ERAS Letter of Recommendation Request Form

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the central platform used by most U.S. graduate medical education (GME) programs to receive application materials from prospective residents. One of the most important components of an ERAS application is the Letter of Recommendation (LoR). Because letters are usually written by faculty, attending physicians, or research mentors, most applicants must request them in a professional and organized manner. This page explains what the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Request Form is, why it matters, and how to complete it effectively.

Why a Dedicated Request Form Matters

• Standardization The form ensures that all required details (e.g., applicants AAMC ID, program preferences, submission deadline) are captured uniformly.
• Compliance ERAS has strict rules about confidentiality, signature requirements, and the method of transmission. The form helps both the applicant and the recommender stay within those rules.
• Efficiency A wellprepared request saves the writer time, decreasing the chance that a letter will be late or incomplete.
• Professionalism Submitting a polished request signals respect for the recommenders schedule and highlights the applicants organization skillstraits residency programs value.

Key Elements of the ERAS LoR Request Form

Although individual institutions may have slight variations, most request forms contain the following sections:

1. Applicant Information

• Full name (as it appears on the ERAS application)
• AAMC ID number
• Medical school and graduation year
• Contact information (email and phone)

2. Recommender Details

• Full name, title, and department
• Institutional affiliation and address
• Preferred method of receiving the request (email, fax, secure portal)
• Signature line for the recommender (if the form will be physically signed)

3. Program(s) of Interest

Include the specialties and any specific programs you are applying to. This helps the writer tailor the letter to relevant competencies.

4. Submission Deadline

State the ERAS deadline and, when possible, request the letter at least two weeks earlier. Mention any internal school deadlines that may affect the timeline.

5. Supporting Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (updated)
• Personal statement or Why this specialty essay
• Evidence of scholarly work (abstracts, poster presentations, publications)
• Specific achievements you would like highlighted

6. Confidentiality Reminder

ERAS letters are confidential; the applicant must not view the content. The form should reiterate this rule for both parties.

How to Fill Out the Form Effectively

Step 1 Gather Your Materials

Before contacting your recommender, collect your CV, personal statement, and any relevant achievements. Having these ready means you can attach them instantly and the recommender can reference them while writing.

Step 2 Choose the Right Recommender

Pick faculty who know you well enough to discuss specific patient care experiences, procedural competence, and professional demeanor. Avoid selecting someone solely because of rank; depth of interaction matters more than title.

Step 3 Complete the Form

Enter all required fields accurately. Doublecheck the AAMC ID and spelling of names. Use a clear, legible font if you are printing the form.

Step 4 Personalize Your Request Email

When you send the form, include a brief, courteous email. Example:

Subject: Request for ERAS Letter of RecommendationDear Dr. Smith,I hope you are doing well. I am applying to residency programs through ERAS and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Attached you will find the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Request Form, my updated CV, and a draft of my personal statement.The deadline for submission is [date], and I would greatly appreciate receiving the completed letter by [date] to allow time for any necessary followup.Thank you for your mentorship and support.Sincerely,[Your Name][Phone] | [Email]        

Step 5 Follow Up

If you have not received a confirmation within a few days, send a polite reminder. Once the letter is submitted, send a thankyou note that acknowledges the time and effort involved.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Lastminute requests Give the recommender at least 23 weeks.
• Incomplete forms Missing AAMC ID or deadline leads to delays.
• Sharing the letter draft The letter must remain confidential.
• Using an informal tone Maintain professionalism throughout.
• Failing to thank the writer A sincere thankyou email can reinforce a positive relationship.

Sample Completed Form (Text Version)

Applicant Information---------------------Full Name: Jane A. DoeAAMC ID: 1234567890Medical School: University of State, Class of 2024Email: jane.doe@email.comPhone: (555) 1234567Recommender Information-----------------------Name: Dr. Michael L. Patel, M.D.Title: Attending Physician, Internal MedicineDepartment: MedicineInstitution: University HospitalAddress: 123 Health St, City, State, ZIPPreferred Contact: Email (dr.patel@unihosp.edu)Program(s) of Interest----------------------- Internal Medicine  University Hospital Residency- Internal Medicine  City Medical CenterSubmission Deadline-------------------ERAS final deadline: 15Nov2026Requested receipt by: 1Nov2026Supporting Documents Attached------------------------------ Updated CV (PDF)- Personal Statement (PDF)- List of Publications and Presentations- List of specific patient care experiences for emphasisConfidentiality Statement-------------------------I understand that the letter of recommendation will be submitted directly to ERAS and will remain confidential. I will not view the content of the letter.    

Resources

• Official ERAS website
• Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation
• Tips for Writing Effective LoRs

Remember: a wellcrafted request demonstrates respect for the writers time and showcases your ability to handle professional communicationqualities that residency programs value as much as clinical competence.