Residency Letter of Intent: Samples & Guide for Match Success

The Power of a Strong Letter of Intent

A well-crafted letter of intent (LOI) for a residency program can significantly increase your chances of matching. It demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment to a specific program, highlighting why you are a good fit and what you hope to contribute. It goes beyond your application, showing your enthusiasm and allowing you to reiterate key strengths and experiences. It serves as a follow-up to your application and interview, solidifying your position as a top candidate. Remember to always address the letter to the Program Director or a specific faculty member involved in the selection process.

Key Components & Effective Strategies

Your letter of intent should be concise, personalized, and impactful. Start by expressing your sincere interest in the program and mentioning a specific reason that draws you to it. Highlight your qualifications and experiences that align with the program’s mission and values. Reference your interview and any connections you made, showing that you actively engaged with the program. Reiterate your commitment to ranking the program highly and explicitly state your intention to match there if given the opportunity. Proofread carefully for any errors before submitting.

Sample Letter of Intent for Residency Programs

Below are six sample letters of intent. Remember to tailor each one to the specific program you are addressing. Use these samples as inspiration and guidance, but always personalize your own letter to reflect your unique experiences and reasons for choosing that particular program.

Sample 1: General Surgery

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Residency Program Name]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my continued and sincere interest in the General Surgery Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. Following my interview on [Date of Interview], my enthusiasm for your program has only grown. I was particularly impressed by [mention a specific aspect, e.g., the focus on minimally invasive surgery, the collegial atmosphere among residents, a particular faculty member’s research].

My experience in [mention a relevant experience, e.g., surgical oncology, trauma surgery] during my [mention rotation or clerkship] at [Hospital Name] has solidified my desire to pursue a career in general surgery. I believe my skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., laparoscopic techniques, critical care management] align well with the program’s emphasis on [mention program emphasis].

I want to reiterate my commitment to ranking the General Surgery Residency Program at [Hospital Name] highly on my rank list. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team, and I am eager to contribute to the program’s continued success. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Sample 2: Internal Medicine

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Internal Medicine Residency Program]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. My interview on [Date of Interview] further solidified my belief that this program would be an excellent fit for my career goals. I particularly appreciated learning more about [mention a specific aspect, e.g., the primary care track, the research opportunities in cardiology, the emphasis on community outreach].

My dedication to internal medicine stems from my passion for [mention your passion, e.g., diagnosing complex medical conditions, providing comprehensive patient care, working with underserved populations]. My experience in [mention a relevant experience, e.g., the inpatient medicine service, the geriatrics rotation] at [Hospital Name] allowed me to develop skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., differential diagnosis, patient communication, chronic disease management].

I am committed to ranking your program highly. I am confident I can make a significant contribution to [Hospital Name] and its patients. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Sample 3: Family Medicine

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Family Medicine Residency Program]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my continued interest in the Family Medicine Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. Following my interview on [Date], I am even more impressed by the program’s [mention a specific strength, e.g., commitment to underserved communities, strong emphasis on behavioral health, innovative curriculum].

My interest in family medicine stems from [mention your reason, e.g., a desire to provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, a passion for preventative medicine]. My experiences during [mention a specific rotation or experience] at [Hospital/Clinic Name] have provided me with a solid foundation in [mention relevant skills, e.g., patient education, management of chronic conditions, minor surgical procedures].

I plan to rank [Hospital Name]’s Family Medicine Residency Program highly, and I am confident that I would thrive in your supportive and challenging environment. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Sample 4: Emergency Medicine

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Emergency Medicine Residency Program]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. My interview experience on [Date] truly solidified my desire to train at your institution. I was particularly drawn to [mention a specific aspect, e.g., the high volume trauma center, the emphasis on simulation training, the research opportunities in resuscitation].

My passion for emergency medicine comes from [mention your reasons, e.g., the fast-paced environment, the opportunity to make a critical difference in patients’ lives, the diverse patient population]. My experience as [mention relevant experience, e.g., a scribe, an EMT, a medical student in the emergency department] has equipped me with skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., rapid assessment, critical thinking, procedural skills].

I intend to rank the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at [Hospital Name] very highly. I am confident that I possess the dedication and resilience to excel in your program. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Sample 5: Pediatrics

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Pediatrics Residency Program]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my sincere and continued interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. My interview on [Date] reinforced my belief that your program is the ideal place for me to pursue my passion for pediatrics. I was particularly impressed by [mention a specific aspect, e.g., the child life program, the dedication to advocacy, the research in childhood diseases].

My commitment to pediatrics stems from [mention your reasons, e.g., a love of working with children, a desire to improve child health outcomes, a belief in the importance of preventative care]. During my [mention a relevant rotation or experience] at [Hospital/Clinic Name], I developed skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., pediatric physical exams, communication with children and families, management of common childhood illnesses].

I plan to rank the Pediatrics Residency Program at [Hospital Name] with utmost enthusiasm. I am confident that I can contribute positively to your program and the well-being of your patients. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Sample 6: Psychiatry

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Program Director’s Name]
[Program Director’s Title]
[Psychiatry Residency Program]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]

Dear Dr. [Program Director’s Last Name],

I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in the Psychiatry Residency Program at [Hospital Name]. My interview on [Date] further solidified my decision that this program aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I was particularly impressed by [mention program aspect, e.g., the emphasis on psychotherapy, the strong community mental health focus, the supportive environment].

My interest in psychiatry comes from [mention your reason, e.g., the fascination with the human mind, the desire to help people overcome mental health challenges]. My experience in [mention relevant experience, e.g., the inpatient psychiatric unit, the outpatient clinic, a research project] has provided me with [mention relevant skills, e.g., experience in diagnostic interviews, medication management, therapeutic techniques].

I am committed to ranking the Psychiatry Residency Program at [Hospital Name] at the top of my rank list. I am certain I can make meaningful contributions to your program and the lives of your patients. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]