If you’re applying for a medical fellowship, you’ll need to submit a letter of intent as part of your application. This letter explains why you’re interested in the fellowship, what you hope to gain from it, and how it fits into your long-term career goals. Writing a letter of intent can be challenging, but we’ve compiled several sample letters to help you get started.
Below, you’ll find seven examples of sample letters of intent for medical fellowships. Use these as a starting point and edit as needed to fit your specific situation.
Example 1: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship
Dear Fellowship Director,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at XYZ Hospital. As a medical student, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Smith, a renowned pediatric hematologist-oncologist, and was inspired by his compassion for his patients and dedication to advancing the field.
During my residency, I continued to pursue my passion for pediatric hematology-oncology by participating in research projects and shadowing Dr. Jones, a pediatric oncologist at ABC Hospital. I was struck by the complexity of the cases and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to continue developing my skills in clinical care, research, and teaching. I am particularly interested in exploring the use of immunotherapy in pediatric cancers and hope to work with Dr. Lee, an expert in this field at your hospital.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 2: Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the surgical critical care fellowship at XYZ Hospital. During my residency in general surgery at ABC Hospital, I was drawn to the fast-paced and often life-saving nature of critical care.
Throughout my training, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of critically ill patients, including those with severe trauma, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. I was struck by the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in providing optimal care for these patients.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my skills in managing complex critically ill patients, including those with advanced respiratory failure and those requiring extracorporeal life support. I am also interested in exploring the role of simulation-based training in improving patient outcomes.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 3: Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to express my interest in the infectious diseases fellowship at XYZ Hospital. Throughout my medical education and training, I have been drawn to the complexity and diversity of infectious diseases.
During my residency, I had the opportunity to work on a research project investigating the epidemiology and management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a community hospital. This experience sparked my interest in pursuing a fellowship in infectious diseases.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my clinical skills in diagnosing and managing complex infectious diseases, including those with multi-drug resistant organisms. I am also interested in exploring the use of novel antimicrobial agents and the impact of infectious diseases on global health.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Samantha Lee
Example 4: Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the cardiovascular disease fellowship at XYZ Hospital. As a medical student, I was drawn to the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, and was particularly interested in the management of acute coronary syndromes.
During my residency, I had the opportunity to work on a research project investigating the use of intravascular ultrasound in guiding percutaneous coronary intervention. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing a fellowship in cardiovascular disease.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my clinical skills in managing complex cardiovascular diseases, including those with advanced heart failure and those requiring invasive procedures. I am also interested in exploring the use of novel therapies for cardiovascular disease, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
David Johnson
Example 5: Geriatric Medicine Fellowship
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to express my interest in the geriatric medicine fellowship at XYZ Hospital. As a medical student, I had the opportunity to work with elderly patients in a long-term care facility, and was struck by the unique challenges and opportunities of caring for this population.
During my residency, I continued to pursue my interest in geriatric medicine by participating in research projects and shadowing Dr. Lee, a geriatrician at ABC Hospital. I was particularly interested in the management of complex medical conditions in the elderly, including polypharmacy and cognitive impairment.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my clinical skills in caring for elderly patients, including those with multiple chronic conditions and those with geriatric syndromes such as falls and delirium. I am also interested in exploring the intersection of geriatric medicine and palliative care.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sarah Rodriguez
Example 6: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
Dear Dr. Chen,
I am writing to express my interest in the pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship at XYZ Hospital. Throughout my medical training, I have been drawn to the complex interplay between respiratory physiology and critical illness.
During my residency, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of critically ill patients, including those with acute respiratory distress syndrome and those requiring mechanical ventilation. I was particularly interested in the use of advanced ventilator modes and the management of weaning from mechanical ventilation.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my clinical skills in managing complex pulmonary and critical care patients, including those with advanced lung disease and those with severe sepsis. I am also interested in exploring the use of ultrasonography in the intensive care unit.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michael Chen
Example 7: Rheumatology Fellowship
Dear Dr. Williams,
I am writing to express my interest in the rheumatology fellowship at XYZ Hospital. Throughout my medical training, I have been fascinated by the complex and varied manifestations of autoimmune diseases.
During my residency, I had the opportunity to work on a research project investigating the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing a fellowship in rheumatology.
As a fellow at XYZ Hospital, I hope to further develop my clinical skills in diagnosing and managing complex rheumatologic diseases, including those with rare or unusual presentations. I am also interested in exploring the use of novel biologic therapies and the intersection between rheumatologic diseases and dermatology.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emily Williams
Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Intent
When writing a letter of intent for a medical fellowship, keep these tips in mind:
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to write your letter. Give yourself plenty of time to research the fellowship and think about your goals.
- Be specific: Don’t write a generic letter that could be sent to any fellowship program. Tailor your letter to the specific program and highlight why it’s a good fit for your goals.
- Show your enthusiasm: Fellowship programs want to accept candidates who are passionate about the field. Show that you are excited about the opportunity and eager to learn.
- Highlight your achievements: Your letter should highlight your accomplishments and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the fellowship.
- Proofread: Make sure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my letter of intent?
Your letter of intent should include a brief introduction, a statement of your interest in the fellowship, a summary of your qualifications and experience, your career goals, and a closing statement thanking the reader for their time.
How long should my letter of intent be?
Your letter of intent should be one to two pages long, and should be concise and focused.
How do I address my letter of intent?
You should address your letter of intent to the fellowship director or program director, using their formal title and last name.
Should I include my CV with my letter of intent?
Yes, you should include your CV with your letter of intent. This will give the fellowship program a complete picture of your qualifications and experience.
How many letters of recommendation should I include with my application?
You should include three to four letters of recommendation with your application. These should be from individuals who can speak to your qualifications and potential as a fellow.
When should I submit my application?
You should submit your application as early as possible, as fellowship programs often have rolling admissions. Check the program’s website for specific deadlines and application requirements.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of intent for a medical fellowship can be challenging, but with these samples and tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a strong and persuasive letter. Remember to tailor your letter to the specific program and highlight your unique qualifications and experiences. Good luck!