Recommendation from MD?

[Spiker]

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The doctor I am shadowing today asked me what I want to get out of the shadowing experience. One of the question is do I need recommendation letter. I was like probably not…maybe? I am not really sure. I have plenty great recommendation that I can get from my prof and PI, is there any school that actually requires a letter from MD? (I am applying only to MD schools).

 

[Bacchus]

I would get the letter of recommendation. I would honor a recommendation from a colleague moreso than someone outside of my field. The other recommendations you have are great and won't be discounted, but if you have the opportunity to receive a well written physician recommendation I would seize it.

 

[scattun]

There is no MD school that requires a physician letter, and I wouldn't waste my time (or a physician's time) getting one if the only way I knew him or her was from shadowing. Shadowing in and of itself is not a difficult task, so I can't imagine what that letter would say that would help your chances. If you actually worked under a physician, particularly if you are a non-trad, then that's a different story.

 

[Spiker]

I dont know how well written it would be if I only shadow him for a week compare to my PI who i worked for for 2 years...and I know alot of med school dont require one from MD. Is it favorable to send a load of extra letters?

 

[FlowLimited]

Would it hurt to get the letter? No. Would it have any profound effect on your application? Probably not.

Under most circumstances, letters from MDs that you've shadowed are fairly useless. They can comment on your walking skills, your ability to be quiet when necessary, and your expertise in feigning comprehension by nodding eagerly as they explain to you something you don't understand.

Unless you've really gotten to know them and worked with them closely, there's not a whole lot that they can offer you in terms of a letter.

By all means though, if you want to get the letter, go for it. It can't hurt.

 

[BlueElmo]

So if I already have 4-5 letters, not worth it to get a MD shadowing letter?

 

[IndianVercetti]

I'd say, get the letter. You can always choose not to include it when you apply, right?

 

[BlueElmo]

I'd say, get the letter. You can always choose not to include it when you apply, right?

Well, if I'm not going to use it, I don't want to waste my time or the doctor's time.

 

[phospho]

hmmm, what could you possibly do by shadowing, that a physician would find SO awesome to write about in a recommendation letter? I agree w/ above - no MD schools need this, so just learn as much as you can from your shadowing experience.

 

[FlowLimited]

So if I already have 4-5 letters, not worth it to get a MD shadowing letter?

4-5 letters is already pushing it. Are all of those absolutely essential?