Getting into your chosen residency program takes careful planning and clear communication. Your letter of interest plays a key role in showing program directors why you’d make an excellent addition to their team. A strong letter helps you stand out from other qualified candidates and creates a lasting impression.
Each medical student brings unique experiences, skills, and goals to their residency search. The right letter can highlight these distinctive qualities while demonstrating your enthusiasm for specific programs. Here’s your guide to crafting compelling letters that catch attention and make connections.
Sample Letters of Interest for Residency
These examples showcase different approaches to expressing your interest in residency programs. Take what resonates with your style and adapt it to match your circumstances.
1. Internal Medicine Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Thompson,
As a fourth-year medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine, please accept this letter expressing my strong interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. During my clinical rotations, particularly my sub-internship in internal medicine, my passion for solving diagnostic puzzles while building meaningful relationships with patients has grown steadily stronger.
Your program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice combined with personalized patient care matches my approach to medicine perfectly. The opportunity to train at a facility known for groundbreaking research while maintaining a supportive learning environment draws me to MGH. My research experience studying autoimmune conditions under Dr. Sarah Chen has prepared me well for your program’s academic rigor.
My commitment to patient advocacy and interest in healthcare disparities aligns with MGH’s community outreach initiatives. Leading a student-run clinic serving underserved populations has shown me the impact dedicated physicians can make beyond hospital walls. The chance to continue similar work through your program’s community partnerships excites me greatly.
Thank you for considering my interest in joining your esteemed program. My ERAS application will be complete by September 15th. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Best regards,
Michael Chen, MS4 Stanford University School of Medicine*
2. Pediatric Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Garcia,
Your pediatric residency program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia caught my attention because of its outstanding reputation for training well-rounded pediatricians who excel at both clinical care and research. As a medical student at Johns Hopkins completing my pediatrics rotation, my dedication to child health has only grown stronger.
My experience coordinating vaccine outreach programs in underserved Baltimore neighborhoods has reinforced my belief in preventive care and health education. CHOP’s commitment to community pediatrics through school-based health programs and mobile clinics resonates deeply with my goals as a future pediatrician.
The mentorship opportunities within your program particularly appeal to me. Working closely with established pediatric specialists while having the autonomy to develop my own clinical style would help me grow into the kind of physician leader I aspire to be. My background in child development research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute has prepared me for the academic elements of your program.
Please consider my strong interest in interviewing for a position in your program. My ERAS application will be submitted by September 1st.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson, MS4 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine*
3. Emergency Medicine Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Williams,
The emergency medicine residency program at University of Cincinnati Medical Center stands out for its exceptional hands-on training and diverse patient population. My experiences in Baltimore’s busy emergency departments have confirmed my passion for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of emergency medicine.
Your program’s simulation center and procedural training curriculum would help me build the technical skills needed for emergency care. The opportunity to work in both urban and rural settings through your rotation schedule appeals to my interest in practicing across different healthcare environments.
My background as a paramedic before medical school gives me unique insight into pre-hospital care and emergency medical systems. This perspective, combined with my medical training, positions me to contribute meaningfully to your program’s mission of training skilled emergency physicians.
Looking forward to submitting my ERAS application by September 15th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Best wishes,
David Martinez, MS4 University of Maryland School of Medicine*
4. Surgery Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Anderson,
The general surgery residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester represents an ideal blend of clinical excellence and surgical innovation that matches my career aspirations perfectly. My sub-internship experiences in complex surgical cases have strengthened my commitment to pursuing surgery as my specialty.
Your program’s structured approach to teaching advanced laparoscopic techniques alongside traditional open procedures appeals to my interest in mastering both approaches. The research opportunities in surgical outcomes would allow me to continue my work on improving post-operative recovery protocols.
Leading anatomy labs for first-year medical students has developed my teaching abilities, which would serve me well in your program’s peer education model. My experience with quality improvement projects demonstrates my commitment to advancing surgical care standards.
Thank you for considering my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 10th.
Regards,
Rachel Kim, MS4 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine*
5. Psychiatry Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Roberts,
The psychiatry residency program at Yale New Haven Hospital attracts me because of its strong emphasis on integrating biological and psychosocial approaches to mental health care. My clinical experiences in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings have confirmed my dedication to this field.
Your program’s focus on evidence-based psychotherapy training alongside psychopharmacology education matches my belief in comprehensive treatment approaches. The opportunity to participate in community mental health initiatives through your urban health track especially interests me.
My research on cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes and experience leading mental health awareness programs on campus have prepared me for the academic rigors of your program. The chance to work with diverse patient populations while receiving mentorship from leaders in psychiatry draws me to Yale.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 5th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
James Wilson, MS4 Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons*
6. Family Medicine Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Brown,
The family medicine residency program at Oregon Health & Science University stands out for its comprehensive training in both urban and rural settings. My experiences serving diverse communities during clinical rotations have strengthened my commitment to primary care.
Your program’s emphasis on continuity of care and long-term patient relationships aligns with my vision of family medicine. The integrated behavioral health training and procedures curriculum would prepare me well for full-spectrum practice.
My background in public health and experience coordinating community health fairs demonstrate my commitment to population health management. The opportunity to participate in your rural health track particularly interests me given my goal of practicing in underserved areas.
Thank you for reviewing my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 12th.
Best regards,
Emily Taylor, MS4 University of Washington School of Medicine*
7. Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Miller,
The obstetrics and gynecology residency at Duke University Medical Center impresses me with its balanced training in both surgical skills and women’s primary care. My clinical experiences in labor and delivery have reinforced my passion for women’s health.
Your program’s strong emphasis on minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with comprehensive obstetric training matches my career goals perfectly. The opportunity to participate in gynecologic oncology research while maintaining a focus on general obstetrics appeals to me greatly.
My experience coordinating prenatal care programs for underserved women demonstrates my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. The chance to work with diverse patient populations while learning from recognized experts in the field draws me to Duke.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 8th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
Amanda Lee, MS4 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine*
8. Neurology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Jackson,
The neurology residency program at Cleveland Clinic attracts me because of its exceptional clinical training and research opportunities. My experiences in both inpatient and outpatient neurology settings have confirmed my dedication to understanding and treating neurological disorders.
Your program’s strong focus on both common and rare neurological conditions, supported by advanced diagnostic technologies, matches my interest in comprehensive neurological care. The opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while maintaining clinical excellence particularly appeals to me.
My research experience in multiple sclerosis and involvement in stroke awareness programs demonstrate my commitment to advancing neurological care. The chance to learn from leaders in various neurological subspecialties while serving a diverse patient population draws me to Cleveland Clinic.
Thank you for considering my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 7th.
Best wishes,
Thomas Park, MS4 University of Michigan Medical School*
9. Dermatology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Thompson,
The dermatology residency at University of California San Francisco catches my attention because of its comprehensive training in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. My research experiences and clinical rotations have strengthened my commitment to this dynamic field.
Your program’s integration of basic science research with clinical practice matches my interest in translational medicine. The opportunity to work with diverse patient populations while learning advanced procedural techniques particularly appeals to me.
My background in molecular biology research and experience coordinating skin cancer screening events demonstrate my dedication to both the scientific and clinical aspects of dermatology. The chance to train under recognized experts while serving San Francisco’s varied communities draws me to UCSF.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 11th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Wong, MS4 UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine*
10. Anesthesiology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Davis,
The anesthesiology residency program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital impresses me with its balanced approach to clinical training and research opportunities. My experiences in the operating room environment have confirmed my passion for this specialty.
Your program’s strong emphasis on regional anesthesia techniques and perioperative medicine aligns with my interest in comprehensive perioperative care. The opportunity to participate in outcomes research while developing advanced clinical skills particularly appeals to me.
My background in critical care research and experience leading simulation-based training sessions demonstrate my commitment to excellence in anesthesiology. The chance to work in a variety of surgical settings while learning from recognized experts draws me to Brigham and Women’s.
Thank you for reviewing my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 9th.
Best regards,
Robert Chang, MS4 NYU School of Medicine*
11. Radiology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. White,
The diagnostic radiology residency at Stanford University Medical Center stands out for its exceptional training in advanced imaging techniques and interventional procedures. My clinical experiences and research background have confirmed my dedication to this field.
Your program’s integration of artificial intelligence and traditional radiologic interpretation matches my interest in technology-enhanced healthcare. The opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while maintaining clinical excellence particularly appeals to me.
My experience in imaging informatics research and involvement in quality improvement projects demonstrates my commitment to advancing radiological care. The chance to train with state-of-the-art equipment while serving a diverse patient population draws me to Stanford.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 6th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
Lisa Chen, MS4 University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine*
12. Pathology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Harris,
The pathology residency program at Johns Hopkins Hospital attracts me because of its comprehensive training in both anatomic and clinical pathology. My research experiences and laboratory rotations have strengthened my commitment to this essential specialty.
Your program’s emphasis on molecular diagnostics and digital pathology aligns with my interest in advancing diagnostic medicine. The opportunity to participate in translational research while developing expertise in various subspecialties particularly appeals to me.
My background in molecular biology research and experience teaching laboratory medicine demonstrate my dedication to both the scientific and educational aspects of pathology. The chance to train under recognized experts while working with complex cases draws me to Johns Hopkins.
Thank you for considering my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 13th.
Best wishes,
Michael Lee, MS4 Washington University School of Medicine*
13. Ophthalmology Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Martinez,
The ophthalmology residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute impresses me with its exceptional surgical training and research opportunities. My clinical experiences in both medical and surgical ophthalmology have confirmed my passion for this specialty.
Your program’s strong focus on advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive eye care matches my interest in providing complete vision care. The opportunity to participate in clinical research while developing surgical skills particularly appeals to me.
My research experience in retinal disease and involvement in vision screening programs demonstrate my commitment to advancing eye care. The chance to learn from leaders in various ophthalmological subspecialties while serving a diverse patient population draws me to Bascom Palmer.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 14th. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
Sarah Thompson, MS4 Emory University School of Medicine*
14. Orthopedic Surgery Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Robinson,
The orthopedic surgery residency at Hospital for Special Surgery stands out for its exceptional surgical training and sports medicine focus. My experiences in both trauma and elective orthopedic surgery have strengthened my commitment to this field.
Your program’s emphasis on minimally invasive techniques and complex reconstruction matches my interest in advancing orthopedic care. The opportunity to participate in biomechanics research while developing surgical expertise particularly appeals to me.
My background in sports medicine research and experience working with athletic teams demonstrate my dedication to both the technical and clinical aspects of orthopedics. The chance to train under recognized experts while serving a diverse patient population draws me to HSS.
Thank you for reviewing my interest. My ERAS application will be complete by September 4th.
Best regards,
Daniel Kim, MS4 Duke University School of Medicine*
15. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Letter
*Dear Dr. Taylor,
The PM&R residency program at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital attracts me because of its comprehensive approach to rehabilitation medicine. My clinical experiences working with patients recovering from various conditions have confirmed my dedication to this specialty.
Your program’s integration of traditional rehabilitation techniques with innovative technologies matches my interest in maximizing patient function. The opportunity to participate in outcomes research while developing expertise in various rehabilitation subspecialties particularly appeals to me.
My experience coordinating adaptive sports programs and background in exercise physiology demonstrate my commitment to comprehensive rehabilitation care. The chance to learn from leaders in the field while serving patients with complex needs draws me to Spaulding.
My ERAS application will be submitted by September 3rd. Thank you for considering my interest.
Sincerely,
Rachel Stewart, MS4 Boston University School of Medicine*
Wrap-up: Writing Letters for Medical Residency Programs
These sample letters showcase different ways to express genuine interest in residency programs. Each letter focuses on specific program strengths while highlighting relevant experiences and skills. A well-crafted letter opens doors to meaningful conversations during interviews and helps build connections with program directors. Keep your letter professional yet personal, showing both capability and enthusiasm for your chosen specialty.