How to tell a residency program "I want to go to there"

When I was applying for medical school, I turned to the internet for help. For those frequent readers of this blog, we know how that turned out from Traumarama: Cake does not get you off the waitlist. However, I made it through, and now almost four years later, I am ready to take my next step of training by applying to residency. After the personal statement, the CV, and the interviews, I find my self agonizing over what to put in a simple thank you note. How personal should it be? Hand-written or e-mail? Who do I send it to? The program director? The program coordinator? The chair? My interviewers? I turned to the internet once again for help, and returned to the dreaded Student Doctor Network forums to find what the average gunner was doing these days. I then stumbled upon the following advice designed for the international medical graduate. It's actually pretty standard advice, but it does contain language that although entirely English, still distinctly reads as foreign. I've highlighted my favorite parts.

Writing effective Thank You Letter

You may wish to thank the program coordinator before you leave for the well organized trip. It is a very good idea to remind about yourself with a thank you letter sent to everyone you interviewed with. It is going to be much easier if you write your thank you letter right after the interview while everything is fresh. Touch the subjects you talked about, that will make it more personal and your interest more genuine. Use the forms you completed to refresh your memories. It is also a good idea to ask about a possibility of a "second look" interview.

A sample Thank You Letter

Dear Dr. XYZ:

Thank you for the courtesies extended to me during my interview yesterday. Your program's atmosphere was inviting and warm, despite of unusually cold weather. I appreciate the way you made me feel at ease with informal conversation about the program as well as lifestyle in ZZZZZ. A site of the state capitol has impressed me.

I especially enjoyed learning about research opportunities at the program.

I liked a lot rounds with ward team directed by Dr. YYYYY. Her non-pressing style lets residents think and express their thoughts freely.

I was particularly impressed by the satisfaction of the current residents with the program. I feel like I definitely can fit into the team.

I strongly believe that I would be an excellent trainee. I really think that the program may benefit from my experience. Even though I had an interruption in practicing medicine, my current position helped to bring my skills up to speed. Whatever I could have missed prior to that, I will catch up by hard work.

I hope to successfully match with your program. Since it was my first interview I can definitely say that I rank your program as number one. But seriously, I will give you an update on my ranking in January. I am sure that the program will be at the top of my list.

Sincerely,

AAAA BBBBBB, M.D.

My very favorite part is the joke in the last paragraph. I had to read it several times before I realized it was a joke. Anyway, I finally settled on a nice hand written note on Crane & Company stationary sent to the program director and my interviewers. After the thank you note is still a mystery for me. I think there is some sort of program director calling program director protocol, but I don't know if I'm ready for that step yet.

--By Farrah, who is in Mariam's home town, which is smaller than you can possibly imagine and contains an abandoned gas station converted into a Jesus figurine and fruit stand.