ECFMG Warns against Fradulent Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

It might just be too tempting to write tons and tons of self-praise on the Letters of Recommendation think

Quoting an email warning from ECFMG:


"In recent years, the ECFMG Medical Education Credentials Committee has made a determination of irregular behavior in 12 cases based upon the submission of either altered or wholly fabricated letters of recommendation. In 11 of these cases, the applicant's Standard ECFMG Certificate was revoked. Since these individuals are no longer certified by ECFMG, they are not eligible to participate in an accredited residency program in the United States and are not eligible to take USMLE Step 3."


So who does a confirmation check on your LORs ? IProgram directors do not routinely do a check on LORs for all applying candidates, but the chances could be higher for the following:

1. Candidates called for Interviews , especially candidates that the program like or are considering a prematch offer for

2. Candidates with extremely flowery and praising Letters of recommendation

3. LORs that clearly look fabricated by the candidate (not much specific substance, but general praise)

4. Letters without an official letterhead and an official seal of the insititution OR department OR the faculty

5. Unsigned letters - *Duh*

6. Letters signed in Black ink - yeah, coz' photocopied signatures look black



So avoid all these factors mentioned :-)

Hmmm...having said that - while its true that some professors would like the candidate to write the letter himself/herself and then sign it after approving the letter, residency applicants should be sure the faculty remembers them and the letter LOL! [Maybe a reminder phone call or email that they might receive a call from the US about the letter he/she signed for u ;-) ]


You definitely do not want to write and sign your own letters ! he he




Also read:


- Recommendations about Letters of Recommendation
- Sample Residency LORs
- ECFMG - ERAS official requirements on LORs from IMGs

Questions for me ? Use my USMLE - Residency Forum