Thread by @PSUIMReport

1/12 Looking to stand out on your residency application? Letters of recommendation (LoR) are crucial! This thread is geared towards MS3/4s & will include some strategies & tips for finding letter writers and helping them (help you)!
#MedTwitter #MedStudentTwitter #Match2023

2/12 Do not underestimate the power of a strong LoR! Residency programs that conduct a holistic review of course look at multiple aspects of an applicant’s file. However, letters of recommendation consistently rank as one of the most important factors.

3/12 So, say you’ve identified an attending who you worked well with and who has agreed to write you a LoR. What can you do to help them?
For starters, check out this thread by @DavidBassilyDO

https://twitter.com/DavidBassilyDO/status/1367955693102190593?s=20&t=TmKmQAEUrDVKSoqBWgM9OA

4/12 In short:
✨ Ask early and follow up, but don’t be a nuisance
✨ Identify expectations for the rotation
✨ Ensure a “strong” letter can be written
✨ Keep a log throughout the rotation

5/12 Let’s zero in on the last point here. Why keep a log throughout the rotation? And what should you be logging? The truth is, attendings oversee multiple trainees, all at different stages of training with different learning goals (this can be a lot of cognitive load)

6/12 Keeping a log gives you the chance to:
✨ Set goals for yourself & chart your progress
✨ Show how you’ve been demonstrating your abilities
✨ Decrease the attending’s cognitive load while writing, refresh their memory, & give them extra details they can include in the LoR!

7/12 If you are proud of a particular patient encounter… or maybe if you had a fantastic assessment/plan for that patient with multiple complex conditions… write it down!
It is also important to engage in self-reflection and log what you’ve learned throughout the rotation.

8/12 What are the things you should be looking to demonstrate (and log) throughout the rotation? For this, keep in mind PSCOM’s competencies!
students.med.psu.edu/md-students/me…

#CBME #MedEd

9/12 Notice that “knowledge for practice” is only one small part of the picture. Showing examples of “interpersonal and communication skills” and “systems-based practice” can 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 stand out on a LoR.

10/12 Along with your rotation log, it’s nice to send your letter writer a copy of your CV/resume. You can also include some of your long-term professional goals (academics, working with underserved populations, etc.)

11/12 These high-quality data points will be incredibly useful for your letter writers, but also allow you to take an active role in your growth and learning.
Putting in some work upfront can really help you shine through your letters. 🌟

12/12
Attendings - what are some factors that can help you in the letter-writing process? What advice do you have for the upcoming #match2023 students, as they start to think about getting letters of recommendation?
@NickDuca57 @BMcGillenMD @Jed_Gonzalo15 @myheroistrane