Applying for a pediatrics residency brings hope, excitement, and yes, a bit of worry too. The letter of intent stands as one of your most valuable tools in this process. A strong letter shows program directors your genuine passion for their specific program and can set you apart from other candidates with similar qualifications.
Want to make your letter stand out? These 15 examples will guide you through creating an effective letter that captures your unique voice while highlighting why you belong in that specific pediatrics program. Let’s help you craft a letter that resonates with program directors and boosts your chances of matching with your dream program.
Sample Letters of Intent for Pediatrics Residency
Your letter of intent can make a significant difference in how program directors view your application.
1. The Direct Approach Letter
12 Oak Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 555-1234
sarahwilliams@email.com
January 15, 2025
Dr. James Peterson
Program Director
Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency Program
100 Medical Center Drive
Boston, MA 02114
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Peterson,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at Children’s Hospital. After my interview on December 5, 2024, I am certain that your program is my first choice for residency training.
The dedication to both clinical excellence and research that I witnessed during my visit aligns perfectly with my professional goals. The opportunity to train with faculty who are leaders in pediatric subspecialties while serving diverse patient populations would provide the comprehensive training experience I seek.
My interest in pediatrics began during my volunteer work at a summer camp for children with chronic illnesses. This experience showed me the resilience of children and sparked my passion for pediatric medicine. Throughout medical school, I have sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills in this field. My rotation in your hospital’s NICU last year confirmed my desire to specialize in pediatrics.
What particularly draws me to Children’s Hospital is your program’s emphasis on advocacy and community outreach. The mobile clinic initiative that brings care to underserved neighborhoods demonstrates the values I hope to embody as a physician. Additionally, your structured mentorship program would provide valuable guidance as I develop my clinical and research skills.
During my interview, Dr. Sarah Johnson described the quality improvement project focusing on reducing waiting times in the emergency department. This type of systems-based practice is exactly the kind of work I hope to engage in during my training.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your program and am confident that Children’s Hospital would provide the ideal environment for my residency training. I look forward to the opportunity to join your team this coming July.
Sincerely,
Sarah Williams, MD Candidate
Harvard Medical School, Class of 2025
2. The Narrative-Based Letter
45 University Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 555-6789
michaelchen@email.com
January 12, 2025
Dr. Rebecca Torres
Program Director
Philadelphia Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency
300 Medical Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Subject: Letter of Intent – Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Torres,
As I near the completion of my medical education, I am writing to inform you that the Pediatrics Residency Program at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital is my first choice for training. My interview day on November 15, 2024, confirmed what I had already suspected – your program offers the perfect balance of clinical training, research opportunities, and community engagement that I seek.
My journey to pediatrics began with my younger brother’s diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when he was seven years old. As a twelve-year-old at the time, I watched our pediatrician not only treat his medical condition but also address our family’s fears and questions with compassion and clarity. That experience taught me that pediatricians treat not just children but entire families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
This understanding has guided my approach to patient care throughout medical school. During my pediatrics clerkship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, I strived to communicate with both children and their families with the same empathy and clarity that made such a difference to my family years ago.
Philadelphia Children’s Hospital’s emphasis on family-centered care deeply resonates with my personal philosophy. I was particularly impressed by your Family Advisory Council that integrates parents’ perspectives into hospital policies. This commitment to partnership with families aligns perfectly with how I hope to practice medicine.
The hospital’s location in an urban center serving diverse populations would allow me to work with families from various backgrounds, something I value greatly. My fluency in Mandarin and Spanish would be assets in communicating with your diverse patient population.
I was also drawn to your program’s strength in pediatric cardiology, an area of special interest to me. The opportunity to learn from Dr. Martinez’s team while participating in the ongoing research on congenital heart defects would be invaluable to my professional development.
Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of training at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital and would be honored to join your residency program.
Respectfully,
Michael Chen
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Class of 2025
3. The Research-Focused Letter
78 College Street
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 555-4321
amandajohnson@email.com
January 18, 2025
Dr. Robert Wilson
Program Director
Duke Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency Program
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
Subject: Statement of Intent for Pediatrics Residency
Dear Dr. Wilson,
Please accept this letter as my formal statement of intent for the Pediatrics Residency Program at Duke Children’s Hospital. After completing my interview on December 10, 2024, I am convinced that your program is the ideal match for my training goals and research interests.
Throughout medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, I have developed a strong foundation in clinical medicine alongside a passion for pediatric research. My work on childhood asthma disparities with Dr. Maria Sanchez resulted in two peer-reviewed publications and sparked my interest in combining clinical care with meaningful research.
What sets Duke Children’s Hospital apart is your structured research pathway that allows residents to engage in mentored research while developing clinical skills. During my interview, Dr. Thompson described how residents receive protected time for research starting in their second year. This approach would allow me to build on my previous work in pediatric pulmonology while gaining broad clinical training.
I was particularly excited to learn about the ongoing study on early biomarkers for pediatric asthma led by Dr. James Lee. The potential to contribute to research that could lead to earlier interventions for at-risk children perfectly aligns with my academic interests.
The collaborative atmosphere I witnessed during my visit was truly impressive. Every faculty member and resident I met spoke about teamwork and mutual support as core values of the program. This environment would foster both my professional growth and personal well-being during the demanding years of residency training.
Your program’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine and its integration into daily practice is another aspect that draws me to Duke. The weekly journal clubs and research conferences would help me develop critical thinking skills while staying current with emerging research.
Thank you for your consideration. I am confident that Duke Children’s Hospital offers the ideal environment for me to grow as a clinician-scientist, and I would be thrilled to match with your program.
With appreciation,
Amanda Johnson
UNC School of Medicine, Class of 2025
4. The Community Service-Oriented Letter
156 Highland Drive
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 555-8765
davidrodriguez@email.com
January 14, 2025
Dr. Michelle Carter
Program Director
Tulane Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency
1415 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Carter,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at Tulane Children’s Hospital. After my interview experience on November 28, 2024, I am confident that your program is my first choice for residency training.
Growing up in rural Louisiana, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families with limited access to healthcare. These early experiences shaped my desire to become a physician who serves underserved communities. Throughout medical school at LSU, I have sought opportunities to work with vulnerable populations, including volunteering at the student-run clinic for uninsured families and participating in medical missions to rural areas of our state.
Tulane Children’s Hospital’s commitment to community outreach perfectly aligns with my personal mission. I was particularly inspired by your Mobile Health Unit that brings preventive care and education to neighborhoods with limited healthcare access. The opportunity to participate in such initiatives while receiving excellent clinical training would be invaluable to my development as a pediatrician.
During my interview, Dr. Jenkins described your Community Pediatrics rotation, where residents work in federally qualified health centers throughout the city. This hands-on experience with community-based care is exactly the type of training I hope to receive.
I was also impressed by how your program addresses social determinants of health. The collaboration with local schools, food banks, and housing organizations demonstrates a holistic approach to pediatric care that goes beyond treating illness to promoting overall well-being.
My experiences working with diverse populations have taught me to be adaptable and culturally sensitive. These skills would serve me well in your program, which serves the wonderfully diverse New Orleans community.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of training at Tulane Children’s Hospital and contributing to your mission of providing excellent care to all children regardless of background or circumstances.
Warm regards,
David Rodriguez
Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Class of 2025
5. The Personal Connection Letter
209 Elm Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 555-2468
jenniferpatel@email.com
January 16, 2025
Dr. Thomas Brown
Program Director
University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency
1540 E. Hospital Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Brown,
I am writing to express my strong intent to join the Pediatrics Residency Program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Having completed my medical school training at the University of Michigan and my interview with your program on December 3, 2024, I am confident that continuing my training at Mott would provide the ideal foundation for my career in pediatrics.
My connection to Mott Children’s Hospital is deeply personal. At age ten, I spent two weeks as a patient on the oncology floor, receiving treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The compassionate care I received from the medical team not only helped me heal physically but also inspired my future career path. Now, fifteen years cancer-free, my greatest aspiration is to provide that same level of comprehensive care to children facing serious illness.
During medical school, I returned to Mott as a volunteer, reading stories to children on the oncology floor. These experiences reinforced my desire to become a pediatric hematologist-oncologist. The opportunity to train where I was once a patient would bring my journey full circle in a meaningful way.
I was particularly impressed by your program’s structured exposure to subspecialties, allowing residents to explore various fields while gaining solid general pediatrics training. The hematology-oncology department’s integration of cutting-edge research with compassionate clinical care exemplifies the type of medicine I hope to practice.
Dr. Garcia’s presentation about the program’s wellness initiatives also resonated strongly with me. The buddy system pairing junior and senior residents, regular check-ins with faculty advisors, and emphasis on work-life balance create an environment where residents can thrive personally and professionally.
The opportunity to learn from physicians who may have been involved in my own care years ago would be especially meaningful. Though I don’t expect any of them to recall me specifically, the chance to train in the institution that shaped my understanding of good medical care would be powerful.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to continue my journey at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and contribute to its legacy of excellence in pediatric care.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Patel
University of Michigan Medical School, Class of 2025
6. The Global Health Perspective Letter
332 University Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
(615) 555-9876
robertkim@email.com
January 13, 2025
Dr. Alicia Jackson
Program Director
Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency Program
2200 Children’s Way
Nashville, TN 37232
Subject: Statement of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Jackson,
I am writing to formally express my intent to rank the Pediatrics Residency Program at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as my first choice for residency training. My interview on November 18, 2024, confirmed that your program offers the unique combination of excellent clinical training and global health opportunities that I seek.
My path to pediatrics has been shaped by international experiences that revealed the profound impact that quality healthcare can have on children’s lives. During my undergraduate years, I spent summers volunteering at a rural clinic in Guatemala, where I saw children suffering from preventable and treatable conditions due to limited healthcare access. These experiences solidified my commitment to a career addressing health disparities both locally and globally.
Vanderbilt’s Global Health Track stands out among pediatrics programs for its structured approach to international medicine. The opportunity to complete rotations in partner sites while receiving mentorship from faculty with extensive global health experience would help me develop the skills needed to work effectively in resource-limited settings.
During my interview, I was particularly impressed by Dr. Martinez’s description of the partnership with the pediatric hospital in Kenya. The focus on sustainable collaboration rather than short-term interventions aligns perfectly with my philosophy on global health work.
Beyond the global health opportunities, Vanderbilt’s strong clinical training in a diverse patient population would prepare me for any setting. The combination of tertiary care experience at your main campus and community pediatrics at affiliated sites would provide comprehensive training.
I also value your program’s emphasis on advocacy and policy work. The residents I met during my interview spoke highly of the opportunities to engage with state legislators on children’s health issues, learning to advocate for patients beyond the clinic walls.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining your program and contributing to Vanderbilt’s mission of improving children’s health both locally and globally.
With appreciation,
Robert Kim
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Class of 2025
7. The Education-Focused Letter
467 University Way
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 555-3698
laurawilson@email.com
January 19, 2025
Dr. Samuel Nguyen
Program Director
Seattle Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency Program
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency
Dear Dr. Nguyen,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Following my interview on December 8, 2024, I am convinced that your program is the ideal environment for my residency training.
Throughout medical school at the University of Washington, I have developed a passion for medical education alongside my clinical interests in pediatrics. My experience as a peer tutor for first-year medical students and my work developing a curriculum for high school students interested in healthcare careers have confirmed my desire to incorporate teaching into my career as a physician.
Seattle Children’s Hospital’s reputation for educational excellence was evident during my interview day. The emphasis on residents as teachers, with structured opportunities to develop teaching skills, particularly attracted me to your program. The Residents as Teachers curriculum that Dr. Williams described would help me build on my existing educational interests and develop formal teaching skills.
I was also impressed by your program’s innovative approaches to education, including simulation-based training and the flipped classroom model for didactic sessions. These methods align with my belief that active learning leads to better retention and application of knowledge in clinical settings.
The collaborative atmosphere I witnessed between faculty and residents was another highlight of my visit. Several residents mentioned feeling valued as contributors to the educational mission rather than simply as trainees. This culture of mutual respect and shared learning would provide an ideal environment for my professional growth.
Your program’s balance of clinical autonomy with appropriate supervision would help me develop independence while ensuring patient safety. The graduated responsibility model described by Dr. Thompson aligns with my learning style and would help me transition confidently from student to physician.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Pediatrics Residency Program and contribute to its educational community while developing into an excellent clinician.
Best regards,
Laura Wilson
University of Washington School of Medicine, Class of 2025
8. The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Letter
521 College Road
Rochester, MN 55905
(507) 555-7890
jacobthomas@email.com
January 15, 2025
Dr. Elaine Martinez
Program Director
Mayo Clinic Children’s Center Pediatrics Residency Program
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
Subject: Statement of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Martinez,
I am writing to formally express my intent to rank the Pediatrics Residency Program at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center as my top choice. My interview experience on December 1, 2024, confirmed that your program’s emphasis on patient safety and quality improvement aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
During medical school at the University of Minnesota, I developed a strong interest in systems-based practice and quality improvement. My participation in a project to reduce medication errors on the pediatrics ward demonstrated the impact that systematic approaches can have on patient outcomes. This experience sparked my passion for combining clinical care with efforts to enhance healthcare delivery systems.
Mayo Clinic’s commitment to continuous improvement and patient safety is legendary, and I was thrilled to learn about the opportunities residents have to participate in this culture. During my interview, Dr. Johnson described the resident-led quality improvement projects and how they have resulted in meaningful changes to hospital protocols. The chance to learn these skills while contributing to positive changes would be invaluable to my professional development.
I was particularly impressed by your program’s formal curriculum in patient safety, including training in root cause analysis and process mapping. These structured learning opportunities would provide me with tools to approach healthcare delivery systematically throughout my career.
The collaborative environment I observed during my visit exemplified the team-based approach needed for effective quality improvement work. From attending physicians to nurses to support staff, everyone seemed engaged in creating the safest possible environment for patients.
Mayo’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine and its integration into daily practice would help me develop into a thoughtful clinician who continuously evaluates and improves care. The culture of asking “why” and seeking better approaches rather than simply following tradition particularly resonated with me.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of training at an institution that values excellence and continuous improvement, and I would be honored to join your program.
Sincerely,
Jacob Thomas
University of Minnesota Medical School, Class of 2025
9. The Work-Life Balance Letter
634 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(212) 555-2468
oliviabrown@email.com
January 17, 2025
Dr. Daniel Wright
Program Director
NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Wright,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital. After interviewing on November 25, 2024, I am confident that your program is my first choice for residency training.
As I approach the end of medical school at Columbia University, I have come to value the importance of balance in sustaining a meaningful career in medicine. My commitment to pediatrics is unwavering, and I seek a training environment that will challenge me clinically while also supporting my wellbeing and personal growth.
Komansky Children’s Hospital stood out to me for its thoughtful approach to resident wellness alongside rigorous clinical training. During my interview, several residents spoke about the program’s culture of mutual support and the concrete steps taken to promote resident wellbeing. The 4+1 schedule structure that provides predictable outpatient blocks and the proactive approach to preventing burnout demonstrate a recognition that well-supported residents become better physicians.
I was particularly impressed by your mentorship program that pairs residents with faculty who share similar professional and personal interests. Having guidance from someone who understands the challenges of balancing clinical excellence with personal fulfillment would be invaluable during the demanding years of residency.
The clinical training at Komansky is, of course, exceptional. The opportunity to care for a diverse patient population with complex medical needs while learning from world-class faculty would provide the challenging yet supportive learning environment I seek. I was especially drawn to your program’s strength in pediatric emergency medicine, an area of particular interest to me.
Living and working in New York City has been a rewarding experience during medical school, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue my training in this dynamic city. The cultural diversity of both the patient population and the medical team creates a rich learning environment that I value highly.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the Komansky Children’s Hospital family and contributing to your tradition of excellence in pediatric care.
Warm regards,
Olivia Brown
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 2025
10. The Subspecialty Interest Letter
789 Medical Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45229
(513) 555-1357
danielgarcia@email.com
January 14, 2025
Dr. Katherine Lee
Program Director
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Pediatrics Residency
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to express my strong intent to join the Pediatrics Residency Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. After my interview on December 12, 2024, I am convinced that your program offers the ideal training environment for my career goals in pediatric gastroenterology.
During my clinical rotations at Ohio State University College of Medicine, I developed a deep interest in gastrointestinal disorders affecting children. My research project on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease under Dr. Martin’s mentorship strengthened my resolve to pursue this subspecialty. The opportunity to train at an institution with one of the top-ranked pediatric gastroenterology divisions in the country would be invaluable to my professional development.
What sets Cincinnati Children’s apart is not only the strength of the gastroenterology division but also the comprehensive general pediatrics training that would provide me with a solid foundation. I was impressed by how your program balances broad-based training with opportunities for early subspecialty exposure.
During my interview, Dr. Thompson explained the Subspecialty Pathways program that allows residents with clear subspecialty interests to connect with mentors and research opportunities early in their training. This structured approach to career development, while still ensuring strong general pediatrics training, perfectly matches my goals.
The cutting-edge research in pediatric gastroenterology at Cincinnati Children’s was another factor in my decision. The ongoing clinical trials for novel IBD treatments and the basic science research on gut microbiome development align with my research interests. The opportunity to participate in this work as a resident would help me build the skills needed for an academic career in this field.
Beyond the specific subspecialty strengths, I was drawn to the collaborative culture I witnessed during my visit. Every person I met, from program leadership to current residents, emphasized teamwork and mutual support as core values of the program.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to match with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and begin my journey toward becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist in your esteemed program.
Sincerely,
Daniel Garcia
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Class of 2025
11. The Primary Care-Focused Letter
843 Spring Street
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 555-9753
emilyjackson@email.com
January 16, 2025
Dr. William Chen
Program Director
Children’s Hospital Colorado Pediatrics Residency Program
13123 East 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Chen,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Following my interview on November 30, 2024, I am confident that your program is the perfect match for my career goals in primary care pediatrics.
Throughout my time at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, I have developed a passion for continuity of care and the privilege of guiding children’s health from birth through adolescence. My experiences in community clinics throughout Denver have shown me the profound impact that accessible, high-quality primary care can have on children’s development and family wellbeing.
Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Primary Care Track stood out to me for its thoughtful approach to training future pediatricians who will serve in community settings. The increased continuity clinic time, structured curriculum in preventive care, and mentorship from dedicated primary care faculty would provide ideal preparation for the career I envision.
During my interview, I was particularly impressed by Dr. Rodriguez’s description of the longitudinal curriculum addressing social determinants of health. The opportunity to learn practical approaches to addressing factors like food insecurity, housing stability, and access to resources would help me provide truly comprehensive care to my future patients.
The balance your program strikes between inpatient experiences at a world-class children’s hospital and outpatient training in community settings offers the best of both worlds. This combination would prepare me to handle both common and complex pediatric conditions with confidence.
I was also drawn to your program’s emphasis on behavioral health integration in primary care settings. The formal training in screening for and addressing common mental health concerns would be invaluable in my future practice, especially given the rising rates of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of training at Children’s Hospital Colorado and contributing to your mission of improving children’s health through excellent primary care.
Warm regards,
Emily Jackson
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Class of 2025
12. The Leadership-Focused Letter
975 Medical Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 555-8642
alexsmith@email.com
January 18, 2025
Dr. Rachel Goldman
Program Director
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Pediatrics Residency
4401 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Subject: Statement of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Goldman,
I am writing to express my strong intent to join the Pediatrics Residency Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. After my interview on December 7, 2024, I am convinced that your program offers the ideal environment for my development as both a clinician and a physician leader.
Throughout my time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, I have sought opportunities to develop leadership skills alongside clinical knowledge. As president of the Pediatrics Interest Group, I organized educational events and community service projects that connected students with learning opportunities while serving local children. These experiences reinforced my belief that physicians can lead positive change beyond direct patient care.
UPMC Children’s Hospital’s commitment to developing physician leaders was evident during my interview day. The Resident Council that gives trainees a voice in program decisions, the opportunities to lead quality improvement initiatives, and the Leadership in Medicine curriculum described by Dr. Thompson all demonstrate a thoughtful approach to leadership development.
I was particularly impressed by the tiered mentorship system, where senior residents mentor juniors while receiving guidance from faculty members. This structure creates opportunities to both receive mentorship and develop mentoring skills, a key aspect of effective leadership.
The clinical training at UPMC Children’s Hospital is, of course, exceptional. The chance to care for patients with diverse needs across your tertiary care center and community sites would build the clinical foundation needed to become an effective physician leader. I was especially drawn to your program’s strength in critical care medicine, an area of particular interest to me.
During my interview, several residents mentioned the supportive culture that encourages trying new approaches and learning from both successes and failures. This psychological safety is essential for developing the confidence to take on leadership roles and advocate for positive change.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and contribute to your legacy of training pediatricians who lead through clinical excellence and system improvement.
Sincerely,
Alex Smith
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Class of 2025
13. The Technology and Innovation Letter
1024 Technology Parkway
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 555-6789
ryanpatel@email.com
January 17, 2025
Dr. Susan Lee
Program Director
Stanford Children’s Health Pediatrics Residency Program
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at Stanford Children’s Health. After my interview on December 15, 2024, I am confident that your program is the ideal environment for my residency training, particularly given my interest in medical innovation and technology.
During my education at Stanford School of Medicine, I have developed twin passions for pediatric medicine and healthcare technology. My background in biomedical engineering prior to medical school has given me a unique perspective on how technological advances can enhance patient care. My research project developing a mobile application to improve medication adherence for adolescents with chronic conditions demonstrated the positive impact that thoughtful technological solutions can have on pediatric health outcomes.
Stanford Children’s Health’s position at the intersection of cutting-edge medical care and technological innovation makes it the perfect training environment for a physician with my interests. During my interview, I was particularly impressed by the Digital Health Fellowship that Dr. Johnson described, which would allow me to pursue my interest in healthcare technology alongside my clinical training.
The opportunity to train in a hospital that embraces innovation was evident throughout my visit. From the telehealth programs reaching patients in remote areas to the clinical decision support tools integrated into the electronic health record, Stanford demonstrates how technology can enhance rather than replace the human elements of medical care.
Beyond the technological aspects, the strong clinical training and diverse patient population would provide me with the solid foundation needed to become an excellent pediatrician. The balance of tertiary care experience at your main campus and community-based training at affiliated sites would prepare me for any setting.
I was also drawn to the collaborative culture I witnessed, where specialists from different fields work together to solve complex problems. This multidisciplinary approach mirrors the teamwork needed to develop innovative solutions in healthcare.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join Stanford Children’s Health and contribute to your tradition of excellence and innovation in pediatric care.
Best regards,
Ryan Patel
Stanford University School of Medicine, Class of 2025
14. The Advocacy-Centered Letter
1156 Capital Street
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 555-3579
ninamorris@email.com
January 15, 2025
Dr. Michael Anderson
Program Director
Children’s National Hospital Pediatrics Residency Program
111 Michigan Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20010
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Position
Dear Dr. Anderson,
I am writing to express my strong intent to join the Pediatrics Residency Program at Children’s National Hospital. Following my interview on December 9, 2024, I am convinced that your program offers the ideal combination of excellent clinical training and advocacy opportunities that I seek for my residency education.
My journey to pediatrics has been shaped by a commitment to advocating for the health and wellbeing of all children, especially those from marginalized communities. During my time at George Washington University School of Medicine, I have sought opportunities to combine clinical learning with advocacy work, including volunteering at clinics serving immigrant families and working with local schools to improve health education programs.
Children’s National Hospital’s location in our nation’s capital provides unique opportunities for engagement with policy and advocacy that are unmatched elsewhere. During my interview, I was particularly excited to learn about your Advocacy Track, which provides structured training in child health policy and opportunities to interact with legislators and regulatory agencies.
Dr. Williams’ description of residents testifying before city council on childhood lead exposure prevention demonstrated the tangible impact that physician advocates can have on public health. The chance to learn these advocacy skills while receiving mentorship from faculty experienced in policy work would be invaluable to my professional development.
Beyond the advocacy opportunities, the clinical training at Children’s National is outstanding. The chance to serve the diverse population of Washington, DC, while learning from renowned specialists across pediatric disciplines would provide me with the strong foundation needed to become an excellent clinician-advocate.
I was also impressed by your program’s commitment to community engagement through partnerships with local organizations addressing social determinants of health. These collaborations demonstrate an understanding that improving children’s health requires action both inside and outside the hospital walls.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join Children’s National Hospital and contribute to your mission of improving children’s lives through excellent care and effective advocacy.
Sincerely,
Nina Morris
George Washington University School of Medicine, Class of 2025
15. The Holistic Approach Letter
1287 Medical Boulevard
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 555-2468
kevinwang@email.com
January 19, 2025
Dr. Elizabeth Taylor
Program Director
Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Residency
700 SW Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239
Subject: Letter of Intent for Pediatrics Residency Program
Dear Dr. Taylor,
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Pediatrics Residency Program at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. After my interview on December 14, 2024, I am confident that your program’s holistic approach to pediatric medicine aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
Throughout my education at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, I have come to value a comprehensive approach to child health that considers physical, emotional, developmental, and social aspects of wellbeing. My rotations in integrated behavioral health clinics and developmental pediatrics solidified my belief that caring for the whole child leads to better outcomes than focusing solely on medical diagnoses.
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital’s commitment to integrated care was evident during my interview day. I was particularly impressed by your program’s structured curriculum in developmental-behavioral pediatrics and the inclusion of mental health professionals as core members of the care team. This approach demonstrates an understanding that children’s health encompasses far more than physical wellness.
The opportunity to train with your multidisciplinary teams, including specialists in child development, psychology, social work, and nutrition, would provide me with the skillset needed to address the complex factors affecting children’s health. During my interview, Dr. Johnson described how residents learn to coordinate care across disciplines, a valuable skill that would serve me throughout my career.
I was also drawn to your program’s emphasis on family-centered care, which recognizes parents and caregivers as essential partners in promoting children’s health. The family advisory board that provides input on hospital policies demonstrates a commitment to truly collaborative care.
Portland’s diverse community would provide valuable experience working with families from various cultural backgrounds, helping me develop the cultural humility needed to provide effective care to all patients. The community engagement initiatives that connect the hospital with local neighborhoods align with my belief that pediatricians should be advocates for child health beyond the clinic walls.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and contribute to your tradition of holistic, family-centered pediatric care.
Warm regards,
Kevin Wang
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Class of 2025
Wrap-up: Sample Letters for Pediatrics Residency
Writing an effective letter of intent takes careful thought and personalization. Each of these samples shows a different approach to expressing genuine interest in a specific program.
The key takeaways from these examples include:
- Clearly state your interest in the program at the beginning of your letter.
- Connect your personal experiences and career goals with specific aspects of the program.
- Reference details from your interview day to show you paid attention and can see yourself in that environment.
- Highlight how your strengths and interests would contribute to the program.
- Keep your letter concise, professional, and error-free.
Remember to adapt these samples to reflect your unique background and the specific qualities of your top-choice program. A thoughtful, personalized letter of intent can help program directors see how well you would fit into their residency community.
With the right preparation and attention to detail, your letter of intent can strengthen your application and help you match with your ideal pediatrics residency program.