Asking for a Letter of Recommendation (LoR) - Tips for Requesting Strong LoRs

Sep 15, 2026

Guidance for medical residency applicants on obtaining strong Letters of Recommendation (LoRs), including who to approach and how to match letter writers to clinical strengths, teamwork, and professionalism. Covers timing after identifying writers, what materials to provide (CV and personal statement), and what specialty-focused recommendations should include. Explains how to handle U.S. clinical experience, country-of-origin evaluation, deadline awareness, etiquette, whether to waive viewing rights, and appropriate LoR quantities and addressing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation (LoR)

Whom to Approach for LoRs

When to Request LoRs

What Documents to Provide

What Other Information the Writer Needs

Waiving the Right to View LoRs

Etiquette for Requesting and Submitting

How Many LoRs to Submit

How to Address LoRs

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation (LoR) Here are some tips on how to maximize your chances of securing quality LoRs. Whom should I approach for my LoRs? Approach physicians who are most familiar with your clinical abilities, medical knowledge, work ethic, interpersonal skills with patients and their families, and your ability to work as part of a team. Program directors may hold in high regard LoRs from clerkship directors, high-ranking medical school faculty members, and physicians in the specialty to which you are applying. Some programs may request that one of your LoRs be written by your medical school’s department chair for the specialty to which you are applying. If you have had experience in a U.S. clinical program, program directors may expect to see an LoR from someone in that program who can speak about your experience and describe how you performed in a U.S. clinical setting. If you are submitting LoRs from a country other than the United States, ask your letter writers to evaluate your skills in a way that highlights your ability to succeed in U.S. residency training. If possible, avoid submitting LoRs regarding experiences that took place more than two years before your application. Program directors want to see LoRs that reflect your most current knowledge and skills. When should I request my LoRs? You should request your LoRs as soon as possible after you have identified your letter writers. The sooner you request an LoR, the sooner the letter writer can begin to note the knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics that make you a desirable candidate for residency. Allow letter writers plenty of time to reflect upon your performance so they are prepared to meet program deadlines for receiving LoRs. If you are a medical school student, consider scheduling a meeting with the clerkship director atthe start of your clinical rotations to discuss your intention to apply for residency in the United States. Ask the director if he or she would be willing to provide you with an LoR to support your application and inquire about performance standards that you would need to meet in order to receive a positive LoR. It is important, however, to not make a potential letter writer feel pressured; your goal is to secure a genuine and sincere recommendation. What documents should I provide to the letter writer? A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) will help familiarize the letter writer with your background and past experiences. A copy of the personal statement you plan to submit with your residency application will provide your letter writer with insight into your passion for pursuing medical education in the United States, and your future goals. What other information does my letter writer need? Let the letter writer know which specialties you are considering for residency training and why, and ask for his/her perspective on providing specialty-specific LoRs. A specialty-specific LoR expresses to the program director that you are focused on pursuing a particular medical specialty. It should directly recommend you for training in that specialty and explain why you are well-suited for that specialty. If a letter writer has recommended you for a position in a specific specialty, it is not advisable to use that LoR to apply for positions in other specialties. If you are submitting the LoR to more than one specialty, request a general letter applicable to all specialties, or request multiple, specialty-specific LoRs from that same letter writer. Ensure that your letter writer has a clear understanding of the deadlines for submitting LoRs to your programs. It is best to have your application completed and your supporting documents available at the time program directors begin reviewing applications. A program director may choose not to view LoRs received after the program’s deadline for accepting supporting documents. Should I waive my rights to view my LoRs? When you “waive your rights” to

FAQs

Whom should I approach to write my LoR?

Approach physicians who know your clinical abilities, medical knowledge, work ethic, interpersonal skills with patients and families, and teamwork. Program directors may value LoRs from clerkship directors, faculty, and physicians in the specialty you are applying to.

When should I request my LoRs and what should I discuss with the writer?

Request LoRs as soon as you identify letter writers so they can capture your knowledge and personal characteristics in time for program deadlines. Discuss which specialties you’re considering, performance standards, and ask for specialty-specific LoRs when appropriate.

Should I waive my right to view my LoRs?

Waiving your rights means you permanently give up the right to read the letter. It can signal that the letter writer was able to speak openly and without influence, and the decision is ultimately yours.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson