Try to make up for one weak letter?

[meander]

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I'm applying to MD programs with a focus on research, and I think my background/experience/LORs reflect that well. That said, I'm doing my best to present some balance, so I felt it was important to submit a LOR from the free clinic where I volunteer every week. I thought I would be able to get a letter written by one of the doctors at the clinic, but I've just found out that the letter will be coming from the volunteer coordinator instead, who is new to the role and doesn't know me at all. She assured me that she uses "the same templates" that the doctors would have used, but I'm really uncomfortable and concerned I'm going to get a perfunctory form letter ("meander is punctual and friendly to patients, meander has volunteered with us for X hours," etc) that isn't even signed by an MD.

Could this weak letter by itself negatively impact my application? I don't have any other service activities that I could obtain a LOR from unfortunately. I could additionally get a strong letter from my athletics coach (I wasn't going to have him write at all) just to have one more strong letter, but I know it doesn't fill the same niche as this at all. What do you all think?

 

[ski89]

This letter will absolutely not 'hurt' you, but yes an MD might be better.

What letters do you have so far?

 

[meander]

What letters do you have so far?

I have three math/science professors, one whom I've published with; an MD I've done clinical research for and am about to be published with; and my manager from my corporate job (I'm a non-trad). ETA: also will be submitting a committee letter.

 

[ski89]

I have three math/science professors, one whom I've published with; an MD I've done clinical research for and am about to be published with; and my manager from my corporate job (I'm a non-trad).

You are all set. Don't worry about this other letter, especially since you already have one from an MD.

Edit: just make sure you check LOR requirements for all the schools you apply to, you should be fine with these letters but a few schools have some strange requirements

 

[Noctámbulo]

Letters from MD's mean very little. They are almost always positive and removed and, thus, often ignored by admissions committees. I would suggest sticking with professor, PI, and committee letters.