Updated July 21, 2023
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A residency letter of intent is written by a candidate to convince a residency program to admit them. As part of a medical professional’s education, a residency program is an integral role in receiving one’s license to practice a given specialty of medicine.
The number of candidates is very high and the competition is fierce. A well-crafted letter of intent allows candidates to express their interest in their field of medicine as well as the reason why they want to take part in a specific residency program. The program director (or person(s) in charge of accepting residents) is looking for individuals who are eager to take part in their residency program and who will make the most out of their time as a trainee.
Typically, a residency letter of intent is sent after a candidate interviews for a program. The letter helps separate the candidate from others by indicating that this particular program is high (or, even better, first) on their list of residency programs.
What is Residency?
Residency is a hands-on work experience stage of a graduate program for education in the field of medicine. This stage of medical education comes after the individual in question receives their medical degree.
A residency program trains individuals (“residents” or “trainees”) to perform their job in real situations before they earn a license to practice their chosen specialty. Physicians, surgeons, podiatrists, pharmacists, podiatrists, optometrists, and even veterinarians are examples of individuals who must go through residency before receiving their license. A residency program takes place in a hospital or clinic and the residents are supervised by a clinician who is registered in that particular branch of medicine.
Even though residents are not fully licensed, residency programs do offer a base salary for residents (typically around $50,000). A residency typically lasts three years but can be as long as five years for some specialties.
Residency Letter of Intent – Sample
Gene Hartwell
787 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI, 53215
(414) 645-5710
July 29, 2019
Mrs. Stacey Shubeck, Program Director
William Beaumont Hospital Program
3601 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48073
(248) 898-5000
Dear Mrs. Shubeck
I’m writing to you to confirm my interest and eagerness to join your residency program at William Beaumont Hospital. My interview took place three weeks ago on July 8th, 2019, and I wanted to express my intent to accept a position in your residency program if one was offered to me. I believe this program is the perfect fit for me and it is my number one choice among all programs to which I applied.
The residency program at William Beaumont interests me because of the dynamic setting for my development as an internist. I am convinced that the hospital and outpatient facilities, as well as the nationally regarded faculty, will help me reach my potential as a physician. I am personally acquainted with a number of doctors who have taken part in this program and they have all become very successful physicians. I believe I would be a suitable candidate for a position in the program because I received top marks at the University of Kansas where I obtained my M.D. I also played an integral role in the hands-on research project with my mentor Nikki Hamilton-Reeves in my last semester. The project was part of the Anesthesiology program at KU and we studied the impact of fibrinolysis on outcomes in liver transplantation. My thesis, attached to my application packet, was written on this subject and received high praise from influential medical professionals.
I have spent a number of years as a hospice volunteer at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care in Milwaukee. My time at Seasons helped me deal with the emotional toll that comes with caring for a dying patient and experience first-hand how care providers interact with patients and family. I feel that I am more prepared than other candidates due to my experience in research, fieldwork, and general medical care.
It would be an honor to be accepted as a resident and I know that if given the opportunity, I will help maintain the sterling reputation of William Beaumont. If admitted into the program, I won’t hesitate to accept your offer. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I’m available anytime at the number above should you require any further information.
Kind regards,
[Signature]
Gene Hartwell