Only one peds LOR

[PedsDO2012]

So I recently found out (earlier this week) that one of my pediatricians I worked with and who had agreed to write me a LOR, now is not willing to write me one due to "busy schedule with vaccinations, sports phys, and paperwork because of the start of school." 😡

Looks like I might only have one peds LOR now instead of two. Is this going to look bad on my application? I just don't want this to be a reason why I do not get an interview. Anyone else in the same boat? Or residents with similar situation but still get a spot into a residency program?

Any input would be appreciated!!!

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[SurfingDoctor]

Personally I don't think it matters so much as the type of specialities, but the quality of the LOR. If someone has amazing LORs, but only one is from a pediatrician, that still looks better than someone who has three LORs from pediatricians, but the letters are all mediocre. Though if you're going into pediatrics and have no LORs from pediatricians, that would look fishy. That being said, the more pediatricians you have the better, and the more senior people you have (full professors, chairs, etc) the better, again as long as they are strong LORs.

However, saying all of that, while I think LORs can make or break an application, it is not the only thing. If you a well rounded, strong candidate (grades, NBME scores, research, volunteering, clubs) then the skies the limit.

 

[AttyHubby]

You should also consider the fact that if this doc is backing out of the letter just because "this time of year is too busy", that was not going to be a great letter in the first place. They probably just did you a favor!

 

[michigangirl]

For residency applications, one peds LOR is just fine-- as long as it's strong, like any other desirable LOR. We realize when you are applying that you've likely only done 1-2 months of peds rotation at the time of application-- which limits the number of people in peds that you are exposed to well enough for them to even consider writing a letter. So get letters from attendings in the clerkships that you rocked and you know will be great. i.e. one peds, one surgery, one IM-- great! any combination will do. The key is STRONG. So choose wisely.

 

[PedsDO2012]

Totally agree with you AttyHubby.. I just wish they would have told me no from the beginning or at least sooner than last week, lol.

Thanks for all your input! Makes me a slightly less neurotic, although I am still freaking out.