how impt is LOR from physiatrist

[AndyDufrane]

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Hi, so I had a question, how impt is it to get a LOR from a PMR doc when you are applying, i did one PMR rotation and I didn't ace it the way I wanted, i passed, and I am worried the letter writer who I asked might not write a strong letter since I didn't honor the rotation...any input, should I try to do another PMR rotation and and get another letter?or shadow a PMR doc and get a letter?

 

[melancholy]

Hi, so I had a question, how impt is it to get a LOR from a PMR doc when you are applying, i did one PMR rotation and I didn't ace it the way I wanted, i passed, and I am worried the letter writer who I asked might not write a strong letter since I didn't honor the rotation...any input, should I try to do another PMR rotation and and get another letter?or shadow a PMR doc and get a letter?

I feel that LOR's are extremely important in PM&R particularly because the nature of the specialty and its physicians' personalities as well as the network of relationships maybe physicians in the academic world have with each other. Having a strong PM&R LOR from someone well-known is optimal although having a strong LOR from a physiatrist will suffice. Good LOR's in complimentary fields or fields that you took a particular interest in may be extremely helpful as well.

I would suggest contacting your faculty advisor or someone at your school who could possibly view your LOR and give you a sense of whether or not it would be useful in applying to residency programs.

You would probably get a stronger letter of LOR by doing another PM&R rotation rather than shadowing a physiatrist as this will allow the attendings more time to interact with you and see the type of work you do, how you handle responsibilities, etc. It may be difficult to get another rotation as this is prime time for "audition rotations", but if you decide to go that route, are successful at rotating somewhere, and shine... that will definitely help your chances of a positive LOR. (And you are looking for someone who can write you a strongly worded positive LOR.)

 

[AndyDufrane]

thanks for your input

 

[slugdoc]

I don't think it is the most important thing.

The PD will want to know you have a genuine interest in rehab, but honestly, the best letter will be the best letter.
In other words, the best doctor who knows you best and who can write specific personal details about why you in particular stand out.

How many medical students who rotate through Kessler make a really significant difference as far as the attendings are concerned? And why should they? You are not physiatrists yet, you are medical students, there is no reason you should be experts in physiatry at this point.

So, I think that a LOR from someone who has really seen your ability to be an excellent resident is key -- your peds rotation, your geriatrics rotation, a mentor for an independent project can all likely give a stronger letter than getting a "standard excellent" letter from some big name. (physiatrist or not).

Make sense?