Letter of Recommendation?

[sdvb469]

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I am currently doing electives for PM&R at a site where I get minimal time with the PD. I spent one week on each unit (SCI, TBI, MSK, and outptn) with various attendings. I would really like to have a letter from this program as I am only doing 2 PM&R electives total. The program coordinator told me that the PD does write letters for students. However, the letter is a compilation of comments from the attendings I worked with. Is this type of letter frowned upon or should I get go about getting letters from a Physiatrist I have worked with for a longer period of time. My next PM&R elective is also a place where I was recently told I don't get much time with the PD there either. I am a FMG from the Caribbean and am really interested in matching into PM&R for 2014. I want to do everything I can to ensure I am a competitive applicant. Thanks!!

 

[Tromner]

Without any insider information I would say that a physician writing a letter compiled of statements from other physicians would be received as well as a letter from a single doc. That said, you don't have to only get letters from PD's.
Ideally a letter should be from a well known and respected academic physiatrist that you spend significant time with and has nothing but wonderful things to say about you. Since that can be rare, just do your best. It also helps to get a letter from a doc at the program you are hoping to go, if possible.