ANESTHESIOLOGY

Number of letters recommended 3-4

Chair’s letter required? If possible. It always helps to know the letter writer and chairs are usually well known.

Number of letters from within specialty? 1-2

Number of letters from away rotations/institutions? Not necessary unless the letter is very strong and the author is well known.

Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No

Strong letters of recommendations should come from someone with whom the candidate has a relationship or has worked closely with. It is helpful to schedule a time to meet with the letter writer to express your interests/goals.Give your letter writers a copy of your personal statement and CV.This will help them write an informative and sincere letter.Selection committees look for comments that highlight the candidate’s strengths relative to their peers. For example, “one of the best students I have worked with… Saw more patients than her peers…. Worked at a senior level… connected with patients at a level higher than his training…”

The most important thing is to have a STRONG letter from someone who knows the applicant well and can comment on his/her strengths as an aspiring physician.Ideally, letter will come from within the specialty but also from medical subspecialties (cardiology, pulmonary, ICU, renal, neurology).Luckily, anesthesiology incorporates all aspects of medicine (pediatrics, OB, etc) so any strong letter is appropriate.If a letter writer hesitates or does not seem comfortable writing the letter, consider asking someone else.

Letters from the chair are helpful if the chair knows the applicant and can write a meaningful letter.Students can try to schedule a time with the chair at the beginning of the rotation and schedule clinical time with them.The Chair may be more comfortable writing a letter after such encounters.