We recently discussed the emergency medicine residency selection process with Dr. Jamie Collings, the Executive Director of Innovative Education and an associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. For many years, she served as the program director of the emergency medicine residency program at Northwestern. Read what Dr. Collings had to say about shadowing, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and EM clerkship success:
Getting into an Emergency Medicine Residency
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Showing posts with label Recommendation Letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendation Letters. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thank You Notes: Powerful Yet Underutilized Networking Tool
Residency applicants generally understand the importance of sending thank-you notes, letters, or cards to programs following interview visits. Less common, but no less important, is a thank you note sent to those who are helping you in the residency application process – your advisor, your recommendation letter writers, etc.
When I was growing up, my parents always encouraged me to write thank-you notes or cards to those who had given me gifts. I must confess that I didn’t always follow their advice. “I can just thank them when I see them again” was what I often thought. Now years later, my views have changed, and I see the wisdom in my parent’s advice.
If there is one concern that I hear from other faculty members, it is that they rarely receive a thank you. Although the process of sending a thank you note requires some effort and time on your part, don’t forget that those who are helping you reach your professional goals have spent a considerable amount of their own valuable time. By acknowledging their assistance and expressing gratitude, you are strengthening your relationship.
Matching successfully is not a solo effort. You need the support and assistance of others, and you never know when you might need their help again. For example, a letter writer might be able to conduct a mock interview as interview season draws near or call a residency program to sing your praises.
You are more likely to receive the assistance you require if you take the time and effort to maintain and build your relationships. Thank you notes are an excellent way to do so.
Visit: MD2B
Visit: IMG Assist
Share
When I was growing up, my parents always encouraged me to write thank-you notes or cards to those who had given me gifts. I must confess that I didn’t always follow their advice. “I can just thank them when I see them again” was what I often thought. Now years later, my views have changed, and I see the wisdom in my parent’s advice.
If there is one concern that I hear from other faculty members, it is that they rarely receive a thank you. Although the process of sending a thank you note requires some effort and time on your part, don’t forget that those who are helping you reach your professional goals have spent a considerable amount of their own valuable time. By acknowledging their assistance and expressing gratitude, you are strengthening your relationship.
Matching successfully is not a solo effort. You need the support and assistance of others, and you never know when you might need their help again. For example, a letter writer might be able to conduct a mock interview as interview season draws near or call a residency program to sing your praises.
You are more likely to receive the assistance you require if you take the time and effort to maintain and build your relationships. Thank you notes are an excellent way to do so.
Visit: MD2B
Visit: IMG Assist
Share
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