What do I do with this Letter of Rec?

[Entol]

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Two questions:

I'm doing basic science research over the summer before I start medical school, and I asked my researcher for a letter of recommendation. I think it will be fairly strong. However, I read somewhere that you should only submit recommendations from people who know your CLINICAL SKILLS, not just basic science. So here are my two questions:

1) Is it worth hanging on to letters of recommendation from basic science researchers that you work under to apply for residency?

2) Where do I have him send the letter itself since i am not applying for residency for 3 years still?

-Entol

 

[tubbs]

keep it.

you may think about doing research again during a med school summer. it may come in handy.

you probably can just have him hand it to you in person since you don't need it for any application for the moment.

 

[HiddenTruth]

Wouldn't you just ask him to give you one maybe closer to application time? I mean isn't it wierd turning in a LOR for RESIDENCIES that is datd almost 3.5 years ago? Seems odd--but I'm in a similar situation, although I am doing clinical research in btwn M1 and M2. I wasn't going to ask for a LOR at the end of the summer. I was going to try to come up one more time for a rotation or something, and perhaps get a letter then--much closer to the time of applying. Any thoughts--

 

[Seaglass]

By the time you apply the letter will be a bit dated. Also, unless you are applying to a program that is VERY into research it is best to keep your LOR's clinically focused. Don't worry, you have plenty of time to get more letters. Most students get them from the second half of 3rd year/first half of 4th.

C

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Have the person write the letter with it put into a sealed envelope. A few years later when it comes time to use it. Approach the letter writer with the recommendation, and ask for him to retype it and redate it. Should only take a few minutes out of his day.

Just a thought.

 

[HiddenTruth]

Have the person write the letter with it put into a sealed envelope. A few years later when it comes time to use it. Approach the letter writer with the recommendation, and ask for him to retype it and redate it. Should only take a few minutes out of his day.

Just a thought.

Is that a norm?

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Is that a norm?

Since I have yet to be there, or do that, I'm not sure if that is the norm. In a couple of ways, it can be helpful.

1)The letter is composed with the recommendee in 'fresh' recollection.
2)Because it is in a sealed envelope with his/her sig on it, it should hopefully remain confidential.
3)Once it is re-printed and redated, it will look the same as any other recommendation.

Again, this is just an idea to possibly solve your dillemma. 👍

 

[HiddenTruth]

Good advice--Thanks dude