Working with US Attending Physicians: How Inpatient Sub-Internships Secure Match-Winning LoRs
Dr. Priya Sundaram, MD
Director of Clinical Placements
Letters of Recommendation written on official ACGME hospital letterhead are the #1 screening factor in residency selection. Learn how to excel on bedside rounds, demonstrate clinical maturity, and stand out.
What Program Directors Look for in a Clinical Letter of Recommendation
Generic clinic observer letters carry minimal weight in competitive specialties. Program Directors require detailed observations of your diagnostic reasoning, patient interaction, bedside manners, and reliability within an interdisciplinary hospital team.
Top 4 Behaviors to Stand Out During US Clinical Rotations
To earn an enthusiastic, top-tier Letter of Recommendation, embody these core clinical behaviors:
- Deliver concise, organized SOAP presentations during morning attending rounds.
- Anticipate team needs by reviewing lab results, imaging, and consultant notes before pre-rounds.
- Demonstrate thorough compassion and cultural sensitivity when counseling patients and families.
- Read up on patient pathologies daily and share relevant journal articles with the medical team.
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Dr. Priya Sundaram, MD
Director of Clinical Placements
Providing institutional guidance for International Medical Graduates aspiring to train in US residency programs. Specializing in clinical performance metrics, USCE placement, and ERAS interview strategy.
