Antonio Hernandez Conte, MD, MBA
Chair, Legislative & Professional Affairs Division
MAKING CONTACT
After you have decided what specific groups and practices you want to work in, have completed your curriculum vitae (see CV preparation tutorial), and have the accurate contact information, you are NOW READY to reach out via email to introduce yourself.
COMPOSING YOUR EMAIL
When you reach out to the a Chief or Group, plan on composing a 1-paragraph statement that tells them the following:
- Who you are
- What is your background (i.e. cardiac trained for cardiac position)
- Why you are interested in them specifically (ties to the area, spouse works there, someone referred you to them from your program).
- Make it personal (people may more seriously an applicant who has a legitimate reason to work there).
- When (i.e. DATES) you are available to start work.
That is really all they need to know. Always be professional and courteous.
SIGNATURE ON YOUR EMAIL
Since you are likely a resident or fellow at a training program, it is appropriate to configure your email signature so that it describes “who you are and where you training.” This really helps the Chief or the Practice Administrator identify you as a legitimate person and not toss your email in the trash file.
Example:
Bob Smith, M.D.
CA-3 Anesthesia Resident
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
Cell: 123-456-7891
CURRICULUM VITAE
Please refer to the separate tab for preparing your curriculum vitae. You should definitely include your CV with your introductory email.
Convert your word document to a PDF document so that it cannot easily be altered.
LETTERS OF REFERENCE
After you have sent your introductory letter, many groups will respond with a request for letters of reference. Please be prepared to have these submitted in a timely manner. It is recommended that you request at least two letters from anesthesiologists who have worked with you as attendings or who have supervised your work. It is completely appropriate to request a letter from a surgeon who has been working with you.
Some organizations will not begin processing your application for an interview unless they have received your letters so this is REALLY IMPORTANT!!!!
SAMPLE INTRODUCTORY EMAIL OF INTRODUCTION
Dear Dr. Smith,
Hello. My name is Jane Doe and I am currently a regional anesthesiology fellow at UCLA. I am interested in a full-time position with your group as a General Anesthesiologist. My family is originally from San Diego, and I am particularly interested in returning to the area to practice. I will complete my fellowship on July 15, 2020 and will be available to work beginning August 1, 2020. I have enclosed my curriculum vitae for your consideration.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like reference letters forwarded to you from my attendings.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe, M.D.
Fellow in Regional Anesthesiology
University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center
Cell: 123-456-7891