One of my letter writers (doctor I shadow) asked me to write a letter of recommendation template/draft for her to edit and send to AMCAS. Does anyone know what I should include in that letter or have a format I could follow? Thanks.
You're technically not allowed to write up a draft for her from my understanding. Since it's suppose to be about how the doctor feels about you, not about how you feel about yourself. If you get caught, there can be serious repercussions. Although you can probably just send a LOR template and examples that you can find by googling.
If you do decide to write a LOR for yourself (and I know plenty of people who do), just make it believable. Because you may be shooting yourself in the foot.
What exactly do you mean by "technically not allowed"? What are you violating? This is common and there is nothing to get "caught" on. At the end of the day, it is the letter writer's signature. They are vouching for whatever ends up in the letter.
Awesome, I got lied to.That isnt correct. While I personally dont think it is a great idea to do, it is perfectly legal to do so. The person who asked you to write it for them will presumably read it before signing it.
Attached is the AAMC LOR writers guide.
I understand why a physician you have only shadowed would be unable to write you a very strong letter, but where exactly are most students supposed to receive one? Most research opportunities for undergrads don't involve research with a physician, and most volunteering opportunities that at least I was presented with involved even less actual interaction with a physician than shadowing would. That pretty much just leaves scribing and maybe a select few other jobs.
My cycle has gone better than expected with a letter from a doctor I shadowed, and even if it hadn't gone well I am a scribe, so I'm not personally complaining. I just don't see where most students are supposed to be cashing in on these great letters from doctors they have had extensive interaction with.
Is there a requirement for a letter from a physician that I'm not aware of?
Maybe you can try your primary care doctor, they probably know you better than the dude you shadowed.
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Il Destriero
My prehealth committee requires a physician letter. I'd assume there are at least a few other schools who do as well.Is there a requirement for a letter from a physician that I'm not aware of?
Maybe you can try your primary care doctor, they probably know you better than the dude you shadowed.
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Il Destriero
So I had the bright idea of asking them if I can help him on the LOR...
I should have phrased that in a better way.I feel like this makes your situation different, and why you got the lecture. If the idea came from you, that looks a little different than OP's situation. Just my $.02.
But the info that @gonnif recommended is great...I've had plenty of students who have been in a similar situation, given the brochure to their writer, and got a good letter from it.
I should have phrased that in a better way.
The only idea I had was asking them if it would be a problem. My doctor was actually asking for input from me. Heck, he even sent me the LOR itself, but I was too scared to actually read it. Since I was under the impression that I'm not allowed to give my input. Hence, why I asked.
Now that I think about it, I should've just helped him write it. Since there was little to no chance of it getting found out.
Sadly, this was last year when it happened. So it's too late to fix things now. I just wish I had done the same because he really had no idea what to do, but was kind and wanted to help me.A doc I shadowed and interviewed with offered to write me a letter because she liked me. She asked for a template and a resume. I provided her both, and the letter she turned them into was incredible. *shrug* It just depends on the doc.
That said, if you're early in the process and have time to either find another writer or build a stronger relationship that could better guarantee a strong letter, do that.