How to Write a Thank-You Letter After Your Internship Ends

You’ve completed your internship abroad—maybe you shadowed doctors at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, assisted with public health outreach in Arusha, or observed surgeries in a bustling referral hospital in Kenya. Now what?

One of the most meaningful things you can do is write a thank-you letter to the people who guided you—your clinical mentors, coordinators, host family, or local staff. A thoughtful thank-you note not only expresses appreciation, but also builds long-term professional relationships, opens the door to future letters of recommendation, and reflects your professionalism.

Here’s how to write a sincere, impactful thank-you letter after your medical internship ends.

> Explore Go-Elective’s PreMed and Medical Internships Abroad

Why Writing a Thank-You Letter Matters

Saying thank you might seem small, but it carries weight—especially in clinical and educational settings. Here’s why it’s important:

• Reinforces connections with physicians, nurses, and coordinators who supported you
• Demonstrates maturity and professionalism
• Leaves the door open for future opportunities, such as mentorship, letters of recommendation, or even return visits
• Helps you reflect on what you learned during the internship

Who Should You Thank?

Depending on your experience, you might want to write to:

• Your clinical supervisor or department lead
• Hospital staff you interacted with regularly (e.g., nurses, lab techs, surgical teams)
• Program coordinators or Go Elective staff who supported your experience
• Your host family or accommodation team
• Mentors who took time to teach or advise you

If multiple people supported you, you can write separate notes or send one collective message with personal touches.

When to Send It

Ideally, send your thank-you note within one week of finishing your internship. Don’t wait too long—gratitude has more impact when it’s fresh.

If you're traveling or decompressing post-internship, aim to send it within 10–14 days max.

What to Include in a Thank-You Letter

A great thank-you letter is brief, specific, and heartfelt. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

#1. Greeting and Expression of Thanks

Start with a warm greeting and a sincere thank you.

Dear Dr. Mwangi,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to shadow you during my internship at Coast General.

#2. Highlight Something You Learned

Mention a memorable experience, a lesson you’ll carry forward, or something that impacted you.

I especially appreciated the way you walked me through cases in the surgical ward and took time to explain clinical decisions. Observing how you balanced compassion with precision deepened my interest in global surgery.

#3. Acknowledge Their Time and Mentorship

Recognize the effort your mentor or host made.

I know how busy your days are, and I’m truly grateful for the time you set aside to involve me in rounds and procedures.

#4. Keep the Door Open

Let them know you'd love to stay in touch—and mention if you plan to ask for a future recommendation.

I hope to stay in contact and would be honored to reach out for guidance or a letter of recommendation when the time comes.

#5. Closing

Close with a respectful and professional sign-off.

With sincere thanks,
[Your Name]

Sample Thank-You Letter

Subject: Thank You for an Incredible Internship Experience

Dear Dr. Muthoni,

I wanted to express my deepest thanks for the opportunity to shadow you and your team in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department during my Go Elective internship in Mombasa. The experience of observing labor and delivery, assisting in postnatal care, and participating in daily ward rounds was truly eye-opening.

I especially appreciated your patience in teaching and your encouragement during clinical discussions. Your dedication to both patients and medical education has made a lasting impression on me, and I’ll carry these lessons into my journey toward medical school.

Thank you again for your mentorship and kindness. I hope to stay in touch and would be grateful for your continued guidance in the future.

With appreciation,

Ayesha P.
Pre-Med Student, University of Washington

Email vs. Handwritten Note

Both formats work—choose what’s practical:

• Email: Ideal for international mentors, quick delivery, and easy replies.
• Handwritten card: More personal and meaningful if you're still in-country or can mail it post-trip.

✅ Tip: If emailing, keep your subject line simple: Thank You for Your Mentorship or Appreciation for My Internship Experience.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude Is a Professional Skill

Writing a thank-you letter is more than just polite. It’s a powerful way to build your professional identity, strengthen your network, and reflect on your growth. Whether you're applying to PA school, medical school, or a future fellowship, your ability to express appreciation and reflect on mentorship will set you apart.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 28, 2025