LOR from EMT partner appropriate?

[piotrkol1]

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Hello,

I've been working as an EMT-B at a private ambulance service since February. I recently approached my manager about getting a LOR from him, but he said he's prohibited from doing so. Sure enough, the person in charge of the human resources department confirmed that company policy prohibits supervisors from submitting personal references, they can only verify that I have been employed there. It sounds like corporate BS to me and I'm not pleased about it, but there's not much I can do. In any case, would it be appropriate to get a letter from one of my regular partners? He's been working there almost two years longer than I have and he also works in a level 1 trauma ED as a tech, if that information helps at all. If that's no good, then my only other option to get a work-related LOR would be from my old manager at Subway. I am also getting a LOR from a physician that I shadowed and he said he might want to get feedback from my EMT partner to strengthen the letter. Would that be a good way to incorporate my EMT experience or would it not be relevant for him to mention it?

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

Stick to letters from professors/supervisors/volunteer coordinators, not from your peers. It sucks that your manager isn't allowed to write you a letter but a letter from a coworker just really isn't a good substitute. These letters are less likely to be seen as impartial and may not be taken seriously by adcoms. (Anyone can get a friend to write nice things about them!)

Physician letters usually aren't regarded very highly either. (Unless you're applying DO) A good LOR highlights your good qualities and gives concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities. When you're shadowing, you're not actually doing anything, just observing. So a letter from someone you've shadowed is basically just going to be a character letter. Again, not a strong letter. Also, since the doctor you shadowed has never actually observed you as an EMT, it doesn't really make much sense for him to comment on that.

Remember, you'll have an opportunity to write about your EMT experience in the Work/Activities section of AMCAS and in your essays, if you choose to. I suggest you stick to letters from bosses, professors, PIs, people who have supervised you in some way either academically or professionally who can give direct examples to back up all the great things they say about you.

 

[Toutie]

Hello,

It sounds like corporate BS to me and I'm not pleased about it, but there's not much I can do.

It is NOT corporate BS, it is standard business practice. A great many companies have the same policy.

 

[piotrkol1]

I suggest you stick to letters from bosses, professors, PIs, people who have supervised you in some way either academically or professionally who can give direct examples to back up all the great things they say about you.

So in that case, a letter from my manager at Subway would be acceptable?

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

So in that case, a letter from my manager at Subway would be acceptable?

Yes. If they're someone you have a good relationship with, then go for it.

 

[Pusheen]

It is NOT corporate BS, it is standard business practice. A great many companies have the same policy.

Do you know why this is? Employers at my university have the same policy and I never knew why.