Pearls and pitfalls in letters of recommendation for neurology residency applications

Abstract

Letters of recommendation are a cornerstone of residency applications. Variability and bias in letters exists across specialties, neurology being no exception. Studies done in other specialty fields assessing nuanced language uncovered key attention points for improvement and mitigation of bias, lessons from which should be applied in the field of neurology. We review common pearls and pitfalls in the letter solicitation, writing and reading process, with suggested best-practices for residency applicants, letter writers, and program faculty reviewers. We advocate for the thoughtful selection of writers, emphasis on highlighting professional skills, and attention to implicit bias. This discussion focuses on recommendations for US advanced or categorical neurology programs, but elements of this guidance may apply more broadly to fellowship and faculty promotion letters as well.