Missing letter from one PI. Problem?

[Endoxifen]

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I was a member of this lab for three semesters. I did wet-bench gene regulation work. After keeping at it for those three semesters, I realized I didn't like wet-bench research and I moved on to epidemiology, which suits me much better. My PI was extremely supportive when I decided to move on. Even so, I feel a little uncomfortable asking him for a letter of recommendation. I will have four other PIs that I'm sure will write me excellent letters of recommendation. Will this be a significant issue?

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[TurtleGnome]

Why do you feel uncomfortable asking for a letter? It seems you still have a good relationship with this particular PI.

 

[Endoxifen]

Why do you feel uncomfortable asking for a letter? It seems you still have a good relationship with this particular PI.

It feels odd asking someone who's lab I left for a letter. I'm sure he would give me a great letter, but it still feels odd somehow.

 

[Neuronix]

You simply ask if they can write you an enthusiastic letter of support. Most people aren't going to lie to you and tell you yes but give you a crappy letter. Either they'll decline or they'll agree, usually the latter. Get over your reluctance and ask. It's not going to be the last time you're in this position.

 

[Endoxifen]

You simply ask if they can write you an enthusiastic letter of support. Most people aren't going to lie to you and tell you yes but give you a crappy letter. Either they'll decline or they'll agree, usually the latter. Get over your reluctance and ask. It's not going to be the last time you're in this position.

I will likely be going to get a masters in epidemiology before applying for an MD/PhD. Would you recommend that I ask him while I'm still enrolled or when I need it? It's been about a year and a half since I worked in his lab.

Also, how many letters of recommendation are required for most MD/PhD applications? I tried to find a solid number online and it ranged from 3 to >6.

Thank you!

 

[Neuronix]

I'd ask for the letter ASAP assuming you are committed to MD/PhD. The fresher you are in the PI's mind, the better. You just don't want to waste their time and change your mind later about applying MD/PhD.

You will need the usual pre-med letters plus letters from all the PIs you have worked with. I applied with 9 letters.

Are you planning for a PhD in social science or basic science?

 

[Endoxifen]

I'd ask for the letter ASAP assuming you are committed to MD/PhD. The fresher you are in the PI's mind, the better. You just don't want to waste their time and change your mind later about applying MD/PhD.

You will need the usual pre-med letters plus letters from all the PIs you have worked with. I applied with 9 letters.

Are you planning for a PhD in social science or basic science?

I'm planning on a PhD in epidemiology. I want to do genetic or molecular epidemiology research and I have a particular lab in mind (where I will be doing my masters). Unfortunately, I can only get an MD funded with them through the NIH's OxCam program, so I'm posting here because I will definitely need to apply more widely.

 

[infectiousdisease101]

Your PI should be first and foremost a mentor because a mentor writes a stronger letter than a supervisor. No mentor expects their mentee to remain under them forever. Your research interest may not align with yours and they understand you were in the process of discovering what's out there.

Also, how do you have so many PI letter writers?

 

[Endoxifen]

Your PI should be first and foremost a mentor because a mentor writes a stronger letter than a supervisor. No mentor expects their mentee to remain under them forever. Your research interest may not align with yours and they understand you were in the process of discovering what's out there.

Also, how do you have so many PI letter writers?

I agree. Since posting this, I’ve become much more comfortable with asking my PI and I have reached out. I should be meeting with him to talk about it when I get back from break.

I have so many PIs because of summer internships and PIs who worked in pairs.