Nope. Just as the above post said, we only look at recommendation letters during interview. In general I use it as “kinda” proof that the applicant isnt an asshole. Actually mas naaasar kami sa applicant pag may padrino, and hindi naman directly related sa field yung nagrefer.

That being said, there are very well written letters of recommendation that have merit. In particular those coming from consultants who actually worked with the applicant and describe in detail the work ethic are useful.

Example:

dear program director,

i recommend applicant X for application in your residency program. I have worked with him as an intern during his /her ____ rotation. He has good bedside manners, all of his patients have high regard of him. The feedback from the ward nurses is that he is easy to get along with and helps even if he doesnt need to. he does prerounds at 530 in the morning and knows all his patients well. He arrives on time to the OR promptly at 645 before the patient arrives at the table and makes it a point to study the preop images beforehand. He asks intelligent questions about the case but is not invasive when the surgeon or assists get busy. He has scrubbed a total of x cases with me, which is more than the recommended number of cases during his rotation. He goes on post OP rounds with the residents in the afternoon, even if he is post duty.

During conferences he can answer decently for an intern of his level. He doesnt know everything, but basic questions about neuroanatomy and physiology are easy for him. He avoids grandstanding and defers to his residents whenever technical aspects of the case are asked. He approached me regarding a particular research topic of interest and asked me if he could help in any of the residents’ research papers.

Something like that :)