Sample Letter

Your address

Include phone/fax/email

February 22, 2008

Dr. Contact

Position

Address of hospital/school

Country

Dear Dr. Contact,

Greetings. My name is Jennifer Sam and I am currently a medical student in the fourth year at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. I heard of this hospital through so and so OR I have previously participated in overseas work with xyz OR I am a member of this organization/church since 2000. I am very interested in pursuing a medical elective overseas to strengthen and compliment my medical education. I would like to request the appropriate application materials and description of courses that your institution offers to U.S. medical students.

I plan to do this elective during my fourth year between August of 2008 to May 2009. By then, I will have completed and passed the basic science lecture courses and my third year hospital rotations which include 8 weeks of Pediatrics, 4 weeks of Neurology, 12 weeks of Internal Medicine, 12 weeks of Surgery, 6 weeks of Obstetrics/Gynecology, and 6 weeks of Psychiatry. In addition, I am fluent in Spanish or I have completed so many years of Spanish training. I have enclosed my transcript and my Dean's letter for your review. (If you check their requirements and send letters you can expedite the process.)

Although I would be most interested in participating actively in ward activities in Pediatrics or the following specialties, I will be glad to consider any position you might suggest.

I thank you in advance and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Medical student's name