LOR from a PA

[musashi]

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Initially, I had planned on applying to PA school. I've recently decided to apply to medical school instead. I've shadowed a veteran PA in the ER for 1.5 years over 1000 hours, and was wondering how Adcoms would view a letter in this situation? If I were to apply to PA school this would be called "shadowing" but instead I'm calling it volunteering at the ER. This particular PA is very experienced in EM and I've noticed that many of the ER Docs are constantly referring to him for advice/input even though he's "only" a PA. Should I try to cultivate some relationships with the EM Docs? I have one Doc already on board and will get a great letter, but still need to find 2-3 more. I know that traditional students use primarily academic LORs, but being a nontrad I feel this wouldn't give me the strong letters I could potentially attain from a Doctor. What do ya'll think? Any opinions?

 

[PAGuyana]

It's about your numbers.

 

[musashi]

Not sure I understand. Numbers?? GPA, volunteer & shadow hours?

 

[mamadoc]

It's about your numbers.

No, that's not true. Numbers can get you considered but the rest of your application is also scrutinized carefully. I think a PA LOR is probably OK but I am more concerned at your assertion that you don't need academic letters because you're a non-trad: that is NOT correct. The AdComs still need to know if you can handle the academic rigors of med school and they want to hear from academics. They do NOT just want touchy-feely clinical setting letters because it is just one dimension of several that they are trying to evaluate. By all means get the PA letter but I hope you'll be able to get some academic letters as well because this is more important than people realize. Good luck!

 

[musashi]

Mamadoc, thanks for the advice. I need to clarify that my assertion on being a nontrad is that yes, I could get obtain academic lor's but they wouldn't be anywhere near as stellar as others I could obtain that would highlight my characteristics and abilities. I feel the difference between someone writing a letter that knows you from the clinic and ER and has seen you in a multitude of situations vs. a professor who knew you as 1 of 200 students is enormous. But yes, I have heard that before about academic lor's so I will heed your advice and figure out a way to do both. Once again, thanks for the info.