LOR by a fellow?

[makesomerheum]

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Hi guys,

Does anyone know if it is unacceptable to get a LOR from a pedi ER fellow? The children's hospital has 2 ER trained pedi ER fellows one who has offered to write me a letter. I only want to do one away rotation. Is this acceptable as most programs would probably not even know that the doctor writing my letter is a fellow? I know this is not the ideal situation. Thanks for any insight.

 

[FoughtFyr]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if it is unacceptable to get a LOR from a pedi ER fellow? I am in a tough spot at a medical school without an ER program or official ER rotation. The children's hospital has 2 ER trained pedi ER fellows one who has offered to write me a letter. I only want to do one away rotation to get my second letter. Is this acceptable as most programs would probably not even know that the doctor writing my letter is a fellow? I know this is not the ideal situation, but I really want to do ER, and it is very difficult to get my institution and 2 others calendars to all line up for away rotations. Thanks for any insight.

Usually, and this is especially true in Pediatric EM fellowships as they are generally quite academic, the fellow has a faculty appointment at the sponsoring institution. If they do, they are fine to write a letter. BUT - I would still encourage you, if at all possible, to do two EM rotations. I would try to hit very different types of programs (academic, urban/county, and community) as to get a better feel for what you want to do. You would be surprised at the variety out there even within the field of EM.

- H

 

[nocallaochicas]

Usually, and this is especially true in Pediatric EM fellowships as they are generally quite academic, the fellow has a faculty appointment at the sponsoring institution. If they do, they are fine to write a letter. BUT - I would still encourage you, if at all possible, to do two EM rotations. I would try to hit very different types of programs (academic, urban/county, and community) as to get a better feel for what you want to do. You would be surprised at the variety out there even within the field of EM.

- H

I think FF is right, in that the fellows usually have faculty appointments...but I will add another thing to think about:

How many LORs has the fellow written? There is even a section or two on the EM LOR form that asks how many letters the writer wrote last year and how the current applicant was rated versus last year's.

Overall, however, I would strongly second FF's adivice to try to get two EM rotations. I think that advice trumps all else and makes your question moot.

Good luck.
ncc

 

[makesomerheum]

Thanks for the responses from both of you. My predicament is that I would prefer only to be gone from my wife for one month and the only ER rotation in my city has a rotation schedule much different from other places. You must be present for the entire rotation for the entire month. I would be interested in July so from July 1-31. Most places I am looking start their rotations on July 30. I am looking for other alternative places to rotate, but my first solution was to do a pedi ER rotation and be then able to rotate at the place of my choice. My options are:
1. #1 and #2 away electives for 2 months
2. Childrens hospital + my #1 away elective
3. Home city rotation + #2 or #3 away elective
Tough call. Any other opinions.