Question about research and LORs

[diosa428]

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I go to Duke, and we're required to do a year of research during our third year. I'm interested in ophthalmology and would like to do ophtho research. If I stayed at Duke, I'd probably be able to get a LOR from both my research adviser and the head of the ophtho dept, who apparently gets to know all the student researchers pretty well. However, I'm not really a fan of Durham and would prefer to go elsewhere for the year (I'm thinking of applying for a Doris Duke Fellowship or trying to go to the NIH). My question is - would I be dumb to give up those 2 letters from Duke, which has a good reputation in ophtho, to go somewhere that might not have as good of a reputation? How important are the connections you make when applying to residency? Thanks.

 

[JMK2005]

Good connections can help out a lot.

It sounds like both option for you would probably help you match well. The deciding point would probably be how interesting the research will be since you'd be doing a whole year of it, or close to it. I'd prob try to identify someone at Duke's ophth dept who may act as an advisor for you and can help you make this decision.

If your a Duke student, you'd still be able to do your first rotation there and get to know the faculty and probably get a good clinical letter.

Good luck.