Do I need an MD-only recommendation letter?

[deleted1038508]

I noticed that many of my friends/peers have letters from MDs they shadowed or knew. My lab PI is an MD/PhD and wrote me a recommendation, but he has had no time with me in the clinic so his recommendation is entirely research-focused. Likewise, all my other recommendations are from PhDs in sciences or humanities.

Should I reach out to an MD I shadowed for a LOR? I'm worried that my application is at a disadvantage because it doesn't specifically say anything clinical-related. Only research/didactic related.

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[Blazers_33]

not necessary, unless the school requires a physician letter, which I think very few MD schools do. I don't think I applied to a single one that required a physician letter. just focus on meeting the school requirements with letter writers that will give you solid recommendations, if the MD you shadowed would write a really good one then go for it

lots of DO schools require a physician letter, whether MD or DO

 

[M&L]

I never had any letters from MDs. Professors , old supervisor (my commanding officer), and that’s it .

 

[Catalystik]

Should I reach out to an MD I shadowed for a LOR?

MD schools historically requiring a clinical or physician shadowing letter:
USUHS, Seton Hall, AZx2, RFU, Utah. UCDavis recommends one.

Otherwise, only if your school committee letter requires one.

 

[deleted1038508]

MD schools historically requiring a clinical or physician shadowing letter:
USUHS, Seton Hall, AZx2, RFU, Utah. UCDavis recommends one.

Otherwise, only if your school committee letter requires one.

Gotcha- Do you think it would help my application to have that MD letter behind me though? Or do you think it wouldn't make a difference

 

[utangboy123]

I didn’t have a physician lor and I turned out fine (n=1 tho). I did have a RN write me one tho

 

[Catalystik]

Gotcha- Do you think it would help my application to have that MD letter behind me though? Or do you think it wouldn't make a difference

No, it won't affect your candidacy. What are they going to say about you? Came on time. Dressed neatly. Stood quietly. Asked a good question or three at an appropriate time.