Here are several reasons why young and experienced surgeons should include cover letters along with their resume or CV when applying to positions.
1. Humanizes the Application
A CV is factual and structured; it shows what you’ve done. A cover letter shows who you are — your motivations, your personality, and your fit with the practice or institution. This can be especially meaningful in organizations where culture fit is as important as your surgical skills and bedside manner.
2. Tailors Your Story
Cover letters let you connect your training and experience directly to the employer’s needs. For example, if the practice just opened an ASC or needs someone with strong cataract surgical volume, you can highlight exactly how your skills meet those priorities.
3. Shows Initiative and Professionalism
Writing a concise, thoughtful letter signals seriousness and respect for the opportunity. Many hiring physicians and administrators see it as a reflection of bedside manner — if you’re attentive and polished in correspondence, you’re likely to be attentive and professional with patients. Many ophthalmologists don’t include a cover letter with their CV – When you do so, you prove to hiring practices that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
4. Explains Context That a CV Can’t
A cover letter can address things like:
- Why you’re drawn to that geographic area (family ties, community interest).
- Why you want private practice vs. a private equity opportunity or an academic opening.
- Transitions (e.g., fellowship ending, COVID break, relocation, career pivot).
- Leadership, teaching, or entrepreneurial interests.
5. Differentiates You in a Competitive Market
In very popular metro markets, practices often receive dozens of unsolicited CVs. Many look similar. A personalized letter helps you stand out, especially if you emphasize cultural fit, values, and genuine interest.
6. Opens the Door for Conversation
The best letters don’t just summarize the CV; they invite dialogue. By closing with, “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your practice,” you’re making it easy for the hiring physician or administrator to envision that next step.
The Bottom line: For physicians, a cover letter isn’t just a formality — it’s your chance to make your life’s work come alive, show fit with the practice’s culture and goals, and demonstrate a high degree of professionalism before you even step into an interview.
✦ Sample Cover Letter 1
Subject Line: Application for General Ophthalmologist – ABC Eye Care | Jane J. Doe, M.D.
Email:
Dear Dr. ////////,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the General Ophthalmologist position at ABC Eye Care, as advertised on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. My wife and I have deep personal ties to your community, and I am eager to join a practice with such a strong reputation for exceptional patient care. I am available to begin work in July 2026.
Your listing notes the need for excellent surgical skills, a collaborative team approach, and a patient-first mindset. I believe I align closely with these requirements. As Chief Resident, I have consistently been recognized by faculty, staff, and patients for my surgical precision, efficiency, leadership ability, and genuine care for patients’ vision needs.
I have enclosed my curriculum vitae for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and training can support the continued success of your practice. I will follow up with your office soon, but in the meantime, I can be reached by cell at (000) 200-2020 or by email at janedoe@email.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane J. Doe, M.D.
(000) 200-2020
Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae
✦ Sample Cover Letter 2 – Responding to an Ad
Subject Line: Application for Glaucoma Specialist – ABC Eye Care | Jane J. Doe, M.D.
Email:
Dear Dr. ///////,
I am excited to apply for the Glaucoma Specialist position at ABC Eye Care, recently posted on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. I am eager to begin my career in private practice with a patient-focused organization of your caliber.
Your ad describes the ideal candidate as a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon with leadership ability and a patient-first approach. I trained under Dr. [Name], an internationally recognized glaucoma specialist, and have received commendations for my leadership, work ethic, and compassionate patient care. Patients frequently express appreciation for the time and care I devote to them.
Enclosed is my curriculum vitae for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my glaucoma training, leadership, and patient-centered mindset will contribute to your team. I will reach out to your office soon, but in the meantime, I am available by phone at (000) 200-2020 or by email at janedoe@email.com.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane J. Doe, M.D.
(828) 200-2020
Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae
✦ Sample Cover Letter 3 – Referral
Subject Line: Referral from Dr. Tom Smith | Application for Ophthalmology Opportunity | John J. Doe, M.D.
Email:
Dear Dr. ///////,
Dr. Tom Smith, a long-time colleague of mine, suggested I contact you regarding potential partnership opportunities with your practice. He believes my background and interests closely align with your team’s needs as well as the culture of your group.
I am in my final year of fellowship at the [Institution Name]. I will be completing my training in 2026, and am eager to begin my career in private practice. Dr. Smith shared that your practice is steadily growing and that you’ve recently built an ASC. Since I have an MBA, a strong interest in the business side of ophthalmology and a reputation for being an efficient, productive physician, I would welcome a conversation about future positions with your group.
I have enclosed my curriculum vitae for your review. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to ABC Eye Care. I will follow up with your office in the coming days, and I am available at (000) 200-2020 or jdoe@email.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John J. Doe, M.D.
(000) 200-2020
Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae
Questions or comments related to this article? Reach out to Drew Caldwell at OjO Recruitment at Drew@ojorecruitment.com
OjO Recruitment Agency (formerly OjO, Ophthalmology jobs Online) recruits ophthalmologists and optometrists for jobs and partnership positions nationwide.
