William N. Levine, MD, FAAOS | Bonnie Gregory, MD
December 1, 2023
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Obtaining letters of recommendation (LoR) is a key part of the application process when applying to residency and beyond. Your LoRs serve as reflection of your academic performance and more importantly can provide information about key distinguishing personal qualities as well. In a competitive pool of applicants where CVs, academic scores, and personal statements can be similar, your LoRs can distinguish you from others. However, obtaining meaningful letters from impactful writers can be challenging. Ideally, all 3 or 4 letter writers would know you well and be able to comment on your individual traits after working with you for years, but often you may find yourself asking writers who have only known you a month while you’ve been on your orthopedic surgery rotation.
Here’s some tips to help get you the best LoRs possible (also make sure you’re helping to make your letter writer’s lives easier!):
- Pick letter writers who know you well (need self-awareness!) and will be your best advocate. Even if the attending at your home program you have worked with the most isn’t “well-known,” their great LoR will be more impactful than a mediocre LoR from the “famous” surgeon who barely knows you.
- To this end, try to get to know the faculty at your home program as early as possible! Don’t just shadow in clinic one time and expect someone to be willing to write a LoR. Show up consistently and go to clinic/OR, get involved in research, and be there for grand rounds and other important lectures.
- Once you have identified your letter writers, a few tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Ask early, provide your CV and personal statement, and be explicit with all deadlines and means for submitting letter.
- Provide your letter writer with names of the residents and fellows you’ve worked with most; in case they would like to consult them for input on your performance/strengths
- Consider scheduling a 10-15 minute meeting with each writer to review your CV, review your goals, and make sure they get to know what sets you apart as an individual, provide them with a few specific examples of situations or events that went well on your rotation.
- Make sure the attending understands what signals are and that you have 30 of them to distribute. They may have contacts at some of your favored signaled programs that could be helpful to you.
- Remember to send thank you notes to those who provide you references.
Above all, be genuine, thoughtful and courteous throughout the process! Orthopaedic Surgery is a small world and a great LoR can be the difference that gets you an interview invite at a competitive location or even help bump you up a few places on the rank list!
DISCLOSURES: Dr. Levine is on the Columbia faculty, serves as Board or committee member for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and is on the editorial or governing board for the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Levine serves as an unpaid consultant to Zimmer Biomet. Dr. Gregory This individual reported nothing to disclose.
Read the AAOS Code of Conduct for Discussion Group Terms, Conditions and Disclaimers HERE.
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