How important is it to get a LOR from Psychiatrist?

[DrMeowMeow]

I'm a 3rd year and so far I'm getting a LOR from 2 family doctors and 1 IM doctor. I've had my Psychiatry rotation already, but the doctor had some problems with writing English so I didn't ask for a letter. How poorly will not having a letter from a Psychiatrist affect me? My next rotation in Psychiatry will be in August for when I'm auditioning.

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[Shikima]

LOR for med school? But you've been accepted already?

 

[DrMeowMeow]

No, I'm a 3rd year medical student. I'm asking about applying for Psychiatry Residencies.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Most programs pretty much require one. I'd say that not having one might raise some eyebrows, or sift you to the bottom of the pile.

 

[DrMeowMeow]

When should applicants generally have their LORs in by? I could potentially ask for a LOR from my Psych rotation at the end of August.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

When should applicants generally have their LORs in by? I could potentially ask for a LOR from my Psych rotation at the end of August.

That'll do.

 

[vistaril]

I've had my Psychiatry rotation already, but the doctor had some problems with writing English so

awesome....

As for your real question, you really should get a psych letter. It would be very unusual not to have one.

 

[pisekar]

Getting a psychiatry LOR is very important, probably same for other specialities. I personally hear from different PDs (at least 3 of them) they want to see a psych letter. I do not know if this works but you can ask the attending if it is okay to prepare a draft for him. If he is an attending I believe he could use that draft at least..

 

[Shikima]

That'll do.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Which was a reference to this, in case you didn't know--