So I finished a Sub-I at a great program a couple of months ago. I asked for a letter from a big-name person, and they agreed to write it. This was going to be my 4th letter. Most importantly, it was going to be my “big gun” letter, which I was hoping would impress programs, and help me get interviews at some more competitive places. Its November 3rd, and I still don’t have the letter. I have written his administrative assistant several times without a response (after she told me it was being finalized about a month ago). I’m wondering if I should just give up hope on this letter, and ask another, less well-known, non-academic neurosurgeon to write me a letter in its place (this other person already agreed to this if I didn’t get the letter). I guess at this point it really doesn’t matter, as the programs have already made a decision on whether or not to interview me, but on every interview I have been on, my interviewers have asked me: “So, you rotated at XYZ. Where is your letter from ________.”

I’ve had the same problem except that all my letters writers did the same thing to be (I got my letters in last week, still waiting on 1 actually...). The email that worked the best was to the letter writer saying:

Dr. Chairman,
Thank you again for agreeing to write me a letter of recommendation. I recently interviewed at --, and was questioned about when my LORs would be submitted. I have another interview (next week, this week, etc...) and feel that a letter of recommendation from you, reflecting my time at XYZ, would be very beneficial. If it is at all possible for you to submit the letter by (above time frame) I would be immensely appreciative. If there is anything I can do to expedite the process please do not hesitate to let me know.

Thank you again for all your help,

Neurotic

Oh I also attached a copy of my ERAS cover letter sheet, and CC’ed it to the program coordinator. And when I got an email back (which surprisingly, I did), I asked the coordinator (directly without bothering the letter writer, aka letter signer) to email it to my dean’s office. I also called my dean’s office representative to make sure it got put thru asap. Finally, I emailed the programs I was particularly interested in to look of for my new letter(s).

I have the same problem! I contacted both the letter writer (later, his secretary) and the program coordinator and haven’t heard back from any of them! I don’t want to keep emailing them as I may come off as too annoying or too desperate. Worried about my letters nonetheless. Any advice would be appreciated.