OTO: Variability of Ratings in the Otolaryngology Standardized Letter of Recommendation

This podcast highlights original research published in the February 2016 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.  The objective of this retrospective review was to determine the variability of ratings given to students on the otolaryngology standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) The review found that the explosion of applications being sent out by candidates for otolaryngology residency programs has prompted the implementation of the SLOR. The lack of variation in the ratings across the 10 domains does not allow for differentiation among student applicants. Reliance on the narrative letter of recommendation attached to the SLOR still remains the most significant way to differentiate among applicants. Refinements will need to be made in either the structure or use of the SLOR for it to be a more useful tool.   Click here to read the full article.