Poll: Which Letter of Rec should I pursue?

[crocshagreen]

I already have one letter set for Ophthalmology, but I am debating who to get my second letter from. I would love some input. I know this really boils down to the basic question of well-known/okay letter vs. not so well-known/great letter, but I thought I'd ask it anyways. I'm still torn.

Option 1: Very well known cornea specialist that our residency coordinator set me up with. I think he would write me a solid letter, but he also has another student my same year doing research with him who has been there much longer than me and has numerous publications with him. I think he will write me a solid letter, but am worried he will write this other kid a much better letter because he's been there much longer than I have. But, he's one of the biggest wigs out there.

Option 2: Not so well-known Ophthalmologist, but he does work in an academic setting and does have some publications in the past. He's been around for quite a while as well. He knows me very well, as for the last 2 years we've been going to the same church. He's not a family friend or anything, just a dude I met at church. He doesn't really do research right now, but I've followed him around in clinic and he would write me a glowing letter.

Option 3: Bag both these ideas and try something else.

Have I ever mentioned I HATE letters of recommendation?

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[azzarah]

Why not get both. It sounds like they will be commenting on different aspects of your application. I was in a similar situation as you as far as option #1 goes, but my mentor wrote glowing letters for both of the students in his lab.