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[Taiwan2011]

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I was thinking of getting one from a psychiatrist, neurologist, and family med or GI doc. Is this okay for neurology? How about for getting into a separate prelim year?

 

[curlygirlie106]

I'd try to get at least one more neurologist, if you can. Consider splitting up your letters. ERAS will allow you to upload as many as you want (I think). I had five letters- three from neurologists and two from IM docs. That way, when I applied to neuro programs I was able to send the three neuro letters, but for prelim years I sent the two IM letters and the neuro letter that (I hope) was the best. You get to mix and match whatever letters you like when you apply to each program. Having a handful to choose from certainly won't hurt!

 

[Mattchiavelli]

I agree with at least one more if not two neurologists- you need to have someone vouching for you that you experienced enough neurology to make a good decision in going into the specialty.

 

[civilleader]

I am debating between neurology and another specialty and thus will likely have only one neuro rotation (we dont have a 3rd year neuro) on file. Do I lose alot of competitiveness without that second neuro letter.

How important is it to have that second letter?

 

[curlygirlie106]

It's pretty important hedging on extremely. With only one letter, and especially with only one month of neurology, I'd be concerned about programs questioning your dedication to the specialty. It may not make a gigantic difference in interview invites, since in Neurology they get sent out pretty quickly, usually on a basis of Step scores it seems. It will make a difference once programs sit down to evaluate you and put you on your rank list- in other words, when it really counts. You don't want to end up in a situation where you're ranked lower than an equally or slightly less competitive applicant because you've only got one person vouching for your interest in the specialty. If you go here, and look at the 2010 Program Director's Survey for neurology, you can see just how important of a factor your letters are, for neuro in particular.

I'd consider asking a few physicians in your neurology department to shadow them at a minimum, or better, work in clinic- starting now! This serves two purposes- getting you letters and hopefully helping you make up your mind (time is getting a little short....September will be here before you know it!). Got time off for the summer? Not that anyone wants to spend their vacation in the hospital, but consider asking the inpatient teams if you can tag along with them. Again, more exposure, more opportunities to build a relationship for a letter, etc. If this is something important to you, it's worth the time investment now.

 

[daptomycin]

For those that have applied in the past, did you ask your letter writers to write two version of your LOR, one for IM prelim, and one for the advanced Neuro? I imagine I'll be applying into both categorical and advanced spots. Thanks for your input!

 

[95439]

For those that have applied in the past, did you ask your letter writers to write two version of your LOR, one for IM prelim, and one for the advanced Neuro? I imagine I'll be applying into both categorical and advanced spots. Thanks for your input!

Hellllll no! You're already putting out the letter writers just asking them to write the LOR (I've done one and they're annoying lol). Just get an IM doc to write the IM prelim one.