PD or Program Dept Chair

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Hello,
When I do my EM rotations next year who is the beter person to get a letter from assuming all things equal such as they know you equally, you got to work with both equally, etc.? Would you ask for a leter from both?
Thanks!

 

[DrRobert]

That's a complex question.

In general a letter from a department chair would hold more weight. However, it is uncommon for a chairperson to do a lot of clinical work, and you might not even see him/her during your month.

In general PDs tend to do more clinical work, so there would be more opportunities to work with one.

Another option for letters includes any attending that you worked closely with - just because an attending isn't the chair or PD does not mean he/she is not a big name in the field.

Of course this general rule applies as well: the best letters are from those that you worked closely with, that know you well, and that will write strong recommendations.

A lukewarm letter from a chairperson or PD or a letter from someone who you didn't work closely with will most likely hurt your application, not help it.

 

[southerndoc]

You should get a letter from the person who knows you best.

 

[GiJoe]

with that being said, try to arrange your shifts with the PD. However, since everyone and their momma are gonna wanna work with the PD, working closely with the assistant PD or associate PD is also a good idea. I did this in one of my rotations while everyone else was targeting the PD. This gave me a lot of face time with the other folks on the committee and in the end...a glowing letter.