Should I get LOR from this short term research exp

[Qwerty2013]

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I already have two solid research LORs and I will be applying to MD and MD PhD programs (and will be getting a committee letter through my school).
I have a research experience (around 6 months) from several years ago that was not very substantial tbh. Just some pipetting and general helping (for a clinical drug trial). It wasn't a study geared toward a paper or anything but was still an interesting aspect of translational/clinical research. The PI has since retired but still seems eager to write an LOR on my behalf.
Should I ask for one or would it do more harm than good...?

 

[El-Rami]

For the M.D. program, it's not worth getting in my opinion. These LORs need to offer concrete examples of things like work ethic, which sounds like it would be difficult to write about in your situation. Regarding the M.D./Ph.D., I am not sure but it may be required. Even lab experience where you merely receive hands-on training on various laboratory techniques can be valuable, so keep that in mind as well.

 

[Qwerty2013]

For the M.D. program, it's not worth getting in my opinion. These LORs need to offer concrete examples of things like work ethic, which sounds like it would be difficult to write about in your situation. Regarding the M.D./Ph.D., I am not sure but it may be required. Even lab experience where you merely receive hands-on training on various laboratory techniques can be valuable, so keep that in mind as well.

but would the fact that it was short term and not as substantial as my other research exps. be a negative? (not that it wasn't interesting but just that the two subsequent research experiences were much more intensive).

 

[mgmg1230]

In my case, I was only involved in biomedical research for a spring semester. The PI was able to write me a strong letter. But since you already have 2 letters from other PIs I don't think it'll make that much of a difference?

 

[eteshoe]

but would the fact that it was short term and not as substantial as my other research exps. be a negative? (not that it wasn't interesting but just that the two subsequent research experiences were much more intensive).

I wouldn't say it would be seen as a negative but it wouldn't be adding anything to your narrative. If it wasn't substantial, you could add it if you want, but I don't really see a point.

 

[tantacles]

I don't think a letter from a six month experience is worthwhile for an MD application unless you wrote a manuscript that got accepted into an extremely high impact journal.