How to Write a Letter of Intent for Residency

A residency letter of intent, sometimes referred to as a “residency love letter,” is part of the application process for individuals ready to pursue a medical residency.

Opening Paragraph

The applicant should start the letter by stating who they are, when they were interviewed, and who interviewed them. It’s also important to establish that the program in question is undoubtedly their number one choice.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the letter should be clear and concise, conveying how the applicant would be a good fit by:

Expressing their admiration for the program and the school’s values and mission
Establishing goals and how the program can help achieve them
Articulating the ways in which they will contribute to the program

Conclusion

To end the letter, the candidate should reiterate that the program is their number one choice and thank the committee for the opportunity to apply. The applicant should include a professional sign-off, as well as their signature and printed name.

The Match

Before drafting the letter, the candidate must first apply for residency. The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) was created to help facilitate matching residency applicants with residency programs.

The candidate must register for The Match and then send their residency application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Once this is complete, the residency programs interview their top choices.

When to Send a Letter of Intent for Residency

After the candidate has had their residency interviews, they should draft their letter of intent and make sure they send it before the ranking deadline and Match Day. Applicants must create their NRMP Rank Order List (ROL) after their interviews have taken place. Once the candidate has submitted their ROL, they may send their letter of intent to their top-choice residency program.

Sample

Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument

RESIDENCY LETTER OF INTENT

[DATE]

[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER STREET ADDRESS]
[SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[RECIPIENT NAME], [RECIPIENT TITLE]
[PROGRAM NAME]
[INSTITUTION NAME]
[INSTITUTION STREET ADDRESS]
[INSTITUTION CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR NAME],

My name is [APPLICANT NAME], and I am writing to express my sincere enthusiasm for your residency program. It was a pleasure to learn more about [INSTITUTIONS]’s Residency Program in my interview with Dr. [INTERVIEWER NAME] on [DATE]. I was impressed and inspired by my visit and wish to state that you are my number one choice in my Rank Order List, and I will gladly accept if admitted.

I am eager to take the next step in my career, and I believe your program perfectly fits my goals. During the time I spent at [MEDICAL SCHOOL], I developed a passion for [SPECIALTY], and I have since actively sought out clinical and research opportunities in this area. [INSTITUTION NAME] is known for its reputation in [SPECIALTY], making it, without a doubt, my top residency choice. I am impressed by and enthusiastic to learn from the faculty and residents at [INSTITUTION NAME], and it would be a great honor to join this outstanding program.

While I hold great admiration for the entirety of your program’s values, it was the emphasis on patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration I observed during my visit that truly resonated with me. These values align with my own and will help me continue my journey to be the best physician possible. I aim to be a compassionate, well-rounded physician who can learn from this residency, and help add to its well-deserved reputation.

I am confident that your institution’s [SPECIALTY] residency program will profoundly impact my future as a physician and help me achieve my aspirations. I assure you that I am hard-working, eager to learn, and excited to contribute to the program in every way possible. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[APPLICANT NAME]

Residency Letter of Intent