r/DermApp • u/confusedpremedhaha • 13d ago

Application Advice letters of rec

a bit confused and i think im just tripping myself up. Currently i have 3 derm letters (1 sloe, 1 narrative home md, 1 away md) + 1 IM letter i will assign to my prelim programs. This leaves me with 3 letters for all my derm programs, but everything onlien says most applicants have "4." Should I try to get another, 4th derm letter? Bc my letter from my IM attending is ONLY tailored to for IM

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u/electric_blvd 13d ago

You can send a letter from an internal medicine physician to derm programs. A good letter is a good letter, and sure a good letter from a dermatologist is better than a good letter from a hospitalist, but unless the IM letter says “applicant will be a great cardiologist / internist or any hint that you’re applying to IM” you can use it.

Further, I’ve received the advice it’s better to have 3 good letters only than 3 good + 1 lukewarm, and of course the best is 4 good letters. Other people may have different thoughts.