No Wonder My Ego is So Big

As many of you know, I am in the process of finding a new job in California. If this were anywhere other than the bay area, I would have a job already. In fact, facilities in Texas, South Carolina (Greenville!) and even Minnesota are literally throwing money at me to get me to come. The bay area is different, so I'm forced to take a more formal approach. The first step was to humbly ask for a letter of recommendation from my colleagues. Many physicians are hesitant to give letters of rec because of a recent law suit where a well endorsed doc turned out to be a dud and they held the endorser accountable.

With hat in hand, I went to several of my workmates. Without hesitation, they all agreed to write me a letter. What follows is the letter from my boss, who I also consider a friend. As an aside, if you ever need to write someone a letter of recommendation, feel free to use this as a guide.

-DrC


To Whom It May Concern,


Dr. Chako is interested in a position as a diagnostic radiologist at your facility and has asked me to write this letter on his behalf. As Chief of the Department of Radiology at _____ Medical Center, I have known and worked closely with Dr. Chako for 6 years. We collaborate regularly in the care of our patients, training of residents, and administration of the department. I believe I know him well enough to ably judge his suitability for employment and am very pleased to offer my fullest and most unqualified endorsement.

We were excited to receive Dr. Chako as a member of our clinical faculty in 2004 following his tour of duty at a small U.S. Army community hospital in Germany, where he served as Chief of Radiology and, for a time, Deputy Commander of Clinical Services. Since then he has earned a well-deserved reputation within our hospital as a well-rounded, reliable, and highly effective general radiologist. He served in numerous academic and administrative capacities, including Chief of Mammography, Chief of Thoracic Imaging, Chief of Cardiac Imaging and ultimately Chief of Diagnostic Services. As Diagnostic Services Chief, he oversaw efficient and effective clinical operations for a patient volume exceeding 13,000 examinations per month. I value his experience as a leader, and his ability to fill a variety of roles has been instrumental to our department’s success.

But most importantly, Dr. Chako possesses outstanding personal character and integrity. He is trustworthy, reliable, and able to efficiently and effectively manage a busy service. His rapport with patients, clinicians, staff, and peers is exemplary, balancing a mild-mannered, relaxed demeanor with a fierce commitment to his patients and his profession. He is patient and nurturing, yet also possesses the moral courage and fortitude to stand up for what is right. He is direct and to-the-point, but tempers candor with the tact required to facilitate cooperation among individuals and clinical services. These qualities were most evident during late 2007 and 2008 when he deployed to Iraq: he excelled as a combat radiologist and returned as a recipient of the Bronze Star.

Dr. Chako is the complete package, and I know he will excel at your facility. His innate clinical expertise, passion and experience, and superior interpersonal skills make him exceptionally qualified. I recently learned of the unique employment opportunity afforded his wife in California; I very much regret his decision to leave us, but I understand the importance of family and support his efforts to seek employment near them. Select him without hesitation. Please feel free to contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx if I may be of further assistance.

Sincerely,


Dr. Chako's Boss