Letters of Reference Academic vs. Community?

[sparticus]

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Is there a huge difference between getting a letter of recommendation from an academic ophthalmologist vs. a community ophthalmologist? How about a retired academic ophthalmologist? 😕 Thanks for you help. 😀 😀 😀

 

[rubensan]

sparticus,

next to what your ophtho LOR states, the second most important thing concerning that LOR is WHO it is from. generally, i think it is important to get a LOR from an ophthlamologist that is in an academic setting, someone that people will know. the people that will be reading your LOR, your "target audience," if you will are dept chairs and residency directors, people in academia. in my opinion, these people generally enjoy reading how great you are and what a fantastic resident you will make from their peers.

there are some very well known and respected academic ophthalmologists who are retired but maintain university affiliation. i'll put it to you like this, if this person is a retired big wig, is only a few years into retirement, has had some interaction with your clinical or research skills when he/she was still practicing and can still use university letter head, i'd say it is a safe bet. if not, i would highly encourage you to find a letter writer who is still contributing and not withdrawing from his/her 401K.

hope this helps.

Is there a huge difference between getting a letter of recommendation from an academic ophthalmologist vs. a community ophthalmologist? How about a retired academic ophthalmologist? 😕 Thanks for you help. 😀 😀 😀