Letter of recommendation from non-clinical volunteering?

[DrRiker]

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In the context of 4 other LOR's from teaching faculty, PI's, and an MD, would a letter of recommendation from someone from non-clinical volunteering be useful? Would it matter if the person is a director versus a regular staff member who has more experience with my performance?

 

[LizzyM]

Generally these letters are less than useful. Take a look at AMCAS instructions for letter writers and ask yourself if that person could address the characteristics that the letter should cover.

 

[DrRiker]

Most schools ask for academic LORs (instructors, PI). few ask for MD, and unless you have a long-term connection with the physician in a situation other than shadowing, the letters have little impact with adcom. Unless you have some indepth connection with director and have duties more indepth than a simple volunteer, I am not sure what it would add to your application.

I've been scribing for about a month (plenty of other clinical experience) and by June I imagine at least one that I work with regularly would be comfortable writing a letter. Worthwhile?

I also have a letter from a non physician clinical supervisor who comments on my patient care from a previous employment. Would this carry weight? @LizzyM