Dermatologists are in a small specialty, so many know one another professionally. As such, it is not very surprising that they may prefer to read letters of recommendations from dermatologists that they know and trust. That is why many dermatology applicants focus on obtaining three letters from dermatologists during the dermatology application process. A letter from the right person may resonate with the reader and result in an extra interview or two. Who should these letters be from?
Most applicants will request a letter from their home dermatology department chair or division chief. These dermatologists tend to be senior academic people that everyone knows. This is an important letter because it is expected. It often provides an overview about the applicant, and may even contain detailed observational content if there have been sufficient interactions in the clinic or other academic activities. If it is absent, it will likely be noticed, and may raise questions about why it is missing.
Who should provide the two other letters? If away rotations are taken, it may be possible to get a letter of recommendation from the chair/chief at away department/division. This may be especially helpful and open additional doors if the rotation is taken in another geographic location. The remaining letter should be from a dermatologist who knows you well. This is especially important if you are conducting a clinical or basic science research project. Your mentor’s letter will provide detailed insight into you, and your ability to participate in research.
What if your request for a letter is met with hesitation? This happens occasionally, and is usually due to insufficient interaction during the rotation. The writer knows that she may not have much information to contribute to the application and could anticipate that it may not be helpful. If this is the case, it is better to find another writer who knows you better and who is enthusiastic about your application to dermatology!
The University of Texas Medical Branch Dermatology Interest Group (UTMB DIG) is a resource for medical students interested in Dermatology as well as for dermatologists and residents.
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Current Editors: Jane Onyemachi and Madelyn Schmidt
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Past Editors: Fareen Momin, Andrea Francis, Renat Ahatov, Michael Phan, Elise Weisert, Michael Ryan, Keith Wagner, Tim Allen, Kristyna Gleghorn, Dung Mac, Alex Acosta, William Tausend, Sheila Jalalat, Rebecca Philips, Chelsea Altinger, Lindsey Hunter, Alison Wiesenthal, Leslie Scroggins, Mara Dacso, Ashley Group, Fadi Constantine, Emily Fridlington, Joslyn Witherspoon, Tasneem Poonawalla.