Letter of recommendation from newer doctor a good idea?

[upontherocks]

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Long story short, I graduated med school a couple years ago, completed internship, then got a full medical license to practice in the military for HPSP (IYKYK), and separating now to return to residency.

During my time working in the clinic, they would have military pre-meds shadow me to get hours and stuff. One of these students reached out to me asking if I would be willing to write him a letter of recommendation, since the schools he's applying for request having a physician letter. Many years ago, I didn't need that, I used professors and people I volunteered/worked for for letters. I don't mind writing him a letter, but as stated above, I haven't finished residency yet and feel a letter from me would be not be too helpful. Any guidance for me and this pre-med?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thank you for your question. Do you feel comfortable writing a full-throated letter supporting the candidate?

 

[Toffifay]

Yeah, it's not really important that you're "just a resident." Applicants get LoRs from non-M.D.'s after all, like a soup kitchen coordinator or researcher. What's important is that you know the candidate well and are able to strongly support them through a well written letter that you feel comfortable writing.

 

[Moko]

Long story short, I graduated med school a couple years ago, completed internship, then got a full medical license to practice in the military for HPSP (IYKYK), and separating now to return to residency.

During my time working in the clinic, they would have military pre-meds shadow me to get hours and stuff. One of these students reached out to me asking if I would be willing to write him a letter of recommendation, since the schools he's applying for request having a physician letter. Many years ago, I didn't need that, I used professors and people I volunteered/worked for for letters. I don't mind writing him a letter, but as stated above, I haven't finished residency yet and feel a letter from me would be not be too helpful. Any guidance for me and this pre-med?

Generally, a letter from an attending physician is preferred because they will have the experience to meaningfully comment on whether a student will make a good future physician and colleague. Even a fresh attending will have interacted with hundreds of students by the end of residency. I personally have not seen a letter written by a resident, but anecdotally, others have done so without any overt issues.

In your case, did this student interact with any attending physicians who can cosign the letter with you? Alternatively, if you were practicing independently in the military as a general medical officer (which seems to be the case here?), I would highlight this point as many are unfamiliar with the military system. And if you have interacted with a large number of medical students (arbitrarily e.g. >50, including during your intern year), I would comment on this as well to give weight and credibility behind your recommendation.

Just my thoughts and thank you for advocating for this student despite being busy with residency!