Is working with program director during an elective a good or bad thing?

[Bookmark311]

In a small specialty... can u ask program director for a reference?

[shikimate]

Yes, and you should, especially if you are applying to that particular program anyways. Not that they would bother reading their own letter, but whether they're willing to offer you a letter or not is already a gauge for your chances there. If they say no, then you can focus on other programs.

[insomnias]

IIRC, depending on the program, you can't use the PD's letter when applying to their own program, but you can when applying to other programs.

[Snowmen]

It's a good thing if you're good and a bad thing if you're bad.

[bearded frog]

Some PDs won't write reference letters but always good to have your name known... if you do well on the elective.

[Guest2020_]

Is working with the PD during an elective a thing in larger specialties too? Thinking of something like IM where it's quite broad

[rmorelan]

17 hours ago, Guest2020_ said:

Is working with the PD during an elective a thing in larger specialties too? Thinking of something like IM where it's quite broad

no hard and fast rules there - some won't for obvious reasons - it creates possible bias. 

[m_jacob_45]

I asked an assistant PD of a medium-large specialty to write me a letter and he agreed but told me to only use it at other programs otherwise he would have to "recuse" himself when the admissions committee was meeting. Not sure if it works same way at other programs, but I ended up matching there so I think it worked out well.