Letter of Recommendation Question - MD vs. PA vs. NP

[kaciebean2]

Dear SDN Elite (Lizzy? Catalystic? Anyone?),

I apologize in advance if this question has been asked. I looked, but no cigar. I have fairly extensive clinical experience, and spent much of that time working with a combination of MDs, DOs, Physician's Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners. I am struggling with who to ask for a recommendation. I would say, of all of them, the Physician's Assistant and Nurse Practitioner know me the best. Would having a letter from an MD be more powerful even if they don't know me quite as well? Or would a letter from other healthcare practitioners be just as good?

Thanks again for all of your help. I love you guys.

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[tweek125]

MD/DO at the top of the list. always.

even if you've never met them. a letter from a doctor you don't know is still better than a letter from a nurse.

jk. but seriously go with an MD/DO if you have a chance.

 

[OncoticPressure]

You are applying to medical school, not nursing school or PA school. Go with the MD.

 

[mitl]

I actually disagree, you want a LOR from someone who knows you at a personal level (NP , MD) and can say something meaningful about you than a template LOR from the chief of Surgery...(which you can have in addition)

 

[ReptarBar]

you dont need a letter from a doctor. just go with whoever knows you best. LizzyM has stated many times that letters from docs are usually worthless since the doc cant really say much about the student (unless you have been doing more than just shadowing).

 

[chman]

I actually disagree, you want a LOR from someone who knows you at a personal level (NP , MD) and can say something meaningful about you than a template LOR from the chief of Surgery...(which you can have in addition)

you dont need a letter from a doctor. just go with whoever knows you best. LizzyM has stated many times that letters from docs are usually worthless since the doc cant really say much about the student (unless you have been doing more than just shadowing).

+3

I agree as well. Get the letter from someone who can actually attest to your skills, personality, etc., whomever that may be.