Question About LOR From Physician

[bmoredoc]

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I am a pre-med freshman at a small college. This past summer I shadowed a physician and am continuing to shadow him this Christmas break. Unfortunately I won't be able to work for him this summer because of a prior engagement. For this reason I cannot say if I will ever work for him again. My question is: because I may not work with him again should I get him to write my LOR now? I have over 400+ hours of shadowing and know it will be a VERY strong recommendation.

 

[mipp0]

I am a pre-med freshman at a small college. This past summer I shadowed a physician and am continuing to shadow him this Christmas break. Unfortunately I won't be able to work for him this summer because of a prior engagement. For this reason I cannot say if I will ever work for him again. My question is: because I may not work with him again should I get him to write my LOR now? I have over 400+ hours of shadowing and know it will be a VERY strong recommendation.

Go for it. Make sure to create an outline of what your LOR should include and give it to him to make his life easier.

Take it from me. You never know what's going to happen in the future, and LORs are the most unpredictable. Jump on this opportunity.

 

[StoicJosher]

Usually a physician you shadowed is not the best person to get a letter from mainly because - well - you simply shadowed him. He might not be able to write a well rounded and complete glowing LOR. But if you feel like he can write you a strong one - go for it.

 

[deleted357625]

I am a pre-med freshman at a small college. This past summer I shadowed a physician and am continuing to shadow him this Christmas break. Unfortunately I won't be able to work for him this summer because of a prior engagement. For this reason I cannot say if I will ever work for him again. My question is: because I may not work with him again should I get him to write my LOR now? I have over 400+ hours of shadowing and know it will be a VERY strong recommendation.

do it

 

[mipp0]

Usually a physician you shadowed is not the best person to get a letter from mainly because - well - you simply shadowed him. He might not be able to write a well rounded and complete glowing LOR. But if you feel like he can write you a strong one - go for it.

It's good to have options, but you do bring up a strong point. OP, getting a LOR from your clinical internship director, ER scribe manager, hospital department director, etc. would be ideal, so consider replacing that LOR in the future with one that can really vouch for your clinical competency and leadership/social skills.

Great point Xklusiv.

 

[Anesthetic]

While I agree with both of you, I want to believe that this is a different type of shadowing for this kid if he has spent 400+ hours shadowing this doctor. That is not your average shadowing hours, this doctor obviously knows this person very well and can probably write you a great letter, jump on it now while you can!

 

[bmoredoc]

He knows me very well outside of the office (I have babysat his kids etc.). He and I are very close so it seems from the responses that I should get it now while I can. Thank You

 

[varsityblue]

Get the letter and save it on your Interfolio just in case you don't get better letters later on.