for what they wish you to talk about, while others will not give you a topic. When you’re doing your research for residency programs you want to apply for, you should also take a look at the selection criteria. Each school will have its own rubric that they use to evaluate candidates, so it’s a good idea to review these before you start working on your personal statement. Here is an example of some information stated by McMaster University regarding their residency selection criteria:

“Programs may consider a range of criteria in making their selection decisions for interviews including but not limited to: Medical School Performance Report (MSPR), scores on standardized tests, interest in and aptitude for the discipline, reference letter, experience in research or other scholarly activities, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.”

ERAS, as well as most CaRMS programs, ask that your statement be within a one-page limit, about 750-850 words. Please check the specific program requirements through the ERAS or CaRMS websites.

The experiences in your  residency CV  can be used to help you indicate why you are applying to a particular program and how you came to that decision.

1. Introduction

Typically, your residency personal statement will have three to five paragraphs, which you will use to divide the introduction, body, and conclusion. The personal statement is a formal essay, so you must adhere to the proper structure. The introduction is for you to capture the attention of the reader; for this, you will need a strong hook or opening statement. Feel free to get creative with this. The remainder of your introduction should focus on what drew you to the specialty and how your background experiences informed your decision to apply to the school and program. Your introduction should also contain a thesis statement that allows you to connect your personal background with your suitability for the program, school, and a career in medicine (in this exact specialty).

2. Body (or middle)

The body of the essay is for you to expand on a few critical experiences that made you the excellent, qualified candidate you are today. A good strategy for the body paragraph(s) is to talk about relevant clinical rotation experiences; so for example, if you’re applying to a psychiatry residency, you can talk about a specific patient experience that solidified your decision to pursue this specialty, or an experience that sticks out in your memory. This will be similar to your answer to the interesting case residency interview question . Your goal should be to use these experiences to address your specific interests, goals, and what makes you a good fit for the program. Do some research into the program format, the patient population you will be working with, and the clinical environment. This will help you connect your experiences with what the school/program offers.

3. Conclusion

You might be thinking that once you’ve written a strong introduction and body, the conclusion will be simple. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. You need to use the space in your conclusion to tie everything together and show enthusiasm for the program and for your future career. You can revisit a few key points here to highlight them once again and to relate them to what you’re hoping to gain from the forthcoming training experience. Show passion, determination, and consistency throughout your letter and tie up any loose ends in the conclusion. Some applicants will use this part of the letter to mention a specific goal they want to achieve in residency, such as working with specific faculty members or research plans. You may also mention aspirations to complete a fellowship or what you want your future practice to look like.

Here's why "show, don't tell" is the most important tip for any personal statement:

Questions to Ask Yourself to Help You Brainstorm Ideas

• What makes you right for this specialty?
• What experiences drew you to this specialty?
• What appeals to you about this specific program?
• Do you have any experiences working in the city of the program you’re applying to?
• How will your residency training help you achieve your goals?
• What are some of your personal strengths that will allow you to contribute to the program?
• What evidence do you have that you possess those strengths?
• Do you have any research/publications that align with the research the school is doing?
• Do you have any gaps in your medical education or evaluations that you would like to address?
• What’s something you think the program director should know that isn’t obvious from your application materials?

  Growing up the first-born daughter of a hard-working Saskatchewan cattle farmer and hairdresser, medicine was never a consideration. In a small town, I could easily see how too much free time got many of my peers in trouble. From grade 8-12 I devoted myself to sports, playing high school, club and provincial beach volleyball, weeknights and weekends year round. Despite my small stature and lack of innate abilities, with determination and persistence, I overcame these obstacles. At the end of my grade 11 year, I received an athletic scholarship and chose to pursue business administration and athletics.

After the first six months, it became apparent that I was not going to attain my full potential in education at [university name}. Despite my parent’s reservations, I left and enrolled at a [university name] for the next semester. This university was much more challenging as I was now balancing my educational and financial responsibilities by working evenings and weekends managing a number of part-time jobs. With little direction as to what degree I wanted to pursue, I happened to enroll in anatomy and physiology. This was the first time I became really excited about my future prospects and began actively considering a career in medicine.

The first time I applied to medicine, I was rejected. Despite my initial devastation, in hindsight, it was a great opportunity for myself to reflect on my own motivations for medicine and work as a laboratory technician at a potash mine in my hometown. I gained additional life experience, spent time with my family and was able to help financially support my husband’s pursuit of education after he had so selflessly supported me for many years.

My first exposure to anesthesia was in my first year of medical school with [Dr. name here] as my mentor in clinical reasoning. I was again, intrigued by the anatomy and physiology with the interlacing of pharmacology. I remained open to all specialties, however, after summer early exposures, research, and clerkship it became clear to me that anesthesia is where I felt the most fulfilled and motivated.

In a way, anesthesia was reminiscent of the competitive volleyball I had played years prior. I was again a part of a team in the operating room with a common goal. Similarly, our countless years of education and practice had brought us together to achieve it. In volleyball, my role was the setter, which to many is considered a lackluster position as we rarely attack the ball and score points with power. However, as a setter, my role is to set the pace, strategize and dictate the game from my team’s perspective. There is a long sequence of crucial events before a “kill” in volleyball and I strategized my teammate's individual strengths in both offense and defense to win. Anesthesia gives me the same opportunities to strategize anesthetics, balance individual patient’s comorbidities and anatomy all while maintaining a calm demeanor and level head through unexpected circumstances. In volleyball, I never shied away from tense games or difficult situations, instead I trusted in my own abilities and training despite uncharted territory. Lastly, I didn't need to actually score the point in order to understand my role and contributions to my team.

As an athlete, I understand the importance of practice and repetition which allow us to fail, but most importantly, to learn. I believe that the curriculum at this program will provide me with a well-respected education, which strongly reflects my learning style. I also admire the mandatory communication block in the curriculum because I believe an emphasis on clear and concise communication, is essential as an anesthetist.

Throughout the course of the next 5-10 years, I anticipate that both my husband and I will complete the next chapter in our educational pursuits. We both agree that [program name here] has the potential to nurture the next chapter in both our private and professional lives if given the opportunity.

What Makes This Sample Effective?

1. the theme is personal and consistent.

In this anesthesiology residency personal statement example , the author of this passage carries the theme of athletics throughout the statement. Having a theme can unify your personal statement and give it direction. This is a good example of a way to use a theme to tie together different ideas. Having a good theme is also something you should keep in mind when you’re answering anesthesiology residency interview questions , as program directors want to see that this particular specialty choice wasn’t simply drawn out of a hat; rather, your emphasis on a theme can demonstrate that your choice was intentional and the right fit.

2. The tone is positive throughout

Also, take note of how the author explained the transition to different schools without speaking negatively of the institutions. In your own personal statement, feel free to use the names of the universities you attended. They have been redacted here for anonymity. This statement has parts where you could customize it. Use the name of the program when possible or the name of the town. Taking time to add this into your statement shows the program that you pay attention to detail while personalizing it to each program.

3. Lessons learned apply to medicine

The writer of this personal statement relies on analogy to connect their experience to their interest in anesthesiology: “I understand the importance of practice and repetition which allow us to fail, but most importantly, to learn.” This analogy works so well because it shows why the applicant is suited to the program and specialty, it reveals an important aspect of their personality with evidence, and it sets expectations for how they want to contribute to the field. In your essay, you can use a similar strategy by tying together a major life theme or event with what you learned and how that applies to your medical training.

I was six years old when my father read to me the first chapter of “How Things Work.” The first chapter covered doors and specifically, the mechanics in a doorknob. What lay hidden and confined in the door panel was this complex system that produced a simple action. I credit this experience as the onset of my scientific curiosity and eventually my passion for complex systems found in medicine. Intensivists vigilantly maintain homeostasis within the human body, a complex system in and of itself, a concept I recognize as personally fascinating and enticing. I find myself especially drawn to the field of critical care and intensive care medicine. My dreams to become an intensivist would be highly complimented by a residency in surgery.

In critical care, each patient in the ICU is usually in a general state of shock. From the initial state of shock, the patient can be further complicated with comorbidities and chronic diseases that may require further intensive medical intervention so that they may recover from a recent surgery or traumatic event. This dynamic nature of the ICU is not available in every unit of the hospital and the high level of acuity does not suit everyone. I, however, enjoy the high energy of the enthralling, engaging and exciting environment offered by the ICU. I am personally energized and awakened by managing patients with surgically-altered physiology coupled with comorbidities. There is an overwhelming satisfaction when a patient following a bilateral lung transplant gets up from his bed and walks through the unit after days of being bedridden, or the moment we can discontinue the lines we had the patient on and finally talk to them after two weeks of intubation and sedation. Being in the ICU also encompasses the emotional seesaw of going from a successful patient case to a room in which a family has just decided that comfort care is the best way to proceed, which gives me chills just to type and verbalize.

The work of an intensivist is not only limited to the patient, but also the emotional well-being of the patient’s family as well. My involvement in the ICU has taught me that sometimes it is necessary to talk to a patient’s family, to explain to them simply that the postoperative expectations that they had had, may not be met. Communication is key in this field, both with the patients and the physicians of the OR. Communication prevents perioperative complications, establishes a willingness to follow directions and relays professionalism. It is important for an intensivist to have an excellent understanding of surgical procedures, so that they may explain to the patient what to expect as well as ease the nerves of the patient preoperatively. A surgical residency would facilitate this understanding and undoubtedly prove to be useful in my future training.

Studying medicine in Europe has taught me volumes about myself, how driven, motivated and open-minded I can be. To move so far away from home and yet be so familiar with the language, I feel blessed to be able to say that I’ve had a high level of exposure to diversity in my life. The mentality in [insert country name here] is if you don’t see the doctor, you are not sick. This common thought has to lead to an outstanding environment to study medicine and to see end-stage, textbook presentations of various pathologies and their management. Studying medicine in two languages has in itself taught me that medicine is a language and that the way a patient presents, conveys themselves, and the findings of the physical examination, all represent the syntax of the diagnosis. This awareness has reminded me that patient care, relief of patient suffering and illness, transcends the grammatical rules of the patient’s native tongue. My clinical experience in [insert country here] will aid me in providing thoughtful care to my future patients.

All things considered, I am ready to leave my home of the last four years and come back to the United States, to enter the next stage of my life and career. I am ready to work harder than ever, to prove myself to my future residency program and most importantly, learn so that I may be a suitable candidate for a future fellowship program in critical care. My experiences abroad have constantly pushed me to new horizons and encouraged responsibilities that I don’t believe I would otherwise have. I’ve developed a new level of human connection through my work in the ICU, the OR and my travels throughout Europe. These experiences will aid me in working with a diverse patient population and a diverse team of physicians. I hope [the program name here] can give me the variety and the background in surgery that I will need to succeed.

1. Atypical experiences are justified

This surgery personal statement example has to do double duty for the admissions committee. It has to explain why surgery, what this student can offer, and why this student is passionate about the field while simultaneously explaining why the applicant chose medical school abroad. If you are applying to a country where you did not attend medical school there, you have to explain why you studied abroad. This often poses a challenge for students. Be honest and positive about your experience. This student did an excellent job of explaining why it was such a good fit for their personality while highlighting the advantages of this experience.

Focus on the characteristics you gained from your experience abroad. Explain how your experience will translate into success in your residency. There are many things to be gained from having spent time outside of your home country. Talk about the skills you developed from living abroad. Unique details like those will set you apart when you are writing your statement.

2. Makes unique experiences an advantage

This applicant studied abroad in Europe. The way they talk about it is key: they explain how the experience was a challenge that they learned from. Most programs and schools are looking for medical school graduates who can contribute to their vision of diversity. If you have experience travelling abroad, this is a good chance for you to explain how this enriched your perspective and professional capabilities. Some of the skills that this applicant discusses are assets for a career in medicine: speaking two languages, exposure to diverse people and methods, and the ability to work with a large patient and physician population from different backgrounds. If you endeavor to explain some of your diverse experiences, be sure to make it clear what you gained and how you can apply it to your residency training.

3. The writer’s voice and style are unique

To get matched to the program and school of your choice, you will need to stand out from the crowd. To do this effectively in your personal statement, give your writing a unique style and allow your personality to shine through. In this example, the writer achieves this in the first paragraph in the “hook” in which they describe when their father used to read “How Things Work”; this life event left a lasting impression, and the writer links this to why a residency in surgery would benefit their goal of becoming an intensivist. With a first draft, it’s okay to experiment with word choice and content. Make sure you include all the necessary elements and formatting requirements, but try your best to put the “personal” in personal statement. Note that this is a general surgery example; if you were applying for plastic surgery or neurosurgery, you should read plastic surgery residency personal statement examples or neurosurgery personal statement examples for a slightly varied essay strategy.

Writing a residency personal statement? Here are the top books for residency applicants:

Residency Personal Statement Examples #4: Emergency Medicine

One of the most surprising things that I learned through my emergency medicine (EM) electives is that working in an emergency department is like leading a horse. I grew up on a farm in the [name of city], and working with animals was very much a part of my childhood. When walking a horse, one must be prepared for anything should the animal become spooked. It can startle at any moment and one must react quickly and calmly to redirect the thousand-pound creature. Similarly, in EM, one never knows when the department is going to become “spooked” by what comes through the door. EM is exciting, with a variety of patient presentations and medical procedures done on a daily basis. I enjoy dealing with the unexpected challenges that arise in caring for patients with backgrounds vastly different from my own. It would be a privilege to gain the skills as an emergency physician to provide acute life-saving care, to connect patients with resources and other healthcare professionals, and to provide comfort to patients and families in the settings of acute loss or difficult diagnoses. I feel that the [name of program] is the ideal path to reach that goal.

First, the [name of program] offers additional support and training to continue to perform research and other scholarly activities. Through my experience in quality improvement, I have learned of the value of research and how it can be applied to practical problems. For instance, while volunteering in a pool rehabilitation program for individuals with neurological disabilities, a patient who I had worked with for a year tragically suffered a fall and broke his hip leaving him significantly disabled. This led me to research inpatient falls during medical school and I initiated a quality improvement project and presented at several conferences, quality improvement rounds, and meetings with hospital stakeholders. After several years of work, I am very proud that this led to the implementation of a province-wide quality improvement initiative funded by [name of organization]. This initiative is physician-led and is aimed at reducing inpatient falls across [name of city]. This project demonstrated how rewarding research is when it can be translated into tangible initiatives and is why I am particularly interested in quality improvement research. I look forward to more dedicated time in the [name of program] to develop my research skills and to apply quality improvement to EM.

In addition to increased training in research, the [name of program] offers the opportunity to subspecialize within EM. While in medical school, I helped my single mother raise my much younger siblings and this has inspired my interest in pediatric EM. I maximized my studying through the effective use of weekly group study sessions and podcasts to allow for free weekends to return home to spend with my brother and sister. Through my experiences teaching and playing with my siblings, I have learned to deal with children in a calm and friendly manner. I used these skills to maintain positive therapeutic relationships with children during my pediatric EM rotation at [name of hospital]. For instance, I was able to cast the forearm of a frightened child by first demonstrating the procedure on her toy rabbit, and then calmly fitting a cast on her arm. I enjoy the emphasis on patient and family education as well as the focus on making the patient feel safe and cared for. I would love to explore this field further as my niche within the [name of program] in emergency medicine.

Alongside research and pediatric EM, I am also interested in teaching. Some of my fondest memories involve the evening teaching sessions during primary and secondary school spent with my grandpa, a retired teacher. My grandpa modeled effective teaching techniques, first assessing my knowledge and then expanding on it by asking questions and providing guidance when needed. Similarly, some of my best memories in medical school include the five-minute bedside teaching sessions after interesting cases that were taught in that way. Inspired by many residents and staff I have worked with, I look forward to expanding my teaching role in residency. Like my grandpa and my clinical mentors, I hope to help future students maximize their learning potential through the delivery of lectures and bedside teaching. Training within the [name of program] would allow additional time to develop the skills necessary for this, through increased exposure to mentorship, teaching role models, and opportunities to be involved in curricular development.

I would feel privileged to join the resident team in the [name of program]. I was fortunate that most of my core clerkship training including EM, as well as my fourth year EM elective, was at the [name of hospital]. What stands out the most to me most about working in the [name of hospital] is the tight-knit community feel in the setting of a high volume, high acuity ED. I value that the small program leads to a cohesive resident group and staff who are invested in their learners. Furthermore, from my rotations there, I know the ample procedural and hands-on exposure residents get from the beginning of their training. With my interest in pediatric EM, I value the longitudinal exposure to pediatrics at [name of program], with opportunities to do dedicated pediatric rotations both at [name of hospital], as well as [name of hospital]l. Finally, the [name of city] is my home; my family and friends are here, and I love the hiking, fishing, kayaking, and snowboarding that are all less than an hour away. I would be incredibly honored to have the privilege of pursuing EM in the [name of program], and look forward to serving my community.

Read some more Emergency Medicine Personal Statement Examples !

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The thought of caring for severely ill children seemed disheartening and overwhelming when I first began shadowing [name of doctor] at [name of hospital] five years ago. I was very nervous. While some of the cases were indeed difficult, my experience was starkly different. In one of our first cases, I quickly jumped in to comfort a scared child suffering from kidney disease. The mother of our patient confided in me about her son's struggles with bullying due to the disfiguring edema. I felt how much she appreciated being able to share her son’s challenges with me. Throughout my clinical experiences, I saw that caring for a pediatric patient often involves delicately navigating complex social situations and family dynamics. From that point on, I knew I had both the passion and compassion to succeed as a future pediatrician.

I am particularly keen to complete my residency at the [name of school], because I had such an immersive learning experience completing 5 years of research with [name of doctor] at [name of hospital] and at [name of hospital], not to mention [name of school]'s stellar international reputation. The incredibly high standard of excellence at [name of school], as well as [name of city] being my hometown, make the [name of school] my top choice to complete my residency. To further demonstrate the excellent education, I remember a time while shadowing at [name of hospital] in the genetics clinics where we discussed the pathophysiology of Bartter’s syndrome. The residents were having a hard time understanding this disease, but [name of doctor] explained the exact pathophysiology and downstream effects of it. The incredible intellect, mentorship and leadership [name of doctor] demonstrated has inspired me to pursue a nephrology fellowship upon completion of my residency.

During my elective rotations in [name of cities], I saw indigenous pediatric patients with a variety of ailments from hypoglycemia to cystic fibrosis. I spoke with them about the struggles of travelling long distances to obtain care. As an Inuit member of the [name of group], I have spent time reflecting on the medical needs of this much-overlooked population and hope to explore ways of reaching out to underserved populations in my future career.

I am prepared to be a leader and engaged learner in my residency program because of my participation in impactful leadership roles. I am currently the president of the [name of society], where one of my main duties is coordinating the [name of initiative], an initiative that teaches children about hospitals and healthy living. I was able to spend one-on-one time with disabled children teaching them about the heart through dance and instruments and activities to decrease fears associated with hospitals. This demonstrated the importance of promoting health care initiatives for kids and educate families and their children on how to be advocates of their own health.

As a competitive Irish dancer for sixteen years, I developed perseverance, determination, and time management that have been critical throughout my medical school training. Competing in front of judges and thousands of spectators all over the world, performing to my best ability under intense pressure was a necessity. I persevered with the challenge of competing at an international level and still maintained a very high level of academic performance while achieving my career high of second at the World Championships.

As an IMG applicant born and raised in [name of city] and educated in [name of country], I believe that my international education provides many advantages. I was exposed to diverse cultures and innovative ways of thinking from teachers from all over the globe at the [name of college] that I hope to bring back to Canada with me. Through the last 6 years, I have also had many research experiences and clinical electives in Canada that have given me insights into the intricacies of the Canadian Health Care system.

I am confident that pediatrics is the field I wish to pursue and I cannot wait to begin my residency so that I can start becoming an excellent clinician who advocates for children, as well as a scholar involved in research projects that will help advance the field. After successfully completing my pediatric residency program, I plan to pursue a pediatric fellowship. I am excited at the prospect of working and learning at the [name of school] while being an active and professional member of your residency program. I am also looking forward to developing my teaching skills and contributing to the community while also enjoying bike rides down the paths in the [name of path] and to be reunited with my [name of city] based family.

Want to see more Pediatrics Personal Statement Examples ?

“Code blue, electrophysiology laboratory” a voice announces overhead during my cardiology rotation. As the code team, we rush to the patient, an elderly man in shock. Seamlessly, we each assume our preassigned roles. I quickly review his chart and note to the team-leader that this patient had a previous EF of 10 percent and just got cardioverted. Vasopressors administered, intubation, central line secured, and the patient is stabilized and sent to our floor. During my rotations in internal medicine, I was constantly elated by my team’s ability to come together at such key moments. This gave me a sense of joy I did not find in other rotations. Moreover, I had inspiring attending physicians and residents who served as my mentors. They taught me that an internist is a medical expert committed to evidence-based medicine and perpetual learning, a compassionate physician, and an engaged community member. These lessons and the satisfaction of managing highly complex cases with a dedicated team consolidated my interest in internal medicine.

Compassion and a holistic approach to medicine remain quintessential for patient care. During my rotations, I took advantage of opportunities to learn from my patients both at the bedside and through independent reading. As a senior student, I prepared learning capsules that I presented to my team. This taught me to synthesize and communicate information efficiently. Beyond that, I took courses outside of the formal curriculum such as a point-of-care ultrasound course to improve my ultrasound procedural skills. When we no longer had any curative interventions to offer patients, I learned that acknowledging the patients’ suffering and being present for them in their most vulnerable time can ease their pain. As a resident at [name of school], I will continue my dedication to academic excellence and compassionate, patient-centered care in my efforts to care for my patients.

I have built strong ties to my community serving as president of the [name of school] Biology Student Union. Together, we enacted a complex study space and locker initiative through my role as a mentor at [name of organization]. These experiences instilled in me the values of proactivity and advocacy which I aim to bring with me to [name of school]. There, I hope to continue my community engagement as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of [name of city]. Moreover, as I learn more about [name of town]'s healthcare system, I hope to combine that knowledge with my medical education to add my perspective to health policy decision-making in the province.

In addition to its excellent academic reputation, [name of school]’s commitment to academic excellence and continuing education, as exemplified by the abundant academic teaching, drew me to the program. Moreover, given my belief that we develop to be an amalgam of characteristics and values our mentors espouse, I was delighted to learn about the mentorship opportunities available. This was a unique characteristic that motivated me to apply to [name of school]. Finally, having lived in [name of city] for the last ten years, I am looking forward to spending the next chapter of my life in a smaller, more tightly knit community of [name of city].

As I learned and modeled the different roles of an internist, I also learned a lot about myself. I learned of my thirst for knowledge, of my desire to treat as well as to heal the patient, and of my urge to be a leader in my community. These characteristics will play a defining role in my residency. I also learned of my passion for acute medicine. After my residency, I hope to further subspecialize in cardiology. As a future cardiologist, I aim to provide patient-centered care, conduct research, continue my community engagement, and act as a role model to future generation.

Get inspired with these Cardiology Personal Statement Examples !

Watch this to learn what red flags to avoid in your residency personal statement!

Residency Personal Statement Examples #7: Psychiatry

I grew up in a tight knit military family in a community struck with the stigma of mental illness. Throughout my childhood we lost friends to the complications of untreated mental illness including overdose and suicide. I knew at that point that I wanted to pursue mental illness and completed a psychology degree and then a nursing degree. In University, I volunteered in a distress service for 6 years, providing individual sessions to students on issues including suicidality, interpersonal violence and addiction. As a registered nurse, I honed my skills in mental status examinations and cared for their comorbid psychiatric illness with medical disease utilizing communication and building rapport. I saw the impact of life altering conditions and procedures on their mental health. As a medical student, I continued to explore psychiatry through City X summer studentship and appreciated the breadth of psychiatric practice. As a clerk, I completed a range of psychiatric electives, caring for patients in multiple care settings and across various socioeconomic and age ranges. I enrolled in the integrated community clerkship, in X town, a community 900 km North of X city. The socioeconomic disparities and lack of access to mental health services had a negative impact on community, with suicidality and addictions. I followed my patients across practice domains assessing their functioning, medication regimen and continued to build a collaborative relationship. This proved crucial to uncover their health status across domains and helped me identify areas to support their challenges. 

I value the ability to understand my patients from a biopsychosocial framework and addressing negative thought processes in support of their wellness. I view our duty in psychiatry is to support their strengths on a trajectory to wellness and provide guidance and resources utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Psychiatry is a newer field of medicine, allowing for ongoing innovations in treatment and practice. This is exciting to explore novel approaches to treatments as we continue to uncover the physiological, neurological and pharmacological dimensions of mental health. It is also important to recognize the challenges of psychiatry. The history of mental illness creates access to care barriers from both a structural viewpoint with longer wait times and on a personal level due to their concern about the social and occupational implications of stigma. As our population ages, this threatens to overwhelm the current psychiatric infrastructure and will require more complex approaches due to medical comorbidities and medication contraindications. We will require ongoing research focused on medical comorbidities of neuropsychiatric illness and treatment modalities to improve quality of care. 

I am drawn to the University of X psychiatry program due to its resident focused approach. I appreciate the ongoing mentorship and supervision and the preparatory endeavors including the mock examinations. From a clinical perspective, the program has a strong psychotherapy curriculum and offers unique elective opportunities including electroconvulsive therapy. The ability to continue serving rural communities solidifies my interests in this well-known program. 

Check out these Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples !

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Residency Personal Statement Examples #8: Internal Medicine

“People are drawn to medicine in one of two ways: the humanity or the science.” My mentor, [name of doctor], staff medical oncologist at the [name of hospital], once told me this. As a volunteer during my premedical studies, I assisted him with his impromptu lunchtime clinics while others were on break and was able to catch a glimpse of his patients’ unshakable trust in him. Those moments sparked my interest in Internal Medicine. Internists are entrusted with the most complex patients in any hospital. Therefore, Internists take on the responsibility of a patient’s trust in their lowest, most disoriented moments. Accordingly, when I finally started clinical rotations, I saw it as my responsibility to fully understand each patient’s motivations and fears to advocate for their goals. One patient I had gotten to know still stands out in my mind. She was 95, witty, and self-assured but was found to have bone metastasis causing excruciating pain during her hospital stay. She knew she did not want aggressive life-prolonging treatment and declined further workup, but how could we help her? I suggested palliative radiotherapy to my team because I remember her telling me “I had a good life. I am not scared of death, but if I have to be around for a while, can’t I be more comfortable?” Therefore, my team entrusted me to talk to her and her family about a referral to Radiation Oncology. She responded to me with “I don’t think there’s anyone who knows what I’d want better than you. You’ve listened to me so much. I trust you.” I spent the next half hour explaining the rationale behind the referral to both her and her family. She received urgent Radiotherapy two weeks later. Her narcotic requirement decreased by more than half. After that moment, I envisioned that one day, I could also look into the eyes of someone at their most vulnerable moment and give them confidence to trust me and my team with their care.

Although my interest in Internal Medicine is rooted in the human connection, my attention to detail, work ethic, and natural curiosity, also makes me especially well-suited for the challenges of Internal Medicine. Indeed, beyond the human connection, Internal Medicine’s challenges of complex problem solving, and large ever-growing breadth of knowledge is also what makes each day so satisfying. When I was on the Nephrology Consult service, I was following a patient with a kidney transplant who was admitted for Line Sepsis. I noticed a mild Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis and a persistent mild Hyperkalemia. I presented my findings to my staff as a possible Type 4 RTA. He complimented me on my attention to detail and warned that a Type 4 RTA in a kidney transplant patient could be a sign of rejection. We restarted his anti-rejection medication that had been held due to his infection, his electrolyte abnormalities corrected in less than two days. My attention to detail is a particular asset for Internal Medicine because more than any other specialty, the tiniest details like a mildly abnormal lab work, when pieced together in the correct way, could solve the most difficult clinical problem. That is also what makes problem-solving in Internal Medicine so satisfying. My mentors have always complimented me on my work ethic. However, I enjoy staying late for admissions and additional learning or reading hours around my patients at home because learning Internal Medicine is so interesting.

On the other hand, Internists are also tasked with the very large, working with multiple professionals and navigate system issues to keep patients healthy and out of hospital such as when [name of doctor] entrusted me with planning the discharge of a homeless patient during my Medicine CTU elective at [name of hospital]. The patient had Schizophrenia and Grave’s Disease and had been admitted to hospital multiple times that year with thyrotoxicosis due to medication non-adherence. During his admission, I had elicited the help of two homeless outreach coordinators to ensure proper follow-up. Therefore, by the time of discharge, he had a new family doctor, timely appointments with the family doctor and endocrinologist, maps with directions to each appointment, his prescription medications ready to go, as well as a new apartment application.

Ultimately, I am fortunate to be drawn to Internal Medicine for both its humanity and science. I believe that I have the qualities that will help me excel in its smallest details and its largest responsibilities. In residency, I aim to explore and learn as much Internal Medicine as possible before becoming an expert in one area so I can make an informed choice and be a well-rounded physician. Therefore, the fact that [name of city] has so many leading experts especially suits my learning goals. Indeed, during my electives in [name of city], I’ve already learned knowledge that I’ve not encountered elsewhere like the Bernese method of Buprenorphine induction. The availability of resources such as the DKA management simulation and the use of presentations of cutting-edge knowledge as part of evaluation also suits my self-directed learning style. Furthermore, my research has focused on the PMCC Gastro-Esophageal Cancer Database where we were able to discover various new details in the clinical behavior of Gastro-Esophageal cancer due to the large volume of patients are PMCC and its world-class expertise. This line of research would not work as well anywhere else in [name of country]. Indeed, our database is currently the second-largest in the world. Therefore, the second reason [name of city] is my ideal place for training is for its unique research opportunities, so I can continue to contribute to further medical knowledge. Lastly, [name of city] is the most diverse city in [name of country]. Growing up as an immigrant, I had experienced how cultural backgrounds can become a barrier to receiving good medical care. Therefore, the diverse patient population and strong allied health support in [name of city] could also allow me to hone the skills required to assist me in providing good quality care to all patients, regardless of background.

Here are more Internal Medicine Personal Statement Examples !

My first exposure to Family Medicine occurred during my time as a Medical Officer working in a small clinic in Nigeria in fulfilment of the [name of service]. There, I recognized that a career in this specialty would offer me the opportunity to not only experience the aspects I cherished most about other specialties, but fulfill my personal interests in advancing community health.

My many encounters with patients during my days in the clinic reaffirmed my view of Primary care physicians as being on the frontline of diagnosis and preventive medicine. There was the middle-aged diabetic patient who had first presented to the emergency with diabetic ketoacidosis, the hypertensive man whose initial complaint of a persistent headache prompted the discovery of his soaring blood pressure, and the adolescent with a family history of allergies who was diagnosed with asthma. These encounters highlighted that as the first point of contact, the general practitioner is not only responsible for diagnosis, but often in ensuring patients are set on the path of healthy habits to prevent disease complications. This unique opportunity to significantly advance the well-being of a patient, and by extension, the community renewed my interest in the field.

An especially appealing feature of Family Medicine is that it provides an opportunity for patient care without limitations of age, sex, disease or organ system. From treating colds and routine checkups to referral for a suspected malignancy, I enjoyed that every day in the clinic was a learning experience and no day was routine. In addition, having a diverse population of patients and cases requires an abundance of clinical knowledge and I cherish the chance to learn and expand my skills every day.

I also value that an essential part of Primary care is in the enduring relationships the practitioners develop with patients. I recall several moments during my clinical experiences when I recognized that some of the bonds formed during ongoing patient interactions had evolved into lasting friendships. Being a practice of continual care, I appreciate that this specialty provides many opportunities to follow patients through different stages of their lives ensuring a deepening of relationship and compliance with care. I was inspired during my clinical rotation here in the United States when I saw how my preceptorís long-term relationships with patients enabled their compliance and often extended to different generations within one family.

Ultimately, I am confident that my experiences have prepared me for a career in this specialty. An agreeable, attentive and compassionate nature has aided me in gaining trust as well as building meaningful interpersonal relationships which are crucial components of this field. Furthermore, my interaction with an extensive array of patients during my clinical and volunteer experiences has equipped me with the ability to communicate and relate to patients across different age groups and backgrounds. In addition, I enjoy working to coordinate patient care with colleagues and other specialties and value that the wellness of the patient is a result of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Thus, I hope to find a residency program dedicated to providing in-depth clinical training with a diverse patient population and an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention through patient education and community service. Moreover, I look forward to being part of a program that will encourage my pursuit of intellectual development and advancement to enable my transition into a well-rounded, competent and skilled physician committed to serving people with needs in all areas of medicine. With a career in this specialty, I know that every day will bring a new opportunity to influence health behaviors, and while there will be challenges, fulfilling them will always be satisfying.

Here I am, yet again. Last year, I also applied for a position as a dermatology resident. Though I was not selected, I return with the same diligence and perseverance, as well as additional skills and knowledge. My continued dedication to pursue a career in dermatology reminds me that no good thing comes easily and pushes me to stay motivated and work hard toward my goals. 

I am drawn to dermatology for a host of reasons, one of which is the opportunity to work with my hands. In my current residency program, I have had the opportunity to assist in various surgical procedures. I recall the subdued exhilaration I felt when removing my first lipoma and the satisfaction of observing the surgeon completed the procedure with precision and care. My excitement for surgery continued to be reinforced in the many subsequent procedures I assisted with and I look forward to honing my surgical skills further as I complete my training in dermatology. 

However, to me, “hands-on” is defined as more than just its literal meaning. The opportunity to build relationships with patients steers me more towards a career in outpatient medicine. During my dermatology outpatient rotation, I was involved in the care of a patient who presented initially complaining of a heliotrope rash and gottron’s papules. When she expressed a deep sense of shame about this rash, I became acutely aware of how patient’s external disease can influence their internal emotions. I thus responded empathetically, simultaneously validating her concerns and providing her with much-needed assurance. When she was later diagnosed with dermatomyositis secondary to underlying breast cancer, this patient requested to speak to me specifically, recalling the positive interaction we had shared before. Again, I was able to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan with patience and regard for her every concern. Developing a trusted physician-patient relationship is crucial in the field of dermatology because most patients exhibit strong internal emotions from their visually external disease. Also important is the ability to deliver difficult news and be considerate of patients’ feelings in these delicate moments. I plan to continue to use these skills during my career as a dermatologist.  

To me, dermatology is also a field that is thought-provoking and stimulating due to its constant evolution and advancements. Thus, during my internship, I committed to educating myself in the field of dermatology through multiple research projects. My research thus far has been focused on whether UV light lamps used in gel manicures increases the risk of skin cancers as well as the outcomes of using intralesional 5-fluorouracil for squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthomas. While my research was focused in the field of dermatology, I did not hesitate to take on additional projects, pursuing assignments in both breast cancer and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. I strongly believe the best doctors have a thorough understanding of the practice of medicine in totality as our ability to incorporate this knowledge in our diagnosis and treatment of our patients directly impacts their wellbeing. For these reasons, I strive to continually educate myself in not only dermatology, but other fields that might have implications on my practice. 

My ideal dermatology program would allow me to manage a variety of complex medical dermatological conditions and engage in research, both of which will continue to challenge me intellectually and push me to exercise creativity to develop innovative solutions to dermatological treatments. As someone who enjoys working with my hands and the instant gratification of the surgical approach as a treatment option, I would also value the opportunity to perform surgeries and improve my surgical skills. Furthermore, I have found that beyond medicine, the people in each program make or break an experience. Positive attitudes, expressed dedication, and mentorship are vital characteristics in any program of my interest.

I am confident my aspirations will be fulfilled in the field of dermatology, but more importantly, I know I will be a good contribution to this field and your program – my work ethic, motivation, and commitment unwavering. I am determined, impassioned, and excited to embark on this next phase of my journey. 

Check out even more Dermatology Personal Statement Examples !

10 more residency personal statement examples, residency personal statement example #11, residency personal statement example #12, residency personal statement example #13, residency personal statement example #14, residency personal statement example #15, residency personal statement example #16, residency personal statement example #17, residency personal statement example #18, residency personal statement example #19, residency personal statement example #20.

Want some more residency personal statement tips?

How To Address Areas of Concern

There are some things that are out of our control. Sometimes we have to take time off to deal with personal issues, or sometimes we have to retake tests. If you have something you feel like you need to explain in your application, the personal statement is the area to address it. If you had a leave of absence or failed an exam, you should offer a clear, unemotional explanation of the situation. Use positive language. Whatever the area of concern, try and phrase it in the most favorable light. Take accountable for what has happened, but do not place blame or make an excuse. Here are some phrases you can try and use in your personal statement.

Sometimes we have to interact with people who we don't see eye to eye with. When I worked with (you can choose to say the person's name or just use their title) I learned how to (insert a lesson here). Even though it was a challenge, I have gained skills that will better my future practice. ","label":"Unfavorable Evaluation by an Attending","title":"Unfavorable Evaluation by an Attending"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Keep in mind that these are suggestions. If you are concerned about an area of your application that might be a red flag, it may be in your best interest to address it head-on. The choice to write about them is your own individual opinion. Your personal statement should highlight the best side of you. If you think that an area of weakness might hurt your chances, it may be beneficial to take ownership of the problem and write it in a way that will show what you learned and how it made you better.

For the most part, your residency personal statement should be within a one-page limit or approximately 750-850 words. Be sure to check your specific program requirements to verify before you begin writing.

It's entirely up to you if you want to address unfavorable grades or gaps in your studies. However, if you feel something in your application will be seen as a red flag, it's best to address issues head-on instead of having admissions committees dwell on possible areas of concern.

If you're going to address a gap, just ensure that you have a clear narrative for why you took these breaks, what you did on break and what this break means for your ability to function at a very high academic level for many years to come.

If you're addressing a poor evaluation, ensure that you take responsibility for your grade, discuss what you learned and how your performance will be improved in the future - then move on. It's important that you don't play the victim and you must always reflect on what lessons you've learned moving forward.

Absolutely. While it's not necessary to discuss your personal connection to a program location, showing program directors that you have ties to their program's location can give you a competitive edge over other applicants. The reason being is that it's a way to show program directors that you are invested in practicing medicine locally.

That's not to say that you have to apply to programs that are within your home state or province, but if one of the reasons you love a particular program is because of its location in your hometown, don't be afraid to mention this. Whether you enjoy the outdoor activities in the program's location, have family and friends in the area, or even grew up in the area at some point, these can all be great aspects to mention.

Firstly, it's important to check the program's specific requirements for your statement because some programs have a specific prompt or multiple prompts that you'll need to address. If you are not given a prompt, in general, your statement needs to answer “why this specialty?” and “why this program?”. Your responses must be supported with your personal experiences and your statement should incorporate your future career goals.

No, instead you'll be preparing one personal statement for each specialty. For example, if you're applying to emergency medicine and family medicine, you'll need to prepare one statement for emergency medicine and one statement for family medicine.

As long as it's during the application season, you can edit and review your personal statement. However, keep in mind that if you edit your personal statement, there is no guarantee that programs will review the most up to date version. For this reason, it's best to only assign your personal statement to programs once you've 100% happy with the final version.

No, there is no limit on how many personal statements you can create. 

Your personal statement should have three major structural elements: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Your thesis statement will appear in your introduction in the first paragraph. The body is for you to discuss major experiences relevant to your chosen specialty, and the conclusion is generally the place to summarize and highlight some of the item you mentioned in the body or introduction.

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How To Ask For a Letter of Recommendation for Residency Programs

Letters of recommendation (LoRs) are a necessity for entrance into ACGME-accredited residency training programs.  Requirements may vary across programs, specialties, and institutions—some ask for up to four letters to satisfy the requirements of a completed application.  

Previously, we have written about letters of recommendation as viewed from the perspective of a program director .  This post will focus on the applicant’s perspective, specifically how to ask for and secure great letters of recommendation, submit them on time, and have them highlight your strengths to help you best stand out as an applicant.

One: ask early

Most attendings are busy and extended with clinical commitments, research, and administrative and other professional duties. That means your letter request likely won’t be at the top of their minds. And that’s OK. 

Asking well in advance of ERAS opening on September 15th will be to your advantage, as it will prevent delays in submitting your application. If you get a letter turned in right away (rare!) then you’ll be done and will be able to focus on other aspects of your application. 

To really set yourself up for success, send a follow-up email four weeks later. In our personal experiences, when an attending sees that it is the second (or third or fourth) email they become more responsive. 

Two:  Consider a “pre-written letter”

At times, attendings will be too busy to write the letter from scratch themselves.  So, some will propose (or you may politely suggest) that you compose a letter about yourself on their behalf.  In this case, you’ll be able to selectively highlight important achievements and characteristic traits. However, be sure to remain as objective as possible, sticking to facts. 

Refrain from using phrases like “This is one of the best students I have ever worked with.”  That is a part that the attending may choose to add while editing your draft, but do not be presumptuous and assume they want you to add this component yourself. Obviously, in this situation, you should not lie or exaggerate. The letter writer will have full control of edits, but the pre-written letter is always a helpful and accelerative start. It might also be a good strategy to float this idea to the attending if you haven’t seen your letter finished letter as deadlines draw near.

Three:  Compose a slick email up-front

Below is an email template to accelerate the conversation. Why does this work well? It is easy to read. It highlights certain points. And it provides all the necessary information, while giving the attending you are asking the chance to remember you amongst the many other students they have worked with, without the awkward conversation of trying to remind them who you are (obviously, if you know an attending who knows you well, just asking in person works and this step can be skipped).

My name is X and I am a fourth-year medical student applying to Y.

I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?  If you recall, we worked together on while on my _________ rotation. Specifically, I was the student that did ___________.

Here is a shortlist of my highlights and academic achievements:

• Publication in X
• Presentation at Y
• Background significant for Z
• Unique connection with the writer

Attached is my CV and Personal Statement for your review and convenience as well.

If you are agreeable and can write a favorable letter, could you please have this done by bolded date here, which will allow for timely submission of my application. I would greatly appreciate it.

If you are unable to complete this request I completely understand.  I am also happy to discuss further at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time,

Four: choose wisely

There are many schools of thought on who exactly should write your letters. It’s definitely a good idea to have one to two letters from the field you are applying to. An additional letter from a core rotation (i.e. surgery, medicine) never hurts. If you have a connection with an attending that could speak to you as a person or something not easily seen, ask them as well.

Also, ensure your letter writer is someone you can trust.  You’ll likely have to waive your ability to review this letter when you apply, although some may send you a finalized copy.

And let me address the elephant in the room: the majority of people will not have ‘big name’ writers. Sure, it is a tremendous boost to have these people vouch for you. But, do not despair if you don’t have any renowned people. Perhaps there is a letter writer who is a graduate of the residency program to which you are applying. Or maybe, one who is active in a particular local organization, certain niche research field, or who has strong relationships with program directors or faculty there. Point is – you can make it work.  

One other item you’ll learn is how small a field medicine is; many physicians may know each other from national conferences or other academic events, even if they work at institutions on opposite sides of the country. It is always a good idea to see if any of your letter writers have any connection to the residency programs and institutions you most strongly prefer.

A final point: once you match, it is always a nice gesture to reach out to your letter writers and let them know where are going. 

Have more questions about LoRs?  Here are some other great resources: Kevin MD’s points on how to ask for a great letter , the AAFP’s recommendations for requesting an LoR , and the ECFMG’s tips on asking for letters .

Following these simple steps will streamline securing strong letters of recommendation.  Thalamus is all about streamlining—in fact, our comprehensive interview scheduling platform is in use across the nation, connecting applicants and programs in a way that makes communication clear and easy. Find out how it works .

Thalamus was created through a grassroots collaboration of program directors, program coordinators and applicants/medical students to address the inefficiencies in the residency and fellowship interview management process.

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How to write a residency letter of interest + examples.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 11/14/23

Are you wondering how to write a letter of interest for residency? This article will go over everything you need to know, and offer some examples to help guide your way. 

Knowing how to write an effective Residency Letter of Interest is vital for aspiring medical residents . This letter is your chance to show genuine enthusiasm and commitment to a program. It reinforces your application, helping you stand out and potentially secure an interview. 

It also sets the stage for building positive relationships with program staff. In some cases, it can even turn a waitlist status into an acceptance. In a competitive program like medical residency, mastering this skill is essential for success. So, let’s get into how to write an impactful residency letter of interest. 

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What Is a Residency Letter of Interest?

A residency letter of interest is a formal letter that applicants send to express their interest in a particular residency program. It serves as a platform for candidates to articulate why they are enthusiastic about the program and how their qualifications align with it. 

This letter often requests further consideration and the opportunity to interview. It plays a crucial role in helping applicants stand out and strengthen their chances of being selected for their desired residency program.

Why Do You Need a Letter of Interest for Residency?

A letter of interest for residency serves important purposes:

• Demonstrates Enthusiasm : Express genuine excitement and interest in a specific residency program, showing your commitment and engagement.
• Provides Application Updates : Share recent accomplishments, like published research or awards, to highlight your continuous improvement.
• Shows Commitment : Signify your dedication to the program, even before the interview stage, making you a more appealing candidate.
• Enhances Your Application : Reinforce your application, particularly if you haven't received an interview invitation yet, increasing your chances of consideration.
• Builds Relationships : Begin a positive relationship with the program and faculty, showcasing professionalism and a proactive approach, which can be advantageous during the interview process and your residency.

Whether you’re going into radiology , pediatrics , or perhaps neurology your residency letter of interest matters. To sum it up, a letter of interest is a powerful tool. It sets you apart as a committed and qualified candidate.

When Should I Write and Submit a Letter of Interest for Residency?

Do your best to send your letter of interest after your interview and submitting your CV . This will help you to express your enthusiasm and alignment with the program's goals, showcasing your commitment.

What to Include?

It can be tough to know what to weave into your letter. Try to include the following:

• Address Clearly : Start by addressing the letter directly to the intended recipient(s) with a professional touch.
• Express Your Interest : Clearly state why you're interested in the program and how it aligns with your goals.
• Showcase Qualifications : Highlight your relevant experiences and strengths that make you a strong candidate.
• Convey Contribution : Explain how you'll contribute to the program's community and objectives.
• Invite Further Review : Extend an invitation for them to explore your ERAS Application and consider you for an interview.
• Professional Signature : In your email signature, include your ERAS photograph, AAMC ID , and optionally, your CV for reference.

By following this structure, you'll create a clear and professional letter that effectively conveys your interest and qualifications.

How to Write a Residency Letter of Interest?

Keep reading to learn how to write a letter of interest for residency that packs a punch. 

Keep It Short and Sweet

Residency programs are inundated with applications, so it's essential to keep your letter concise. Aim for a single page, containing roughly 200-300 words. In the initial paragraph, make a straightforward statement expressing your keen interest in the program. Avoid lengthy narratives or unnecessary details that can make your letter overwhelming to read.

Stay Organized

Ensure your letter is well-structured and easy to follow. Utilize separate paragraphs to convey different aspects of your suitability for the program. Link your skills, experiences, and achievements to the core values and mission of the program.

 In the concluding section, reiterate your enthusiasm for the prospect of an interview and your strong desire to become a part of the program. The key here is to maintain clarity and avoid overloading the reader with extraneous information.

Be Professional

Throughout your letter, maintain a professional tone. Craft complete sentences and refrain from using casual language or bullet points. Remember, this is a formal form of communication, and a respectful tone is crucial.

Show What Makes You Special

Take this opportunity to illustrate why this specific residency program captivates you. Share concrete examples from your life, such as experiences, challenges, or achievements, that highlight your alignment with the program's philosophy and goals. By showcasing your unique qualities, you make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Do Your Homework

Don't limit your knowledge to surface-level information about the program. Dive deep into your research. Connect with current and former students to gain a profound understanding of the program's nuances, culture, and strengths. 

In your letter, explain how the program will play a major role in helping you attain your short-term and long-term career objectives. Demonstrate that you have done your due diligence and that your decision to apply is well-informed.

Show Your Excitement

Infuse your letter with authentic enthusiasm. Use passionate and specific language to convey your genuine commitment to the program. Let your excitement shine through in your words. This will leave a memorable impression on the reader and demonstrate your unwavering dedication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your residency letter of interest more effective, it's essential to steer clear of these common mistakes. Let's explore what to avoid to create a stronger impression.

• Generic Content : Tailor each letter to the program to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Lengthy and Unfocused Writing : Keep it concise and on-point.
• Failing to Mention Unique Program Features : Highlight program alignment with your goals.
• Lack of Personalization : Share personal experiences and anecdotes.
• Overly Formal or Informal Tone : Maintain a respectful, professional tone.
• Grammatical and Typographical Errors : Proofread carefully or get a review.
• Neglecting to Proofread : Take time to review and edit for clarity.
• Exaggeration and Misrepresentation : Be honest and avoid exaggeration.
• Don't Make It All About the Money : Focus on qualifications and fit.
• Sending the Same Letter to Multiple Programs : Customize each letter for the specific program.

By sidestepping these pitfalls, your residency letter of interest will stand out and boost your chances of securing an interview and matching with your preferred program.

Residency Letter of Interest Examples

Take a look at this letter of interest residency example to better understand what to include in your own letter. Draw inspiration from it, but remember to personalize your letter as much as possible. 

“Date Sheridan Kirkwood, PharmD 

Contact Information 

Dear Dr. Kirkwood,

I am writing to express my interest in Tahoma Hospital’s PGY-1 acute care pharmacy residency program. I was first introduced to a county hospital system whenever my father recounted the stories of his training as a medical resident at Homewood Hospital. We would eagerly sit and listen to him talk about the great work done through a county system, such as how his hospital opened one of the first breast cancer clinics for black women who were underdiagnosed for malignancies. He raved about the training and compassionate care that was required when working with underserved populations. While my father’s stories may have influenced my journey, it was my own experiences at Alpine Health that made me want to continue working with underserved populations. I am familiar with this program after working with your PGY-2 resident, Dr. Crystal Zephyr, PharmD as a preceptor at Alpine Health, attending the virtual open house, and having rotations at Tahoma Hospital. Your program would allow me to progress towards my long-term career goal of becoming a clinical pharmacy leader and educator, while also pursuing my interests in general medicine, psychiatry, and teaching in the coming year. My past experiences through clerkships, teaching, and leadership have proven that I would be a valuable contribution to your program. 

I was drawn towards acute care practice experiences after enhancing my clinical skills through my Adult Surgery rotation. It was on this rotation that I was quickly trusted as the independent pharmacy contact on multidisciplinary rounds and fielded questions from five different surgical services. This became my platform to voice my knowledge of medications and medication interventions such as discontinuing a delirium inducing medication for a high-risk geriatric patient or appropriately restarting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis after surgery. I found it gratifying to be the drug expert on the team, optimizing patient care through various modalities such as researching drug information questions or saving on drug cost at discharge. My preceptors recognized that I am enthusiastic, a leader, and possess strong clinical critical reasoning skills which are important skills to bring to your program. This rotation solidified my desire to pursue an acute care PGY-1 residency to become a clinical pharmacist. Tahoma Hospital, as a level 1 trauma center that facilitates the growth of medical learners, would provide an ideal environment to strengthen my clinical capacities and leadership skills. 

Additionally, my ambulatory care rotation at Alpine Health instilled a drive to provide compassionate care to underserved populations. On this rotation, I gained a deeper understanding of social determinants of health as the clinic’s population largely faces challenges with housing and food insecurity, substance use disorder, and mental illness. I learned to adeptly navigate delicate conversations around mental health and social histories. For example, I had an in-depth interview with a patient discussing stimulant use disorder, challenges with insomnia, and access to primary care. In our short time together, I noticed this patient was comfortable sharing his story and that it was not only my clinical reasoning but also my compassion that made me successful. I am motivated by the challenges of working with underserved populations and providing quality healthcare to the community. 

My experiences in teaching demonstrate leadership which would allow me to be successful as a resident. At the end of my P1 year, I was selected as one of twenty peer teachers for UCSF’s Pharmacy Teaching program. My goal in this program was to expand upon teaching skills gained as an undergraduate TA. In each lesson, I aimed to personalize my talks with activities and mnemonics. Overall, I enjoyed witnessing moments where I catalyzed a student’s understanding. Additionally, the Pharmacy Teaching program required leadership skills. My co-teachers and I took the initiative to plan each detail of this new program to not be a reiteration of class material but an engaging space for students to synthesize and apply their knowledge. This was rewarding as we observed students' success from our program and gratitude as they improved their understanding. Through Tahoma Hospital’s teaching certificate, I aim to deepen my competence in teaching through leading continuing education talks, lectures, facilitating small group discussions, and precepting students. 

As a student, this institution's value of a thirst for knowledge, compassionate care, and teaching aligns with how I approach my pharmacy education. I would apply my skills acquired in clerkships, teaching and leadership to competently serve your patients, while further exploring my interests in medicine and psychiatry. Tahoma Hospital is a strong environment for me to expand upon my pharmacy interests in order to become a clinical pharmacy leader. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to further discussing with you my qualifications and fit for your program. 

Sincerely, 

Emerald Bay 

UCSF School of Pharmacy, PharmD Candidate 20XX”

Letter of Interest for Residency Program Template

Feel free to use this template to get started. 

​​[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Today's Date]

[Recipient's Name]

[Recipient's Title]

[Residency Program Name]

[Program Address]

Dear [Recipient's Title] [Recipient's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Residency Program Name]'s [Program Specialty] residency program. After carefully researching and considering my options, I am excited about the opportunity to join your program and further my career in [Specialty or Field].

Throughout my academic journey and clinical experiences, I have developed a deep passion for [Specialty or Field]. I am drawn to the challenging and rewarding aspects of this specialty, particularly [mention specific interests or aspects that attracted you to the specialty]. The commitment to excellence in patient care and the strong emphasis on [mention any specific program strengths or values] at [Residency Program Name] align perfectly with my career aspirations.

During my [mention relevant clinical or educational experiences], I had the privilege of [describe specific experiences or accomplishments that showcase your qualifications and passion for the specialty]. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to becoming a skilled and compassionate [Specialty or Field] practitioner.

I am particularly impressed by [Residency Program Name]'s reputation for [mention any program strengths, achievements, or unique features]. The opportunity to learn from the esteemed faculty, work alongside talented residents, and engage in [mention any program activities or opportunities] greatly appeals to me. I believe that [Residency Program Name] will provide the ideal environment for me to grow as a [Specialty or Field] professional and make a meaningful contribution to the field.

In conclusion, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Residency Program Name] and contributing to its legacy of excellence. I am confident that my passion for [Specialty or Field], along with my [mention any additional relevant skills or qualities], will enable me to thrive as a resident in your program.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and to learn more about [Residency Program Name]. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] to arrange an interview or to address any questions you may have.

[Your Name]

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Interest: Key Differences

In the medical school application process, it's essential to understand the difference between a letter of intent and a letter of interest. These letters serve distinct purposes:

Residency Letter of Intent

This letter signifies a higher level of commitment. Think of it as "putting a ring on it." Sending a letter of intent to a medical school means you're promising to attend if you're accepted off a waitlist.

Residency Letter of Interest

A letter of interest expresses ongoing interest in a medical school where you've applied. It's a way to politely convey your enthusiasm, especially if you haven't received an interview invitation yet.

Understanding the ins and outs of writing a residency letter of interest is important. So read on to learn more about the process. 

1. How Does a Letter of Interest Impact My Residency Application?

A letter of interest can boost your residency application by highlighting your ongoing enthusiasm for a program. It can enhance your chances of getting an interview invitation, signaling your genuine interest. Keep in mind that its effectiveness depends on the program's policies and the quality of your letter.

2. How Does a Letter of Interest Differ from a Letter of Intent in Residency Applications?

The main difference between a letter of interest and a letter of intent in residency applications is the level of commitment they convey. A letter of interest expresses ongoing interest and enthusiasm, while a letter of intent signifies a higher degree of commitment, essentially promising to attend if accepted off a waitlist.

3. Should My Letter Be Customized for Each Residency Program?

Yes, customize your Letter of Interest for each program. It demonstrates genuine interest and understanding of the program, increasing your chances of being a good fit. Mention program-specific details to show your dedication.

4. How Long Should a Letter for Residency Be?

Residency letters of interest should be concise and to the point. Aim for one page or around 200-300 words. Admissions committees review numerous applications, so keeping your letter brief while conveying your enthusiasm and qualifications is crucial.

5. Who Should I Address My Letter of Interest to?

Address your Letter of Interest to the program director or the appropriate contact person at the residency program. Ensure that you have the correct name and title to personalize your letter effectively. Avoid using generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern."

6. Can I Send Multiple Letters for Different Residency Programs?

Yes, you can send multiple letters of interest to different residency programs you're interested in. However, make sure each letter is customized for the specific program and highlights your genuine interest and qualifications for that particular program.

7. Should I Mention My Preferences and Reasons for Choosing a Residency Program?

Absolutely, including your preferences and reasons for selecting a residency program in your letter of interest is crucial. Ensure you specify what attracts you to the program, whether it's its distinctive qualities, strengths, or how it aligns with your career aspirations. This showcases your careful consideration and genuine interest in the program.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a powerful letter of interest for residency is crucial to stand out and secure your dream program. By following these tips and examples, you can showcase your enthusiasm, qualifications, and professionalism effectively. Best of luck in your residency application journey! Your passion and dedication will shine through.

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How to Write a Residency Letter of Interest or Update Letter

• By Med School Insiders
• August 30, 2022
• Medical Student
• Residency Application , Residency Interview

While it’s not required, you may choose to send a residency letter of interest in the hope it will give you an edge over your competition. Sending a letter as you wait to receive an invitation to interview might be just the push you need to get noticed by your preferred programs. This type of letter may also be used to provide programs with relevant updates to your application, either before or after interviews.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all specialties allow applicants to state interest, send update letters, or contact programs at all. Always check the specific rules of the residency programs you are applying to before sending a letter.

In this post, we’ll break down how and when to send a residency letter of interest or update letter, including key tips for crafting your letter.

Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent

Residency letters of intent or interest are similar to those you may have sent when applying to medical school. A letter of interest and a letter of intent indicate to residency programs that you want to be matched with them. Both letters will also include why you feel you would make a great fit and any relevant updates you might have since submitting your application.

However, while you can send a letter of interest to more than one program, a letter of intent is a deeper commitment, and it’s considered unethical to send more than one letter of intent.

You can only send a residency letter of intent after interviewing with the program. Think of it as your final opportunity to make your case to the program. The letter states that you intend to rank the program as your #1 choice when you submit your Rank Order List (ROL) .

Residency programs want to ensure that the candidates they’re ranking highest will be an excellent fit and enrich their program. While it’s by no means a guarantee you’ll be matched if you send a letter of intent, being admitted into residency programs is extremely competitive; if the program is trying to choose between someone who sent a letter of intent and someone who didn’t, likely, they’ll go with the person who expressed the deeper commitment.

You can send a residency letter of interest before interview season. The letter informs the program of any relevant updates to your qualifications and lets them know you want to match with them and why, but you’re not committing to anything. The letter shows you’re enthusiastic about the program and excited about the prospect of interviewing and one day earning admission to it.

If you haven’t received an invitation to interview with a residency program you’re hoping to match with, sending a letter of interest that includes relevant and worthwhile recent accomplishments can strengthen your case, help the program keep you in mind, and, hopefully, win you an interview.

Reasons to Write a Letter of Interest or Update Letter

If you’re well into interview season and you still haven’t received an invitation to interview at some of the residencies you hope to attend, it’s important to do whatever you can to secure an interview.

In addition to pursuing research and other volunteer and employment opportunities and continuing to advance your medical knowledge, it’s a good idea to send a letter of interest that highlights your recent accomplishments and reiterates your desire to join the residency program. After all, acquiring new experiences and improving your application doesn’t do you much good if the program doesn’t know about your improved qualifications.

If you have a genuine and notable update to share, such as a new USMLE score, a new publication or involvement in a presentation, or relevant volunteering or employment experience, put that in a letter of interest to give yourself the best chance of matching.

1 | Be Direct and Succinct

Residency programs have to sift through countless applications. It’s a time-consuming, tedious process, so don’t add to their burden by sending a long letter full of poetic language that dances around the point.

Keep your letter to one page, around 200-300 words. Directly state your interest in the program in your opening paragraph. Use your body paragraphs to briefly say why you believe the program is an excellent fit for you, how you’re an excellent fit for it, and mention any recent and relevant updates to your application. The conclusion should reiterate your excitement about the prospect of interviewing as well as your interest in joining the program. Do not include anything superfluous.

While the letter should be concise, it’s also a formal letter, so do not use colloquialisms or bullet points. Keep your letter professional, clear, and to the point, but use complete sentences.

2 | Illustrate Why You Are Great Fit

Why this program? Why do you feel your experiences and medical education so far make you an ideal match for each other? How do your interests, skills, and values complement those of the program? As always, be specific.

Is there a particular field of research the program specializes in that you’re passionate about? Does your extensive research background complement their intense emphasis on research? How have you lived the values and mission of the program? What moments from your past exemplify this best? How have the values you and the program share shaped your life so far? What have you lost and gained in life by strictly adhering to these values?

When researching programs, dig deeper than the first few pages of the website. Speak to current and former students of the program. How will this program help you achieve your personal and professional goals in the short and long-term? Details are the name of the game here.

Remember: you’re writing to this program because you really, really, really want to interview and be matched with it. Let this energy shine through. Demonstrate your interest and show how much thought you’ve put into your future medical education by being detailed, honest, and enthusiastic.

3 | Only Update If You Have Real Updates

While enthusiasm for the program is excellent, if you haven’t received an invitation to interview and haven’t updated your application in any meaningful way, sending a letter of interest may do little to increase your chances of scoring an interview, and it may waste the program’s time.

But if you have real updates to your application that further qualify you for the program, you should absolutely send an update letter to reiterate your excitement and address your recent, relevant experiences and accomplishments.

Have you participated in a presentation recently, or is your research up for publication? Have you participated in any volunteer or employment experiences that have provided you with greater insight into your short and long-term goals? Is there anything you’ve accomplished recently that makes you a more appealing and qualified candidate?

Be humble, but confident. You’ve worked hard to get here, and you’ve been doing so for years. Include any update that augments your application.

4 | Address Your Letter Correctly and Directly

You can choose to send your letter in an email, handwrite it, or type it out and send it in the mail. While a handwritten note is quaint and adds a nice touch, it’s also not necessary, so if you’re not confident in your penmanship, an email will do just fine.

Either way, it is imperative that you address the letter correctly. You do not want your letter of interest or update letter to get lost in the mail or buried in an inbox.

Address your letter to the residency program director—the person who actually decides which applicants will be accepted. This means you’ll need to do a bit of research. Check the program’s website or pick up the phone to determine the direct contact information of the residency program director.

Do not leave any of this to chance. If you really want to match with this program, do everything you can to ensure your letter arrives on time and in front of the right person.

Achieve Your Perfect Match

Med School Insiders offers thorough and effective editing and advising services to maximize your impact throughout all aspects of the residency application process. We’ll help you make smart decisions that will ultimately help you match with your ideal program.

Continue learning by following the Med School Insiders blog, which is filled with guides, tools, and resources, including understanding the residency application process , how to choose a specialty , how The Match algorithm works , and more.

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Our SOAP Guide covers the Match Week process, strategies for SOAP success, and answers to frequently asked questions about SOAP.

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Cover Letter, Resume and Curriculum Vitae

by Patrick C. Alguire, MD, FACP Director, Education and Career Development, ACP

For initial contacts with a practice representative, a cover letter accompanied by either a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is recommended. Since the cover letter will be your first contact with the practice, keep it focused, accurate, professional, and interesting. Research the job opportunity and tailor the contents of the letter to the job. Do not use a form letter, because it will convey ambivalence rather than interest. In the cover letter, tell your potential employer what you find interesting in the position and what you can offer. While emphasizing your best qualities, keep the letter to one page maximum-no exceptions.

A resume, as compared to a CV, is a shorter document, usually no more than a few pages. A resume will present your education and accomplishments strongly, but briefly, and can be reviewed by the employer quickly.

A CV is a more exhaustive document, intended to list all academic and professional accomplishments in detail. A CV may be several pages long, but more often is the same length as a resume at the beginning of a career.

• See a model Curriculum Vitae

When preparing the cover letter, resume or CV, use the follow checklist to ensure that your documents create the appropriate professional impression:

• While potential employers may ask you to submit your application documents electronically. If hard copy documents are requested, print the cover letter, resume, and CV on matching quality bond paper with matching envelope and use a laser quality printer or have it professionally type set.
• Adapt the cover letter to match the employment opportunity.
• Proofread and double proofread all documents, then have a friend proofread. Spelling or grammatical errors will create a poor first impression.
• Use an electronic signature or sign the cover letter legibly , with blue or black ink.
• Affix the proper postage and have the package weighed, if necessary.
• Do not submit reference names or reference letters at this point in the process. They will be requested when needed.
• Make sure there are no gaps of time in the education or training sequence. If gaps are present, they must be accounted for in the document.

More Residency Career Guidance

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How to Write a Recommendation Letter for Residency

• August 11, 2023

Perhaps one of the most rewarding parts of being a professor or clinical rotation supervisor is seeing students graduate and move forward in their careers. Along the way, there’s a good chance that some will ask you to write a recommendation letter to help boost their odds of getting into their chosen residency program.

If you’ve never written a recommendation letter for residency before, it’s worth understanding just how important a strong letter can be during the application process. In fact, Program Directors consistently list letters of recommendation that are specialty-specific as one of the top factors that determine whether a candidate will be invited for an interview.

When you believe in a student’s ability to succeed in their career, you want to do everything you can to help them take that next step. In this article, we’ll closely examine how to write a strong letter of recommendation for a residency program.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation For Residency

When someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation for residency , and you believe they would be a strong candidate, it’s natural to be motivated to write the best recommendation letter possible. However, if someone asks you to write a letter and you feel you cannot write a supportive letter (for example, you didn’t have a positive experience with them or you didn’t work for them very long), it’s best to ask the applicant to ask someone else.

Use a Professional Letterhead

First, you want to ensure that admission officers see your letter as credible at first glance. In order to achieve this outcome, you’ll want to put your letter on paper with your professional letterhead.

Beyond that, you’ll want to ensure the recipient’s name, title, and organization are displayed in the page’s top-left corner. This is also where you can place the date that you wrote the letter.

Use a Professional Salutation

Though business and professional communication has become increasingly casual in the last few decades, you’ll still typically begin your letter with the phrase “Dear [recipient]” when writing a residency recommendation letter.

If you don’t know the name of the person who will be reading your letter, you can use a more general greeting such as “Dear Program Director.”

Organize Your Letter

The strongest recommendation letters have at least three paragraphs broken down into the introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction is your opportunity to express how you know the applicant and for how long. In the body, you can get into the specific details about the candidate’s abilities. Finally, your conclusion will be essentially a summary of your recommendation.

Start With a Statement of Intent

The most effective residency recommendation letters don’t beat around the bush– you’ll want to be straightforward and start immediately by stating the letter’s purpose.

In the first sentence, make it clear that you’re writing the letter based on your experience with an applicant to the residency program.

Describe Your Relationship

Your recommendation will have more of an impact if you are able to provide a bit of context and describe the relationship you’ve had with the applicant. You can detail how long you were their mentor or professor and describe the nature of your interactions.

For example, you might list the clinical duties that you supervised or which courses you taught that the applicant attended. If you find that the prospective resident has exceptional medical knowledge, leadership skills, or other attributes that could help them stand out, you’ll also want to mention this. Take the opportunity to describe the ways in which the candidate excelled compared to other students you’ve worked with in the past.

Be Specific

Now that you’ve gone over some of the background of the relationship you had with the residency applicant, it’s time to get a little more specific. As you’re drafting your letter, try to brainstorm some times that you feel they really demonstrated skills that they would need to succeed in a residency program.

For instance, many admissions officers are searching for applicants with a strong work ethic, trustworthiness, and compassion.

Incorporate the Prospective Resident’s Specialty

If possible, it is best to base your letter around the chosen specialty of the candidate. This can provide additional information for the admission officers to determine whether the applicant would fit well into their program.

Discussing their specialty can also help expand upon the nature of the relationship between you and the student. Typically, candidates will try to ask someone who is familiar with their specialty to write their letter of recommendation.

Keep It Brief

In general, letters of recommendation for residency should only be one to two pages long.

Many find that three or four paragraphs are a sufficient amount of space to outline the achievements of a student applying for residency programs. 

Draft a Strong Conclusion

As you tie up your letter, you’ll want to use the opportunity to sum up the strengths of the applicant and reiterate that you believe they would be a great addition to the program. If you’d like, you can also add that you’re available if the admissions officers have any more questions to ask about your experience with the applicant.

Once you have finished your conclusion, it’s time to sign off in a formal manner. Many will use the valediction “Sincerely” before signing their name. On separate lines, you’ll also want to state your name, job title, the name of your organization, your email address, and your phone number.

Are you a student who’s questioning whether or not you really want to go through with a residency program? If you’re curious to learn about what opportunities are available to you after medical school without completing residency, check out our guide to employment without residency .

Residency Letter of Recommendation Checklist

When you’re writing a recommendation letter for a residency applicant, it can feel like there are a lot of different components to keep in mind at once. Here’s a checklist you can use to make sure that all of the vital elements are included so your letter carries as much weight as possible.

Letter Format

There are a number of important elements to the proper formatting of a residency letter of recommendation.

These include the length, letterhead, signature, and date.

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It is generally recommended that residency recommendation letters are one to two pages long and at least three paragraphs. If you are struggling to write a letter that is long enough without adding a lot of fluff, you might want to reach out to the student for more information or recommend that they have someone else write the letter who has more experience working with them.

On the other hand, if the letter has gotten far too long, you’ll want to look it over and determine which pieces of information are the weakest and should be removed. Also, keep an eye out for repetitive information to help reduce the length of the letter.

Letters of recommendation should always have professional letterhead.

This letterhead should include the logo and name of the institution, the author’s name and title, and the date the letter was created.

A handwritten signature adds authenticity to a letter of recommendation.

Rather than just typing your name after the conclusion, go the extra mile and sign the letter with a pen.

The date that the letter was written is also a crucial piece of information. Letters that were written within one year of an admissions office receiving them are ideal– these are strong letters of recommendation purely from a timeline standpoint.

If a letter of recommendation was written within the last two years but more than a year ago, it is starting to get a bit too old but can still potentially be used. Letters that are older than two years old are far from ideal. For this reason, you might want to let the applicant know that you are willing to update the letter periodically if necessary.

Origin of the Letter

In general, residency programs in the United States prefer letters of recommendation from the US rather than outside the country. That being said, many international medical graduates successfully use letters of recommendation that come from their own country of origin.

Beyond the geographic origin of the organization, there’s also consideration of the type of experience you have with the applicant. The ideal scenario would be experience in a hands-on clinical setting in the specialty the candidate chooses to focus on. In general, the letter of recommendation should come from someone who has experience with the applicant within a medical setting, whether that’s public health, research, or another venue.

Specialty-Specific

Generic letters aren’t nearly as effective as those that are written specifically to the specialty of the applicant.

Try to focus on the suitability for the specialty of the candidate and the strengths they have that could be appealing to the admissions office.

Nature of Relationship

You’ll want to make it clear just how long you have known the candidate as well as the nature of your relationship.

This is something you can state in a straightforward manner right from the get-go.

Content Quality

Finally, there are also important considerations about the quality of the content of the letter.

One essential component is that the letter includes specific examples of the characteristics and competency of the applicant. Rather than making generalized statements, try to tie broader concepts to particular examples that illustrate the strength of the candidate.

It’s also important that the letter of recommendation comes across as a source of genuine information about the applicant. The more it appears that the letter is a mildly adjusted template written by a professional who knows little about the particular candidate, the less effective it will be.

There’s nothing wrong with including some weaknesses in a letter of recommendation– it can help show that the information provided is objective rather than excessive or hyperbolic. However, any weakness that is mentioned should appear in the context of the applicant’s growth over time. You’ll want to make clear the ways in which they took steps to improve and were able to overcome the challenge.

Finally, it’s absolutely vital that there are no spelling or grammar issues in the letter of recommendation. Few things discredit a letter of recommendation more quickly than glaring typos and grammatical errors. You could choose to edit the letter on your own, or you might have it edited by a colleague to ensure that no issues need to be addressed.

Understanding the Importance of a Strong Residency Letter of Recommendation

There are a number of key functions that a letter of recommendation plays in a candidate’s residency application.

Here are some of the primary reasons why a strong letter is so important for an applicant’s success:

• Helping to demonstrate that the applicant has had experiences specific to the specialty they are pursuing
• Helping to showcase commitment to the specialty, strong work ethic, and contributions to the field
• Helping to demonstrate good rapport with a number of different physicians
• Helping to demonstrate academic performance, personal characteristics, and involvement
• Helping to reinforce other aspects of the student’s application, including their personal statement

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