Should LORs specify MD/PhD?

[muchomaas]

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When I asked all of my letter writers for LORs, at the time I said I was going for an MD, but now I'm leaning MD/PhD. Is it going to be a problem that the letters dont specifically address my ability to succeed in an MD/PhD program? They've already all been written and put together in a committee letter.

Did you all tell your letter writers to mention MD/PhD?

 

[dmblue]

Well, i did, but who knows if they actually talked about that at all. I don't think it should matter as long as you have some research specific LOR's.

 

[muchomaas]

I was just considering this again, and I realized: what if you apply to both MD and MD/PhD programs? My letters (already written unfortunately) are being sent as a committee letter and wouldnt it be a lot to ask someone to write two letters, one for MD one for MD/PhD? And wouldn't it also be awkward for a school you applied MD-only to get a letter about you being a good MD/PhD candidate?

I bring this up again because I asked someone on an admissions committee who seemed to think MD/PhD applicants should have LORs specifically addressed towards it.

Shoot.

 

[orrghead16]

When I asked all of my letter writers for LORs, at the time I said I was going for an MD, but now I'm leaning MD/PhD. Is it going to be a problem that the letters dont specifically address my ability to succeed in an MD/PhD program? They've already all been written and put together in a committee letter.

Did you all tell your letter writers to mention MD/PhD?

I specifically mentioned to all LORs that I am not just applying to med school, but to MD/PhD

I think having letters all MD-only might bring up some slight doubts to the Adcoms (albeit probably minor) that you just decided to apply MD/PhD because of a good MCAT score and want to get the free ride. It probably does not matter so much from instructors, but your research mentor(s) letter I think should especially emphasize your focus on MD/PhD. Otherwise that research letter seems much more pointless.

If your letters are all submitted, don't worry about it. It is probably minor at best. If your letters have not been submitted, you might want to consider asking your PI, depending on how well you know him, to make sure it at least mentions MD/PhD.

 

[Remuneration]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Your LoR(s) from your research mentor(s) should thoroughly attest to your potential as a scientist. Having some letters with a focus on your potential for medicine probably isn't a negative.

As for your motivation to pursue the dual degree, you did complete the MD/PhD essay, right?

 

[muchomaas]

Thanks for the suggestions. While my letters were submitted to my committee letter school, they have not been submitted to AMCAS, so I'll ask my PIs if they'll just add a few sentences to give it the proper spin. At this point I don't think a few days later will hurt me that much, especially because I can always access the secondaries in advance. And yes, I'm writing the MD/PhD essays now.