LOR from research, when applying for residency?

[oreosandsake]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm apologizing now since I wasn't sure what forum to post this question in.

My question is, when you are applying for residency is it prudent to use a LOR from a clinician, that you have not had clinical experience with, only research?

I am considering asking my research PI for a LOR, but my interaction with him is only via research in his lab.

thanks in advance.

 

[jdh71]

I'm apologizing now since I wasn't sure what forum to post this question in.

My question is, when you are applying for residency is it prudent to use a LOR from a clinician, that you have not had clinical experience with, only research?

I am considering asking my research PI for a LOR, but my interaction with him is only via research in his lab.

thanks in advance.

YES! In fact, if you've spent any significant time with said PI, as in you got a first author paper, or months and month of experience on your app, it will look strange if you cannot get this person to vouch for you. You can submit four letters to ERAS (three to SF match), make sure one is from this PI.

 

[Anka]

If you have time, doing a rotation with him is probably a good idea (that way you have a letter that says both "I've known him for years" and "clinically, he is a rock star.").

Anka

 

[arthrodisiac]

research letters are not as strong as clinical letters - from the mouth of the pd. only use them if you are applying to an integrated research residency, or in addition to 3 clinicals, but never a primary.

 

[oreosandsake]

research letters are not as strong as clinical letters - from the mouth of the pd. only use them if you are applying to an integrated research residency, or in addition to 3 clinicals, but never a primary.

thanks for all the informative replies.

So, one last question before i beat this to death.

How does this relate to getting a letter from a clinician that you never did a formal graded rotation with?

since I have shadowed the PI, but never "officially"

alternatively, would it be ill advised to get LOR from ungraded/unofficial clinicians in the first place (such as volunteering in clinic on weekends, etc)

 

[gstrub]

From the MD/PhD front, let me jump in with what I've been told.

If you have significant research experience, get the letter. Translation: if a program director looks at your application, and your experience with your PI stands out (i.e. by having a first author publication) and you do not have a reference, it will be suspicious.

On the other hand, if you were in the lab a few months and don't have a major contribution from the experience, don't bother.

Don't get letters from undergrad or other experiences.

 

[HamOnWholeWheat]

What if all of your research was in a basic science lab, non-clinical research done during medical school? Would it be wise to have one of your three letters be from your non-clinical PhD PI?

Thanks,

HamOn

 

[jhc]

What if all of your research was in a basic science lab, non-clinical research done during medical school? Would it be wise to have one of your three letters be from your non-clinical PhD PI?

Thanks,

HamOn

I dont think it matters if it's clinical or basic research - it's the time and quality of the work you put in. For one summer of research, I can't imagine it's worth it. More time, publications, etc... might be worth thinking about.

 

[parick]

i was a research asst for almost five years and published papers (some as first author). a recommendation from the PI (M.D. who does basic and clinical research) is still a great idea? it was translational research (pre-clinical research). thanks!

 

[Hard24Get]

i was a research asst for almost five years and published papers (some as first author). a recommendation from the PI (M.D. who does basic and clinical research) is still a great idea? it was translational research (pre-clinical research). thanks!

I would not get a letter from experiences before medical school. Your "unique characteristics" in your dean's letter will spell out your experience. Having a pre-med school letter seems to scream, "no one here likes me".

From another MD-PhD perspective, I used my PI's letter as a 4th letter and still had 3 clinicals. I think this is the best way to go.