Residency interview thank-you email: template and when not to send (2026)

A residency interview thank-you email is optional, not a step every applicant needs to complete. Before using a template, check the program's written instructions and your specialty's current guidance. If they discourage post-interview communication, the right follow-up is no message.

Should you send a thank-you note?

The AMA's September 2026 communication guidance describes a move away from thank-you notes and letters of intent toward no communication, limited necessary communication or program-specific expectations. It identifies dermatology, emergency medicine, internal medicine and orthopaedic surgery as specialties that strongly discourage post-interview communication. Check the current guidance for your own specialty rather than treating this as a complete list.

AAMC says letters of interest have little to no impact on ranking decisions in most cases. Many programs do not consider post-interview communication, and some actively discourage it. There is no basis here for promising that a thank-you email improves your match chances.

A short email template, only when permitted

Use this as an editable structure, not a message to send unchanged. Replace the placeholders with accurate details. Confirm the recipient and the program's preferred communication channel.

Subject: Thank you for the interview

Dear Dr. [Surname],

Thank you for speaking with me about [program name]. I appreciated learning about [one specific, genuine detail from the interview]. Thank you for your time and for answering my questions.

Best regards,
[Your name]

A permitted courtesy note does not need a pitch, an attachment or a request for a reply. Do not include patient details or invent a shared interest. A generic deadline such as "send within 24 hours" should never override the program's instructions.

What not to add

• A question about where the program will rank you.
• A request for a reciprocal ranking commitment.
• A top-choice claim that is not true, or a ranking statement sent merely to influence the program.
• Repeated emails because the first note received no reply.
• A gift, a copied testimonial or a claim that the note will improve your match result.

A thank-you note is different from a letter of intent. If you are considering a letter of interest or intent, review the program and specialty guidance with your career or specialty advisor. Do not add a ranking pledge to a courtesy note by default.

If you need information instead

A genuine unanswered question about training or interview logistics is a different purpose from saying thank you. Use the contact route the program gave you, ask the specific question and keep it separate from requests about ranking. Our post-interview communication guide explains that distinction.

Use the interview to prepare for the next one

Write down what you learned about the program and which interview questions were difficult. Review your answers before the next interview. Start with our free interview-prep guide or mock-interview practice plan. If you want a live practice session, compare mock-interview packages and access terms. Practice cannot guarantee an interview or match.

Reviewed October 2026. Sources: AAMC, Letters of Interest; AMA, Match communication guidance; NRMP, Match Code of Conduct: Applicants.