Choosing LOR Wisely

[RestoreSight]

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So I'm now entering that oh-so confusing time of applying to ophthalmology residency. I'm a new member here to StudentDoctor.net but I've been a long-time reader. My question is about letters of recommendation. I understand the stronger the better, but I've heard conflicting info about what is the 'right' number of ophtho letters to include. Everyone appears to agree at least 1, 2 is better, but what about 3? Here is where I stand with my application:

I have the potential to have 3 strong ophthalmology letters. I attend an academic medical university with a decent reputation (top 40) and have been involved in ophthalmology research and community projects since 1st year. I've published 1st author manuscripts in ophtho and presented at ARVO/AAO. My boards are decent, nothing special, waiting on STEP 2 results. One letter would be from the department chair who is fairly well known, a second from a well-known M.D./Ph.D. and the third from another ophthalmology attending who is pretty well known.

My question is: should I just go with 3 ophtho letters without a strong surgery/medicine letter or would this not be such a good idea given all other things being equal?

Much appreciate everyone's feedback!

 

[VikingFavre]

So I'm now entering that oh-so confusing time of applying to ophthalmology residency. I'm a new member here to StudentDoctor.net but I've been a long-time reader. My question is about letters of recommendation. I understand the stronger the better, but I've heard conflicting info about what is the 'right' number of ophtho letters to include. Everyone appears to agree at least 1, 2 is better, but what about 3? Here is where I stand with my application:

I have the potential to have 3 strong ophthalmology letters. I attend an academic medical university with a decent reputation (top 40) and have been involved in ophthalmology research and community projects since 1st year. I've published 1st author manuscripts in ophtho and presented at ARVO/AAO. My boards are decent, nothing special, waiting on STEP 2 results. One letter would be from the department chair who is fairly well known, a second from a well-known M.D./Ph.D. and the third from another ophthalmology attending who is pretty well known.

My question is: should I just go with 3 ophtho letters without a strong surgery/medicine letter or would this not be such a good idea given all other things being equal?

Much appreciate everyone's feedback!

If anything having 3 STRONG ophthalmology letters is a bonus. I had three and at every interview at least one faculty member knew one of my letter writers.

The key is to make sure they are strong. If one is luke-warm you would be better off with a glowing surgery or medicine letter.

 

[LeLu]

What about the 3rd letter being from a Family Physician who you worked closely with? Should it absolutely be med/surg or the person who knows you better?

 

[Visionary]

What about the 3rd letter being from a Family Physician who you worked closely with? Should it absolutely be med/surg or the person who knows you better?

Strength of a LOR trumps just about everything else. Someone who knows you well and will write a glowing LOR (family med or whatever) will likely be better than an ophthalmology LOR from someone with whom you spent 2 weeks. And same thing to the OP. If the 3 ophthalmology LOR are strong, roll with them. You don't need an outside LOR. The only reason to go outside is for strength of LOR.