slk
Unregistered User
(4/9/00 9:59:10 am)
Reply
Radiology letter?
I have a quick question; I'm a third year about to start applying, etc. I temporarily set up an away elective in
Musculoskeletal Radiology in August, in hopes of getting a letter and getting a good base in radiology. Would it
hurt my application though to have a letter from a radiologist?
Kent
Unregistered User
(4/9/00 7:55:50 pm)
Reply
Radiology letter?
Well, it probably couldn't hurt. However, I'd try to get my three letters from orthopaedic faculty and consider
using the radiology letter as a fourth one (if needed). Most programs require three letter and the ERAS system
(which includes applications to orthopaedic surgery) allows only four letters of recommendation. The catch is
that many programs want a CV, so I used three of the letter of rec. sports for my letters and the fourth spot
for a CV. If you run into a program that wants the three letters, a CV and transcripts, then you've got to be
creative--attach the transcripts as the fourth letter and attach the CV to the end of your Personal Statement
(you can have as many versions as you want, but can only attach one to any particular program). Anyway,
back to the original question. Orthopaedic surgeons want to see letters from other orthopaedic surgeons,
especially if the letter writer is well-known, perhaps trained at the program you're applying to, and who has
personally worked with you and will write a strong letter. The most powerful letter is from the Chairman of your
orthopaedic surgery department. Try to get one of these (if you've worked with the person and he/she knows
you). In fact, many programs REQUIRE a Chairman's letter. I'd consider the radiology letter only as a potential
fourth letter only. Stick to the three orthopaedic letters and reserve that fourth spot for a CV, transcript or
other document. By the way, radiology is a great elective for someone interested in orthopaedics, so you've
got the right idea.
mootalot
Global user
(4/11/00 2:58:08 pm)
Reply
radiology letter
For the most part I agree with Kent. The bottom line is that a radiologist is not a surgeon. Surgeons want to
know what other surgeons think about you and your potential as an Orthopaedics Surgeon. I had one letter
from a general surgeon who knew me very well and whom I felt would write a very strong letter. I used this as
my fourth letter - with 3 ortho letters. MSK radiology is good for you but unless your working with a legend,
that letter's utility is dubious.
=================================
Unregistered User
(4/9/00 9:59:10 am)
Reply
Radiology letter?
I have a quick question; I'm a third year about to start applying, etc. I temporarily set up an away elective in
Musculoskeletal Radiology in August, in hopes of getting a letter and getting a good base in radiology. Would it
hurt my application though to have a letter from a radiologist?
Kent
Unregistered User
(4/9/00 7:55:50 pm)
Reply
Radiology letter?
Well, it probably couldn't hurt. However, I'd try to get my three letters from orthopaedic faculty and consider
using the radiology letter as a fourth one (if needed). Most programs require three letter and the ERAS system
(which includes applications to orthopaedic surgery) allows only four letters of recommendation. The catch is
that many programs want a CV, so I used three of the letter of rec. sports for my letters and the fourth spot
for a CV. If you run into a program that wants the three letters, a CV and transcripts, then you've got to be
creative--attach the transcripts as the fourth letter and attach the CV to the end of your Personal Statement
(you can have as many versions as you want, but can only attach one to any particular program). Anyway,
back to the original question. Orthopaedic surgeons want to see letters from other orthopaedic surgeons,
especially if the letter writer is well-known, perhaps trained at the program you're applying to, and who has
personally worked with you and will write a strong letter. The most powerful letter is from the Chairman of your
orthopaedic surgery department. Try to get one of these (if you've worked with the person and he/she knows
you). In fact, many programs REQUIRE a Chairman's letter. I'd consider the radiology letter only as a potential
fourth letter only. Stick to the three orthopaedic letters and reserve that fourth spot for a CV, transcript or
other document. By the way, radiology is a great elective for someone interested in orthopaedics, so you've
got the right idea.
mootalot
Global user
(4/11/00 2:58:08 pm)
Reply
radiology letter
For the most part I agree with Kent. The bottom line is that a radiologist is not a surgeon. Surgeons want to
know what other surgeons think about you and your potential as an Orthopaedics Surgeon. I had one letter
from a general surgeon who knew me very well and whom I felt would write a very strong letter. I used this as
my fourth letter - with 3 ortho letters. MSK radiology is good for you but unless your working with a legend,
that letter's utility is dubious.
=================================