Who Can Write Your Letter of Recommendation for Medical School (And Who is Best to Ask)

As a premed student, one of the most important steps in the application process for medical school is securing strong letters of recommendation (LoRs). These letters provide admissions committees with insight into who you are beyond your grades, MCAT scores, and extracurricular activities. They offer a snapshot of your character, work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and potential to succeed as a medical student. However, not all letters are created equal, and knowing who to ask for a recommendation is just as crucial as understanding how to ask.

In this post, we’ll explore the types of individuals who can write your letter of recommendation, and provide guidance on who is the best person to ask to ensure you submit a compelling and impactful application.

Who Can Write a Letter of Recommendation for Medical School?

When it comes to choosing someone to write your medical school letter of recommendation, it’s important to first understand the different types of people who can legally and appropriately write one for you. Generally, medical schools ask for:

1. Letters from science faculty (often a professor from a biology, chemistry, or physics department)

2. Letters from non-science faculty (optional but helpful in providing a well-rounded view of you as a student)

3. Clinical mentors (someone you’ve worked with in a healthcare or clinical setting, such as a physician or nurse)

4. Research mentors (if applicable, someone who supervised your research experience)

5. Volunteering or service-based mentors (someone who has worked closely with you in community service or volunteering)

Most medical schools will ask for a minimum of three letters of recommendation, although the exact requirements can vary depending on the institution.

The Best People to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

While there are several people who technically can write your letter of recommendation, the best people to ask are those who can speak to your abilities, character, and passion for medicine in a meaningful and personal way. Here are the most effective choices for letter writers:

1. Science Professors (Ideally, One or Two)

Why Ask Them? One of the most important components of your medical school application is your academic performance, particularly in the sciences. A letter from a science professor who knows you well can speak to your intellectual abilities, work ethic, and ability to succeed in challenging coursework—all of which are important qualities for a future physician.

What Makes a Strong Science Letter?

• A science professor who has taught you in a rigorous class (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physics) and can speak to your performance in terms of both grades and intellectual curiosity.

• Someone who can provide concrete examples of your academic achievements, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ideally, a professor who can comment on your ability to learn and engage with complex material, as this is a key indicator of how you’ll handle medical school coursework.

Who to Ask:

• Professors you’ve had multiple classes with: They can speak to your growth over time and offer a more comprehensive perspective on your academic capabilities.

• Professors from research or independent study projects: If you’ve done research under a professor’s supervision, they can highlight your analytical skills, dedication, and creativity.

2. Clinical Mentors (Physicians, Nurses, or Other Healthcare Professionals)

Why Ask Them? As a premed, one of the most valuable aspects of your application is the clinical exposure and hands-on experience you’ve gained through shadowing, volunteering, or working in healthcare settings. A letter from a clinical mentor, such as a physician or nurse who has worked with you directly, will demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare field, your communication skills, and your ability to work in a medical environment.

What Makes a Strong Clinical Letter?

• Your mentor can speak to your interpersonal skills, professionalism, and compassion—critical attributes for a physician.

• They can describe your work ethic and how you interact with patients and staff in a clinical setting.

• They can provide examples of how you handled medical situations, patient interactions, or team-based care.

Who to Ask:

• Physicians you’ve shadowed: If you’ve spent significant time shadowing a physician, they are often the best people to ask for a letter. They have observed you directly interacting with patients and medical teams.

• Healthcare professionals you’ve worked closely with: If you’ve worked as a medical scribe, a nursing assistant, or in another healthcare role, those who supervised or mentored you can write strong letters that highlight your clinical aptitude and commitment to medicine.

3. Research Mentors (If Applicable)

Why Ask Them? If you’ve conducted significant research in a lab or clinical setting, a letter from your research mentor can highlight your analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and commitment to scientific inquiry—all important traits for future physicians, especially in academic medicine.

What Makes a Strong Research Letter?

• The letter should discuss your contributions to research, how you approach scientific questions, and any specific projects or papers you worked on.

• It should speak to your attention to detail, critical thinking, and ability to work independently in a lab setting.

Who to Ask:

• Principal investigators or research supervisors with whom you’ve worked closely.

• Professors or mentors from research programs where you’ve contributed substantially to a project or published a paper.

4. Non-Science Professors (Optional but Helpful)

Why Ask Them? Although medical schools primarily focus on your science coursework, a letter from a non-science professor can round out your application and demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual. This can be particularly valuable if you’ve excelled in humanities, social sciences, or other fields that showcase important skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork.

What Makes a Strong Non-Science Letter?

• This letter should speak to your character, work ethic, and ability to communicate effectively.

• The letter can highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or your dedication to community service.

Who to Ask:

• Professors who know you personally: Ideally, someone who has taught you in a smaller class and can speak to your qualities as a student and individual.

• Professors who have seen you engage in leadership, debate, or other activities: If you’ve been actively involved in extracurriculars like clubs, student government, or volunteering, a non-science professor who knows you in this context can provide a valuable perspective.

5. Volunteer or Service Mentors

Why Ask Them? Letters from mentors in service or volunteer roles are valuable because they reflect your commitment to service, your compassion for others, and your ability to work in diverse teams—all key qualities that medical schools highly value.

What Makes a Strong Service Letter?

• This letter can speak to your compassion, teamwork, and ability to handle difficult or challenging situations.

• Your mentor can describe how you’ve demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and service to underserved populations.

Who to Ask:

• Mentors from community service projects: If you’ve worked with underserved communities or in hospitals, a mentor from this context can speak to your dedication to helping others.

• Supervisors from volunteering roles: Whether it’s a hospital volunteer program, a health advocacy group, or a clinic, a service mentor who’s observed your work ethic can provide valuable insight.

Who Should You Ask First?

Ultimately, the best person to ask for a letter of recommendation is someone who can speak to your core strengths as a future physician, whether it’s your academic abilities, clinical experience, or character. That being said, your science professor and clinical mentor are often the most critical individuals to approach because they directly speak to the skills and experiences most relevant to medical school admissions.

Make sure that you choose someone who knows you well, has observed your work closely, and can write a personalized letter with specific examples of your qualities and abilities. The more they can speak to your potential and the unique contributions you’ll make as a future physician, the stronger your letter will be.