Need an additional letter of rec from one of two choices

[deleted454156]

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Alright so I applied to medical schools in this cycle with a total of 5 letters of rec. I had 3 interviews in the last month, and got my first reply yesterday which was a waitlist. They recommended candidates supply them with any additional letters of rec that could help their application.

I have 2 choices to pick from regarding my activities this year.

A) I've been shadowing an internal medicine physician on an off for about 3-4 months. He only had outpatient clinic about once ever 2-3 weeks, so I've been able to gather about a total of 10 hours. He likes me a lot and offers to do anything to help me along with my application. He also knows that I've always tried to get in clinic with him as often as possible. He's currently the chief resident at a prestigious school and is starting his cardio specialization at another prestigious school in a couple of months.

Pros: Physician/more medically related activity. Prestigious institution.
Cons: Haven't spent that much time in clinic with him.

B) I've been working for a tutoring company for about 6 months now for 20 hours a week. I know my boss very well and I know he would write an amazing letter.

Pros: Have spent a lot of time with him.
Cons: Not medically related.

So SDN, who would you ask from?

 

[zwitterion34]

Ask your boss.

 

[FattySlug]

What letters do you have in your file? Would they be better complimented by the physician's LOR or the more personal view of your boss's?

 

[deleted454156]

What letters do you have in your file? Would they be better complimented by the physician's LOR or the more personal view of your boss's?

I have 2 science profs (1 strong, 1 not so much), 1 non-science prof (very strong), 1 from volunteer coordinator at hospital (~2 years volunteering), 1 from research (~2 years, but I know this letter was very generic and mostly the PI showing off his credentials).

 

[EBTrailRunner]

Boss. A doc who's worked with you for 10 hours is not going to help your cause as much.

 

[generator]

Are you only allowed to send in one? I say ask both

 

[gmcguitar4]

Just b/c it is a doctor doesn't mean anything. The guy hardly knows you so how could he write anything of substance? The one from your boss would hold 10x more weight over a letter from the physician.

 

[Slev]

x

 

[chemhead123]

Employer Letter is much better. This person actually knows you, and it will show in the letter.

 

[NeuralNetwork]

I would go with the boss as well. Try to up your hours with the doctor, and then if need be, you can get a letter from him farther down the line when you have more hours - that's two letters, and persistence 👍