slk Unregistered User (4/9/00 9:59:10 am) Reply Radiology letter? I have a quick question; I'm a third year about to start applying, etc. I temporarily set up an away elective in Musculoskeletal Radiology in August, in hopes of getting a letter and getting a good base in radiology. Would it hurt my application though to have a letter from a radiologist? Kent Unregistered User (4/9/00 7:55:50 pm) Reply Radiology letter? Well, it probably couldn't hurt. However, I'd try to get my three letters from orthopaedic faculty and consider using the radiology letter as a fourth one (if needed). Most programs require three letter and the ERAS system (which includes applications to orthopaedic surgery) allows only four letters of recommendation. The catch is that many programs want a CV, so I used three of the letter of rec. sports for my letters and the fourth spot for a CV. If you run into a program that wants the three letters, a CV and transcripts, then you've got to be creative--attach the transcripts as the fourth letter and attach the CV to the end of your Personal Statement (you can have as many versions as you want, but can only attach one to any particular program). Anyway, back to the original question. Orthopaedic surgeons want to see letters from other orthopaedic surgeons, especially if the letter writer is well-known, perhaps trained at the program you're applying to, and who has personally worked with you and will write a strong letter. The most powerful letter is from the Chairman of your orthopaedic surgery department. Try to get one of these (if you've worked with the person and he/she knows you). In fact, many programs REQUIRE a Chairman's letter. I'd consider the radiology letter only as a potential fourth letter only. Stick to the three orthopaedic letters and reserve that fourth spot for a CV, transcript or other document. By the way, radiology is a great elective for someone interested in orthopaedics, so you've got the right idea. mootalot Global user (4/11/00 2:58:08 pm) Reply radiology letter For the most part I agree with Kent. The bottom line is that a radiologist is not a surgeon. Surgeons want to know what other surgeons think about you and your potential as an Orthopaedics Surgeon. I had one letter from a general surgeon who knew me very well and whom I felt would write a very strong letter. I used this as my fourth letter - with 3 ortho letters. MSK radiology is good for you but unless your working with a legend, that letter's utility is dubious. =================================