Shadowing a Physician and LOR

[txprodigal]

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After how many hours of shadowing the same physician would it be appropriate to ask for a letter of recommendation for medical school?

What if you are not applying for a year or two after you finish shadowing that physician?

 

[txprodigal]

Maybe I should rephrase my questions.

I would like to get a letter of recommendation from the physician I am currently shadowing, but I am not sure at what point I should request one from him. How many hours should I have shadowed him for before I ask for him to write a letter of recommendation?

Also, I do not plan on applying until next summer, but I am not sure if I will continue to shadow him until then. Is there a standard protocol most of you guys follow in such a situation?

Thanks,
TX Prodigal

 

[TheElement]

There is no standard protocol for number of hours. Just ask him when you feel that you have spent a good quality amount of time with him and that he knows you really well personally. I know of one of my friends that asked his preceptor for a letter after shadowing like 8-10 times. By that time they were talking about all sorts of things like socialized medicine and other personal stuff. Letters are generally good for one year I believe. You can ask him within one year of when you plan on submitting your application.

 

[shemarty]

Maybe I should rephrase my questions.

I would like to get a letter of recommendation from the physician I am currently shadowing, but I am not sure at what point I should request one from him. How many hours should I have shadowed him for before I ask for him to write a letter of recommendation?

Also, I do not plan on applying until next summer, but I am not sure if I will continue to shadow him until then. Is there a standard protocol most of you guys follow in such a situation?

Thanks,
TX Prodigal

No, there is not a standard protocol. Whatever feels natural/appropriate to you is probably best.

If you've only shadowed for a day or two, or even a week or two, this physician might not be able to say much about you besides that you were prompt, eager to learn, and enthusiastic. These are important traits, no doubt about it, but they do not distinguish you from other applicants.

It would be ideal if you then got to know this physician well in other contexts besides shadowing - for example, conducting research in his lab, if he has one?

Otherwise at the end of your shadowing stint, you could mention again that you are planning to apply to medical school next year and were wondering whether he might be willing to write a letter in support of your application. Then, just save it on interfolio or whatever letter service you're using.