The Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinics campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers 52 categorical positions (including 3 clinician investigator positions) and 17 preliminary positions each year. The majority of our preliminary positions are filled through our associated categorical programs in dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
These programs have been carefully designed to maximize use of Mayos educational resources and minimize service responsibilities. A limited number of categorical positions are sometimes available at the PGY-2 level.
The application and all supporting documentation must be submitted by Nov. 15 of the year preceding the program start date. The academic year normally begins on Monday during the third week of June and includes a two-week orientation.
Particularly well-qualified international medical school graduates may be considered for admission. International medical graduates must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
In order for international medical graduates to be considered for an H-1B visa, applicants must have completed USMLE Step 3 before December 31, six months prior to beginning residency training in June (unless there is a plan to be on a one-year visa during the PGY1 year, in which case Step 3 can be taken during the PGY1 year). Questions about visa sponsorship can be discussed after an interview has been offered.
Getting into a competitive internal medicine residency program requires submitting a standout application One of the most critical elements is the letter of recommendation (LoR). A compelling LoR from the right referee can make or break your chances of securing an interview
But what exactly should an internal medicine residency LoR include? Who should write it? And how do you ensure it highlights your strengths? This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about obtaining a persuasive LoR for your internal medicine residency application
What is an Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation for internal medicine residency is a formal letter written by a qualified referee recommending the applicant for acceptance into a particular program.
It aims to impress upon the residency program directors why the applicant is an ideal candidate for their specialty. The letter provides validation of the applicant’s clinical knowledge skills, work ethic and overall fit for an internal medicine residency.
Programs typically require 2-4 letters as part of the application. The LoR carries significant weight during the competitive review process. A compelling, personalized letter can be the boost needed to get an interview invitation.
What Should Be Included in an Internal Medicine LoR?
An outstanding internal medicine residency letter should include:
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Introduction: Information about the relationship with the applicant and credentials as a referee.
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Body: Discussion and specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications related to the ACGME core competencies:
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Medical knowledge
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Patient care
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Practice-based learning and improvement
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Interpersonal and communication skills
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Professionalism
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Systems-based practice
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Conclusion: Clear recommendation validating the applicant’s suitability for internal medicine residency.
The letter should highlight specialized skills, achievements, and personality traits that make the applicant a good match for internal medicine:
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Strong foundation in internal medicine knowledge
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Compassion and patient-centered care
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Curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning
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Communication and interpersonal abilities
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Professional demeanor and integrity
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Understanding of healthcare systems
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Any outstanding projects or leadership in the department
Specific examples and anecdotes related to these qualities are very persuasive.
Who Should Write an Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation?
The best letter writers are those who have directly supervised or taught the applicant in an internal medicine setting. Ideal options include:
- Internal medicine clerkship director
- Internal medicine attending physician
- Internal medicine residency program director
- Internal medicine department chair
Letters from physicians who have observed the applicant’s clinical skills, knowledge, and patient interactions are highly valued.
Having at least one letter directly from internal medicine provides critical specialty-specific support. Additional letters can come from:
- Science/medical school professors
- Research mentors
- Volunteer/extracurricular leaders
A diversity of perspectives offers a well-rounded endorsement. Avoid duplicating the same exact types of referees if possible.
How to Ask for an Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation
Here are some tips for asking for an internal medicine residency letter of recommendation:
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Make a request in person if possible to convey sincerity. Follow up by email to provide details.
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Ask 2-3 months before deadline to allow proper time for writing.
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Provide background materials like CV, personal statement, grades, etc. to jog their memory.
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Send reminders 1 month and 1 week before the deadline.
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Mention specific programs you are applying to if known.
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Share your enthusiasm for internal medicine and the strengths you hope they highlight.
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Express gratitude – these letters take significant time and effort.
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Waive right to view letter to avoid ethics concerns.
Securing strong letters from ideal referees takes advance planning and effort. Give your writers plenty of lead time and materials to craft an outstanding letter showcasing your talents and fit for internal medicine.
Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation Sample
Reviewing a sample letter can help guide your writers on format and content. Here is an example internal medicine residency LoR:
Dear Program Director,
I am pleased to strongly recommend Jane Doe for your internal medicine residency program. As the clerkship director for the internal medicine department at University Medical School, I directly supervised Jane during her 12-week internal medicine rotation. Over that time, I was impressed by Jane’s clinical acumen, compassionate patient care, and professional demeanor.
From the start, it was clear Jane has an excellent foundation in internal medicine knowledge. During rounds, she consistently demonstrated her ability to synthesize complex cases and provide sound differential diagnoses. Jane exceeded expectations for a student at her level – her clinical judgment and diagnostic skills are on par with many interns.
For example, Jane correctly identified cardiac tamponade in a challenging case where the patient presented with vague symptoms. She astutely correlated the physical exam findings and picked up on subtle EKG changes, allowing us to expedite the life-saving pericardiocentesis procedure. During our rotation examination, Jane received the highest score in her cohort, exemplifying her strong command of internal medicine.
Beyond her medical knowledge, Jane’s patient-centered approach and communication abilities stood out. Patients often complimented how thoroughly and compassionately she explained conditions, allayed their concerns, and educated them on treatments. Jane has a wonderful bedside manner and patients immediately feel at ease with her.
She also demonstrated consummate professionalism. Jane was consistently punctual, prepared for rounds, and helpful to the whole team. She sought out opportunities to strengthen her skills, often spending extra time practicing clinical procedures. Jane’s maturity, integrity, and motivation will undoubtedly make her an asset to any internal medicine residency program.
Sincerely,
[Name, Credentials]
Clerkship Director, Internal Medicine
University Medical School
Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation Do’s and Don’ts
Follow these letter of recommendation best practices:
DO:
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Highlight specific examples of skills and achievements
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Keep letter concise at 1-2 pages max
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Use official letterhead if possible
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Focus on qualities that align with internal medicine
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Express a strong, clear recommendation
DON’T:
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Simply repeat info from CV or grades
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Exaggerate applicant’s abilities
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Introduce new information not discussed previously
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Go over page limits for the program
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Make spelling/grammar errors or sound casual
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Leave doubt about your endorsement
An impactful letter requires planning and refinement. Follow up with your writers to ensure your letters convey what you aim to highlight.
How to Submit an Internal Medicine Residency Letter of Recommendation
Letters are typically submitted through ERAS for US residencies or CaRMS for Canadian programs. Provide your writers with the relevant instructions, Letter Request Forms, and program specifics to facilitate on-time submission.
Remind them to waive access rights and upload directly to the services. Well-crafted letters from respected referees in internal medicine make a big difference in competitive residency applications.
Clinician Investigator Training Program: Research and fellowship interest statement and visa information
Candidates applying to the Clinician Investigator Training Program (CITP) are required to submit a brief paragraph outlining their specific research experience and stating their subspecialty/fellowship interest. This may be included at the end of the personal statement, or alternatively may be emailed upon program request within 48 hours of the notification.
Individuals requiring J or H visa classification are eligible to participate in the CITP. The J and H visa classifications, though, have certain limitations.
The ECFMG cannot provide J-1 visa sponsorship for individuals enrolled in Mayos CITP unless the clinician-investigator training can be accommodated within the length of time of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency and combined fellowship program. For ECFMG J-1 visa classification, this time limit is usually seven years, which will accommodate most fellowship training programs. Individuals with this visa classification should discuss the opportunities for training in the CITP with the program at the time of their interview.
Individuals wishing to pursue residency, fellowship, and clinician investigator training in H-1B classification must have passed USMLE steps 1, 2, and 3 when they are appointed to Mayos program. An individual can usually hold H classification for a total maximum stay of six years in the U.S. Anyone appointed to the CITP must be able to complete their residency, fellowship, and clinician-investigator training within six years. Prior time in H classification, such as employment or research, is counted in the six-year time allotment.
