LOR from research?

[XRanger]

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is it necessary to get LOR from your PI you did research with? I did research with this one PI for a year in a field not related to the specialty I'm applying to. The research was good and I managed to get a publication out of it, but if I ask my PI for a LOR, he can only talked about my research so it'll be non-clinical letter. I was just wondering if residency programs are interested in reading research LOR from non-related specialty.

I remember as a premed that if you work in a research, you pretty much has to get a LOR from your PI or else the med school might get suspicious why you didnt get a letter. Just wondering if it applies to residency as well.

 

[K31]

I expect it varies by specialty, but the EM program directors of whom I've asked that question (N of approximately 6) have said it isn't important for most applicants.

 

[duckie99]

might as well. I am since I'll have worked with the guy for 6+ months. The letter will be different but not every letter needs to be clinical. If you are going to angle yourself as research in any way a letter from your PI would help.

 

[gasblaster]

I also think it depends on the specialty, the type of programs you're applying to, and how much you're emphasizing research and academics in your application. In the end I don't think I could hurt, unless the LOR isn't going to be a good one.