Getting into an emergency medicine residency program takes more than just good grades and test scores. The letter of intent can be a deciding factor that helps you stand out from other qualified candidates. This powerful tool shows program directors your genuine interest and explains why you and their program would be a perfect match.
Ready to make your emergency medicine residency application shine? These 15 sample letters will guide you through creating a letter that captures your passion, showcases your abilities, and demonstrates your dedication to emergency medicine.
Sample Letters of Intent for Emergency Medicine Residency
These sample letters showcase different approaches to expressing your interest in emergency medicine residency programs.
1. The Standard Approach
*123 Medical Student Drive
Boston, MA 02115
January 15, 2025
Dr. Sarah Johnson, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. After completing my rotation at your facility and learning about your program’s exceptional training opportunities, I am confident that MGH would be the ideal place to continue my medical education.
During my rotation, I was deeply impressed by the collaborative team atmosphere and the wide variety of cases treated in your emergency department. The way attending physicians balanced teaching with patient care demonstrated exactly the kind of learning environment I hope to join. Your program’s focus on developing critical thinking skills through simulation training particularly resonates with my learning style and professional goals.
My interest in emergency medicine began during my undergraduate years as a volunteer EMT, where I discovered the satisfaction of providing immediate care in crisis situations. This passion grew stronger during medical school, particularly during my emergency medicine clerkship, where I received excellent evaluations for my clinical reasoning and patient communication skills.
My research experience studying trauma response protocols has given me valuable insights that I hope to bring to your program. Additionally, my leadership role in our school’s Emergency Medicine Interest Group has helped me develop organizational skills that would benefit me as a resident at MGH.
I am particularly drawn to your program’s strength in trauma care and the opportunity to work with your dedicated faculty members. The emphasis on resident wellness also aligns perfectly with my belief in sustainable medical practice.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to continue my training at Massachusetts General Hospital and contribute to your department’s excellent reputation. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you during an interview.
Sincerely,
James Martinez, MD Candidate
james.martinez@medschool.edu
(617) 555-1234*
2. Highlighting Research Experience
*456 Medical Campus Road
Philadelphia, PA 19104
February 2, 2025
Dr. Michael Wong, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Dr. Wong,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. After carefully researching residency programs and completing my sub-internship at your institution, I am confident that Penn Medicine offers the ideal training environment for my professional goals.
My rotation in your emergency department was a transformative experience that solidified my desire to train at your institution. The opportunity to work alongside your expert faculty treating diverse patient populations across the spectrum of emergent conditions was invaluable. What truly sets your program apart is the seamless integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice.
My passion for emergency medicine research began during my second year of medical school when I joined Dr. Lisa Chen’s lab studying novel biomarkers for sepsis detection. This work resulted in two peer-reviewed publications and presentations at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine annual meeting. The research mentorship I received sparked my interest in academic emergency medicine.
At Penn, I would be excited to continue my research in early sepsis detection under the guidance of your faculty, particularly Dr. Robert Thompson, whose work I have followed closely. Your department’s Clinical Research Scholar track aligns perfectly with my career aspirations in academic emergency medicine.
Beyond research, I bring strong clinical skills developed through additional rotations in trauma surgery and critical care. My experience working in underserved communities has helped me develop cultural competency and effective communication skills with diverse patient populations.
Penn’s commitment to training well-rounded emergency physicians who excel in clinical care, research, and education is exactly what I seek in a residency program. Your institution’s resources, faculty expertise, and collaborative environment would provide the ideal foundation for my growth as an emergency medicine physician.
I appreciate your consideration of my application and would be honored to join the Penn Medicine emergency medicine family. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Respectfully,
Rachel Kim, MD Candidate
rachel.kim@medschool.edu
(215) 555-7890*
3. Focus on Underserved Populations
*789 University Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
January 20, 2025
Dr. Thomas Garcia, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Cook County Hospital
1969 Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
Dear Dr. Garcia,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Cook County Hospital. After completing my away rotation at your institution last fall, I am convinced that your program offers the perfect blend of clinical excellence and commitment to serving vulnerable populations that aligns with my career goals.
The two weeks I spent in your emergency department were the most impactful of my medical education. Witnessing your team provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients from Chicago’s most underserved communities reinforced my commitment to working with similar populations throughout my career. The way your residents and attendings advocated for patients facing socioeconomic challenges was truly inspiring.
My dedication to serving vulnerable populations began before medical school, when I worked as a health outreach coordinator in rural Kentucky. There, I saw firsthand how limited healthcare access affects communities and developed strategies to connect patients with needed resources. During medical school, I continued this work by establishing a student-run clinic serving homeless individuals in our community.
I am particularly drawn to Cook County’s Social Emergency Medicine curriculum and community engagement initiatives. Your program’s emphasis on addressing social determinants of health through emergency care perfectly matches my professional interests. The opportunity to train in your Level I trauma center while learning to address broader community health needs would be invaluable to my development as an emergency physician.
My experiences working with diverse patient populations have helped me develop strong cultural competency and communication skills. I speak Spanish fluently, which I know would be beneficial when serving Cook County’s patient population. Additionally, my research on barriers to emergency care access among immigrant communities would complement your department’s ongoing work.
Cook County’s legacy of providing excellent care regardless of patients’ ability to pay resonates deeply with my personal values and professional goals. I would be honored to contribute to this mission as a resident in your program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing how I might contribute to your exceptional program.
Sincerely,
David Washington, MD Candidate
david.washington@medschool.edu
(312) 555-4321*
4. Emphasizing Technical Skills and Procedures
*321 Medical Center Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37232
February 10, 2025
Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
Dear Dr. Brown,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After rotating in your department and experiencing your program’s exceptional procedural training, I am confident that Vanderbilt offers the ideal environment for me to develop into a skilled emergency physician.
My rotation in your emergency department last October was extraordinary. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis placed on procedural competency and the systematic way residents are trained in emergency interventions. The simulation center’s role in preparing residents before they perform procedures on patients demonstrates a commitment to both education and patient safety that resonates with my own values.
Throughout medical school, I have actively sought opportunities to develop technical skills. As the president of our school’s Procedures Club, I organized weekly workshops on various medical procedures. My additional training in point-of-care ultrasound through a summer fellowship has given me a solid foundation that I hope to build upon at Vanderbilt. During my emergency medicine rotations, I received consistent praise for my procedural abilities, including central line placement, intubation, and ultrasound-guided procedures.
Vanderbilt’s nationally recognized Simulation Program and Procedure Boot Camp would provide the perfect environment to refine my skills. I am particularly excited about your department’s innovative use of virtual reality training for rare but critical procedures. The opportunity to learn from faculty who are experts in procedural training would be invaluable to my development.
Beyond technical skills, I bring strong academic credentials and a commitment to evidence-based practice. My research on optimizing procedural training methods for emergency medicine residents aligns well with your department’s educational mission. I believe my background and interests would make me a valuable addition to your program.
Vanderbilt’s reputation for training technically excellent emergency physicians who can handle any clinical situation with confidence is exactly what I seek in a residency program. I would be honored to continue my training at your institution.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I might contribute to your outstanding program.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Taylor, MD Candidate
jennifer.taylor@medschool.edu
(615) 555-8765*
5. The Rural Emergency Medicine Focus
*567 University Drive
Burlington, VT 05405
January 25, 2025
Dr. Robert Wilson, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Vermont Medical Center
111 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
Dear Dr. Wilson,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. After experiencing your program firsthand during my away rotation and learning about your rural emergency medicine track, I am confident that UVM offers the ideal training environment for my career aspirations.
My rotation in your emergency department was eye-opening. The blend of academic medicine with a focus on rural emergency care perfectly aligns with my professional goals. I was particularly impressed by how residents are trained to handle complex cases with limited resources, a skill set I know will be valuable throughout my career.
My interest in rural emergency medicine stems from my upbringing in a small town in Montana, where I witnessed the challenges of limited healthcare access. This background motivated me to pursue medicine and specifically emergency care, as EM physicians serve as lifelines for underserved communities. During medical school, I completed additional rotations at critical access hospitals and developed a deep appreciation for the broad skill set required by rural emergency physicians.
UVM’s Rural Emergency Medicine Track is exactly the training I seek. The opportunity to rotate through community and critical access hospitals while maintaining the academic foundation of your university program would provide comprehensive preparation for my goal of practicing in an underserved rural area. I am particularly excited about the possibility of gaining additional training in point-of-care ultrasound and emergency procedures that are essential in resource-limited settings.
My experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program. Beyond my clinical training, I have conducted research on telemedicine applications in rural emergency departments and participated in outreach programs to improve emergency preparedness in remote communities. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to rural emergency medicine.
UVM’s reputation for training well-rounded emergency physicians who can practice confidently in any setting, particularly rural environments, makes your program my top choice. I would be honored to bring my background, skills, and passion for rural medicine to your residency program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I might contribute to your program’s mission.
Sincerely,
Mark Johnson, MD Candidate
mark.johnson@medschool.edu
(802) 555-3456*
6. Highlighting International Experience
*890 Medical School Lane
Durham, NC 27710
February 5, 2025
Dr. Patricia Lee, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Duke University Hospital
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Duke University Hospital. After completing a rotation in your department and learning about your Global Health Track, I am convinced that Duke offers the ideal training environment for my career aspirations in global emergency medicine.
My experience in your emergency department last November was exceptional. The clinical excellence, teaching commitment, and global health focus I observed perfectly align with my professional goals. I was particularly impressed by how attendings incorporated international perspectives into clinical discussions and the way the department supports global health initiatives.
My passion for global emergency medicine began during my undergraduate studies when I volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. This experience showed me both the universal nature of emergency care and the unique challenges of providing such care in resource-limited settings. During medical school, I expanded this interest through a six-month research fellowship in Tanzania, where I studied emergency care delivery systems in rural settings.
Duke’s Global Health Track would provide the perfect opportunity to build on these experiences. The structured curriculum in global emergency medicine, combined with supported international rotations and mentorship from faculty engaged in global health work, would prepare me to make meaningful contributions to emergency medicine internationally. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Sarah Mitchell on her emergency care capacity-building projects in East Africa.
Beyond my international experience, I bring strong clinical skills and research capabilities to your program. My research on developing triage protocols for low-resource settings has been published in the Journal of Global Health, and I have presented at international emergency medicine conferences. My fluency in French, Spanish, and basic Swahili would be valuable assets for international work.
Duke’s commitment to training emergency physicians who can practice excellent clinical medicine while contributing to global health initiatives makes your program my first choice. I would be honored to join your residency and contribute to your department’s impressive global health mission.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Respectfully,
Miguel Sanchez, MD Candidate
miguel.sanchez@medschool.edu
(919) 555-9876*
7. Focusing on Administrative Leadership
*432 Healthcare Avenue
Stanford, CA 94305
January 30, 2025
Dr. Amanda Parker, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Stanford University Medical Center
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Dr. Parker,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Stanford University Medical Center. After completing a rotation in your department and learning about your Administration and Leadership track, I am confident that Stanford offers the ideal training environment for my career goals.
My rotation in your emergency department was transformative. The clinical excellence I witnessed was matched by the department’s innovative approach to operations and quality improvement. I was particularly impressed by how residents are involved in departmental initiatives and given opportunities to develop leadership skills alongside their clinical training.
My interest in healthcare administration began during my undergraduate studies in healthcare management before medical school. This background gave me a unique perspective on healthcare delivery systems and sparked my passion for improving emergency department operations. During medical school, I pursued this interest by serving as the student representative on our university hospital’s ED Operations Committee, where I contributed to several successful process improvement projects.
Stanford’s Administration and Leadership track represents a perfect blend of clinical excellence and administrative training that would prepare me for my goal of becoming an emergency department medical director. The opportunity to learn from faculty who are national leaders in emergency medicine administration while gaining hands-on experience in quality improvement, patient safety, and departmental operations would be invaluable.
My experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program. Beyond my administrative background, I have strong clinical skills and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice. My research on improving emergency department throughput has been published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, and I recently completed a quality improvement project that reduced door-to-doctor times in our university’s emergency department by 20%.
Stanford’s reputation for training emergency physicians who excel not only clinically but also as leaders and innovators in healthcare makes your program my top choice. I would be honored to bring my unique background and perspective to your residency program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I might contribute to your program’s mission of advancing emergency care through leadership and innovation.
Sincerely,
Christopher Lee, MD Candidate
christopher.lee@medschool.edu
(650) 555-2109*
8. The Academic Medicine Approach
*765 Research Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
February 8, 2025
Dr. William Chen, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Michigan Health System
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Dear Dr. Chen,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Michigan Health System. After completing my sub-internship in your department and learning about your Clinician-Scientist Training Program, I am convinced that Michigan offers the ideal environment for my development as an academic emergency physician.
My month-long rotation in your emergency department was the highlight of my fourth year. The intellectual rigor, research opportunities, and teaching excellence I experienced confirmed my desire to train at Michigan. I was particularly inspired by how your faculty seamlessly integrate cutting-edge research with clinical excellence and dedicated teaching.
My path to academic emergency medicine began early in medical school when I joined a research team studying novel biomarkers for sepsis. This work resulted in two first-author publications and sparked my passion for clinically relevant emergency medicine research. As I progressed through medical school, I expanded my research interests to include resuscitation science and completed a year-long research fellowship studying cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality metrics.
Michigan’s Clinician-Scientist Training Program represents a perfect match for my career aspirations. The protected research time, mentorship from nationally recognized faculty researchers, and research methodology training would provide an ideal foundation for my goal of becoming a funded emergency medicine investigator. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Jennifer Robinson on her NIH-funded studies of post-cardiac arrest care.
Beyond my research background, I bring strong clinical skills and teaching experience to your program. As a teaching assistant for our medical school’s clinical skills course, I discovered a passion for medical education that I hope to develop further during residency. My combined interests in research and education align perfectly with Michigan’s mission of advancing emergency medicine through discovery and teaching.
Michigan’s reputation for training academic emergency physicians who become leaders in research, education, and clinical practice makes your program my first choice. I would be honored to join your residency and contribute to your department’s impressive academic mission.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Respectfully,
Sophia Martinez, MD/PhD Candidate
sophia.martinez@medschool.edu
(734) 555-6789*
9. Emphasizing Critical Care Interest
*543 Medical Sciences Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
January 18, 2025
Dr. Richard Taylor, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Dear Dr. Taylor,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your Critical Care Medicine pathway, I am convinced that UPMC offers the ideal training environment for my career goals at the intersection of emergency and critical care medicine.
My month in your emergency department was truly exceptional. The seamless integration of emergency and critical care medicine I witnessed, particularly in your resuscitation and critical care areas, aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I was especially impressed by how residents receive focused training in the management of critically ill patients from the moment they arrive in the ED through their transition to the ICU.
My passion for critical care began during my undergraduate studies when I worked as an emergency department technician and observed the crucial role emergency physicians play in the initial management of critically ill patients. This interest grew throughout medical school, particularly during my ICU and emergency medicine rotations, where I consistently received excellent evaluations for my management of complex, high-acuity patients.
UPMC’s combined Emergency Medicine/Critical Care pathway would provide the perfect training for my goal of practicing both emergency medicine and critical care. The opportunity to learn from faculty who are board-certified in both specialties while gaining extensive experience in resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and sophisticated critical care interventions would be invaluable to my development as a physician.
Beyond my interest in critical care, I bring strong clinical skills and research experience to your program. My research on optimization of mechanical ventilation in the emergency department has been published in the Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, and I have completed additional coursework in advanced critical care concepts. I am confident these experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
UPMC’s reputation for excellence in both emergency medicine and critical care, along with your established pathway for training dual specialists, makes your program my top choice. I would be honored to join your residency and contribute to your department’s impressive legacy in this combined field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Sincerely,
Alexander Park, MD Candidate
alexander.park@medschool.edu
(412) 555-3210*
10. The Teaching-Focused Approach
*678 Education Drive
Denver, CO 80206
February 12, 2025
Dr. Rebecca Morris, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Colorado Hospital
12605 E. 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Dear Dr. Morris,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Colorado Hospital. After completing a rotation in your department and learning about your Medical Education Scholars Track, I am confident that your program offers the ideal training environment for my career goals in emergency medicine education.
My experience in your emergency department was truly inspiring. The culture of teaching excellence I observed, with attendings taking time to provide thoughtful bedside teaching despite the busy clinical environment, perfectly aligns with my values as a future educator. I was particularly impressed by your structured approach to resident-as-teacher development and the opportunities residents have to participate in medical student education.
My passion for medical education began during my undergraduate years as a peer tutor for biology and chemistry courses. In medical school, this interest flourished as I served as a teaching assistant for our physical diagnosis course and developed a procedure skills workshop series for pre-clinical students. These experiences confirmed my desire to incorporate teaching into my career as an emergency physician.
Colorado’s Medical Education Scholars Track represents a perfect match for my professional aspirations. The formal curriculum in educational theory, opportunities to develop teaching skills, and mentorship from faculty who are leaders in emergency medicine education would provide an ideal foundation for my goal of becoming a medical educator. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Michael Stevens on his innovative simulation-based education initiatives.
Beyond my teaching background, I bring strong clinical skills and a commitment to evidence-based practice to your program. My research on effective feedback methods in clinical education has been presented at national medical education conferences, and I have completed additional coursework in adult learning theory. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
Colorado’s reputation for training emergency physicians who excel not only clinically but also as educators makes your program my top choice. I would be honored to join your residency and contribute to your department’s impressive educational mission.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I might contribute to your program.
Respectfully,
Jessica Wilson, MD Candidate
jessica.wilson@medschool.edu
(303) 555-8901*
11. Highlighting EMS and Disaster Medicine Interest
*901 Emergency Drive
Baltimore, MD 21205
January 22, 2025
Dr. Daniel Roberts, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Johns Hopkins Hospital
1800 Orleans Street
Baltimore, MD 21287
Dear Dr. Roberts,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your EMS and Disaster Medicine Fellowship pathway, I am convinced that Johns Hopkins offers the ideal training environment for my career goals.
My experience in your emergency department was exceptional. The clinical excellence I witnessed, particularly in the management of complex patients and mass casualty simulations, aligns perfectly with my professional interests. I was especially impressed by how your program integrates prehospital care and disaster preparedness into resident education.
My passion for EMS and disaster medicine began before medical school when I worked as a paramedic for three years in a busy urban system. This experience gave me firsthand knowledge of prehospital care challenges and sparked my interest in emergency medical services systems. During medical school, I expanded this interest by completing the Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Response certificate program and serving as the medical student representative on our hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Johns Hopkins’ EMS and Disaster Medicine pathway would provide the perfect training for my career aspirations. The opportunity to work with your EMS faculty, participate in flight medicine, and gain experience in disaster planning and management would be invaluable to my development as an emergency physician with expertise in these areas. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Sarah Johnson on her Mass Casualty Triage research.
Beyond my interest in EMS and disaster medicine, I bring strong clinical skills and leadership experience to your program. My research on optimizing field triage protocols has been published in Prehospital Emergency Care, and I have maintained my paramedic certification throughout medical school, allowing me to participate in multiple disaster drills and actual emergency responses. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
Johns Hopkins’ reputation for excellence in emergency medicine and its strong EMS and disaster medicine focus make your program my top choice. I would be honored to join your residency and contribute to your department’s impressive work in these areas.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Sincerely,
Matthew Davis, MD Candidate
matthew.davis@medschool.edu
(410) 555-6543*
12. The Toxicology Pathway Focus
*234 Health Sciences Drive
New York, NY 10016
February 3, 2025
Dr. Lisa Anderson, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
NYU Langone Medical Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Dear Dr. Anderson,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at NYU Langone Medical Center. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your Medical Toxicology pathway, I am confident that NYU offers the ideal training environment for my career aspirations.
My month in your emergency department was truly outstanding. The clinical diversity, teaching excellence, and the integration of toxicology into everyday practice aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I was particularly impressed by how toxicology concepts were woven into clinical discussions and the close relationship between your emergency department and the New York City Poison Control Center.
My interest in toxicology began during my first year of medical school when I participated in a summer research project studying novel antidotes for calcium channel blocker toxicity. This experience sparked a fascination with the complex pharmacology and management of poisoned patients. Throughout medical school, I pursued this interest through additional research, elective rotations at poison centers, and self-directed learning in clinical toxicology.
NYU’s Medical Toxicology pathway represents a perfect match for my career goals. The opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized toxicologists, participate in poison center consultations, and gain experience in bedside toxicology would provide an ideal foundation for my goal of eventually completing a Medical Toxicology fellowship. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. James Miller on his research regarding novel drug intoxications.
Beyond my interest in toxicology, I bring strong clinical skills and research experience to your program. My research on the evaluation of a bedside test for synthetic cannabinoids was published in Clinical Toxicology, and I have completed additional coursework in pharmacology and analytical toxicology. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
NYU’s reputation for excellence in emergency medicine and its strong toxicology program make your residency my top choice. I would be honored to join your program and contribute to your department’s impressive work in this specialized area.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Respectfully,
Emily Chen, MD Candidate
emily.chen@medschool.edu
(212) 555-7890*
13. Emphasizing Ultrasound Expertise
*345 Clinical Skills Drive
Portland, OR 97239
January 27, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Martin, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239
Dear Dr. Martin,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Oregon Health & Science University. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship pathway, I am convinced that OHSU offers the ideal training environment for my career goals.
My experience in your emergency department was exceptional. The emphasis on point-of-care ultrasound integration into clinical practice and the sophisticated ultrasound training program perfectly align with my professional interests. I was particularly impressed by how ultrasound is used not just for basic applications but as an essential diagnostic and procedural tool across the spectrum of emergency care.
My passion for emergency ultrasound began during my second year of medical school when I joined our ultrasound interest group and discovered the power of this bedside tool. This interest grew throughout my clinical years as I sought additional training opportunities, including a summer ultrasound fellowship and elective rotations focused on point-of-care ultrasound. During these experiences, I developed proficiency in a wide range of applications, from FAST exams to echocardiography and procedural guidance.
OHSU’s Emergency Ultrasound pathway would provide the perfect training for my career aspirations. The structured ultrasound curriculum, abundant scanning opportunities, and mentorship from faculty who are leaders in emergency ultrasound would be invaluable to my development as an emergency physician with advanced ultrasound skills. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Rebecca Wong on her research in novel ultrasound applications.
Beyond my interest in ultrasound, I bring strong clinical skills and teaching experience to your program. I have served as an ultrasound teaching assistant for first-year medical students and have conducted research on ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access techniques. My work was recently presented at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine conference. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
OHSU’s reputation for excellence in emergency medicine and its outstanding ultrasound program make your residency my top choice. I would be honored to join your program and contribute to your department’s impressive work in this exciting field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Sincerely,
Robert Kim, MD Candidate
robert.kim@medschool.edu
(503) 555-2345*
14. The Sports Medicine Interest
*876 Athletic Medicine Way
Cincinnati, OH 45267
February 15, 2025
Dr. Susan Thompson, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
234 Goodman Street
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Dear Dr. Thompson,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your Sports Medicine pathway, I am confident that Cincinnati offers the ideal training environment for my career goals at the intersection of emergency and sports medicine.
My experience in your emergency department was truly outstanding. The clinical excellence I witnessed, particularly in the management of acute sports injuries and the department’s relationship with UC Athletics, aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I was especially impressed by how residents receive training in musculoskeletal assessment and sports-related emergencies beyond what is typical in many emergency medicine programs.
My passion for sports medicine began during my undergraduate years as a Division I soccer player, where I experienced firsthand the importance of proper acute care for athletic injuries. This interest grew throughout medical school as I sought opportunities to learn more about sports medicine through elective rotations, additional coursework in musculoskeletal medicine, and volunteer work as a medical provider for local sporting events.
Cincinnati’s Sports Medicine pathway represents a perfect match for my career goals. The opportunity to work with both emergency medicine and sports medicine faculty, gain experience in the acute management of sports injuries, and build a foundation for a potential Sports Medicine fellowship would be invaluable to my development as a physician. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with your team physicians at UC sporting events and in the sports medicine clinic.
Beyond my interest in sports medicine, I bring strong clinical skills and research experience to your program. My research on the emergency department management of concussions has been published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, and I have completed additional training in musculoskeletal ultrasound and injection techniques. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your program.
Cincinnati’s reputation for excellence in emergency medicine and its established pathway to sports medicine make your residency my top choice. I would be honored to join your program and contribute to your department’s impressive work in this combined field.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Respectfully,
Amanda Brown, MD Candidate
amanda.brown@medschool.edu
(513) 555-8765*
15. The Innovation and Technology Focus
*789 Digital Health Boulevard
Seattle, WA 98195
January 24, 2025
Dr. Kevin Phillips, Program Director
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Dr. Phillips,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Washington Medical Center. After completing my rotation in your department and learning about your Digital Health and Innovation track, I am convinced that UW offers the ideal training environment for my career goals at the intersection of emergency medicine and healthcare technology.
My month in your emergency department was truly exceptional. The cutting-edge technology integration I witnessed, from advanced electronic health record systems to point-of-care digital tools, perfectly aligns with my professional interests. I was particularly impressed by how your department embraces innovation while maintaining focus on excellent patient care.
My passion for healthcare technology began during my undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering, where I developed a smartphone application for stroke symptom recognition that won our university’s innovation award. In medical school, this interest flourished as I collaborated with faculty on projects involving artificial intelligence for triage optimization and telemedicine applications in emergency care. These experiences confirmed my desire to pursue a career combining emergency medicine with digital health innovation.
UW’s Digital Health and Innovation track represents a perfect match for my career aspirations. The structured curriculum in healthcare technology, opportunities to collaborate with the bioengineering department, and mentorship from faculty who are pioneers in emergency medicine informatics would provide an ideal foundation for my professional goals. I am particularly excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Jennifer Adams on her telehealth initiatives for rural emergency departments.
Beyond my technology background, I bring strong clinical skills and research experience to your program. My research on machine learning algorithms for sepsis prediction has been published in Digital Health, and I have completed additional coursework in clinical informatics. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of your innovative program.
UW’s reputation for excellence in emergency medicine and its position at the forefront of healthcare technology make your residency my top choice. I would be honored to join your program and contribute to your department’s groundbreaking work at the intersection of emergency medicine and digital innovation.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my background and goals align with your program.
Sincerely,
Nathan Rodriguez, MD/MS Candidate
nathan.rodriguez@medschool.edu
(206) 555-4321*
Wrap-up: Crafting Your Emergency Medicine Letter
These 15 sample letters showcase various approaches to expressing your interest in emergency medicine residency programs. Each highlights different strengths and career aspirations, from research and global health to rural medicine and digital innovation.
The key to writing an effective letter of intent is customization. Program directors receive many applications, so your letter should clearly explain why you and their specific program are a perfect match. Mention particular aspects of the program that appeal to you based on your rotation experience or research about the institution.
A strong letter demonstrates your knowledge about the program while showcasing your relevant experiences, skills, and career goals. It should be professional, genuine, and free from grammatical errors. Keep your letter concise—typically one page is sufficient—while including all essential information.
Start drafting your letter early to allow time for revisions, and ask trusted mentors to review it before submission. A well-crafted letter of intent can be the difference that secures your interview at a top-choice program.
Your letter represents your professional identity in written form. Take the time to make it reflect your genuine enthusiasm and qualifications for emergency medicine and for the specific program you’re applying to.