Medical What's the importance of letters of recommendation?

[MusicDOc124]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have been involved at my local MD school for research the past 3 years in their otolaryngology department (still ongoing). I have 2 recommendation letters from professors at the school of medicine. 1 from the professor of the surgery department / communication disorders that I’ve worked side by side with for research. I also have 1 from a professor there that teaches an internal medicine and emergency medicine classes who is also a really good friend and assistant to the Dean.

My question would be, are these rec letters considered good to med schools (specifically my local MD) or are they going to be seen as equals to my science professors and volunteers mentors? I’ve heard rec letters can be strong, but have never known what is considered strong and the weight it can have on an application.

Strong doesn't necessarily have to do with where the letter is coming from as much as the content. Example strong letter: xyz student exceeded my expectations and in amongst the top students I've had the pleasure to work with since I've been teaching/doing research etc. Example weak/bad letter: xyz is a good student who shows up on time and does what is needed. Where the letter comes from may matter when all else is equal, but no name or letter head can overcome a letter with bad or lacking content.

With that said, you state that you've worked with these two doing research as a medical school. Assuming you perform quite well, they could be strong letters, but without knowing you, I also can't compare your relationships.

It's up to you to decided what letters you feel will be the strongest by the relationship you have with the given writer.

Good luck.

 

[Catalystik]

Keep in mind that med schools have limits on the number of LORs that they accept. DO NOT EXCEED THEM! Your first priority will be science and nonscience letters from faculty that taught you, that address your academic potential and critical thinking skills. Next might be the research letter. Next would be a volunteer mentor. The letter from the Dean's friend (you didn't specify the relationship to yourself) might only be helpful at that one school.