How to Write Great Letters of Recommendation

This online course provides a comprehensive guide to Letters of Recommendation (LORs), covering their various purposes—such as supporting scholarship, residency, and research applications—and the unique contexts in which they are used. Participants will learn to identify the key information needed for effective LORs and gather essential details that showcase candidates’ academic, clinical, or research strengths. Additionally, this course offers best practices for structuring and writing LORs that are impactful, with guidance on how to craft compelling introductions, informative bodies, and strong conclusions.

1. Identify the purposes and contexts of different types of Letters of Recommendation (LORs), including for scholarships, residency, and research.
2. Determine the essential information to request from candidates to enhance the effectiveness of LORs.
3. Assess candidates’ academic, clinical, and research strengths to provide relevant context in LORs.
4. Apply best practices for structuring and writing compelling, well-organized LORs.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The Washington State University (WSU) Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Accessibility

WSU College of Medicine Continuing Medical Education (CME) is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008. If you have needs that require accommodation please contact the CME Unit at [email protected]

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WSU Institutional Neutrality

At Washington State University, we are committed to fostering an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives can flourish. As such, the university will maintain a practice of neutrality and will not take a position on contentious political or social issues, except in rare circumstances. Please visit WSU's Office of the President for more information.

Disclaimer

The material presented in this continuing medical education program is being made available for educational purposes only. This material is not intended to represent the best or only methods or procedures appropriate for the medical situation discussed; rather the material is intended to present an approach, view, statement, or opinion of the authors or presenters, which may be helpful or of interest to other practitioners. This program does not represent or speak on behalf of Washington State University and/ or Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Participants should carefully consider all available scientific data before acting on knowledge gained through this activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships