Reference Letters from Two Vets from the Same Clinic

[eventer1594]

Hi guys 
I'm looking for some input on my situation. I was wondering if anyone has expiriences/ opinions on giving your two vet reference letters from vets at the same clinic. In all the admissions info I have it says this is not really desirable. This summer I intended to be volunteering at three seperate clinics, however in early May one of them,  an equine clinic where I had volunteered last year, offered me a five day a week job. I was also studying for the MCAT so was using all The rest of my time for that. So I didn't start volunteering at the other clinics regularly until after I wrote the MCaT in July. Therefore I have a massive amount of large animal expirience from one clinic where I worked a lot with two seperate vets, and a comparably small amount of companion animal expirience from the other two clinics. 

So my question is, is it better for me to get reference letters from two veterinarians for the same clinic, whom I worked with a lot and know me well, or two veterinarians from different clinics, one of which might not be able to give as comprehensive a summary of me? Thoughts? Anyone been through a similar situation? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Guest `11212]

I used two letters form the same clinic and I have a few friends that did as well as long as you have one other vet (3 DVM) references I havent really heard of it being a problem

[lowenger]

You won't be penalized.

[eventer1594]

What I meant is that I was planning on using two DVM references from vets from the same clinic, and my third from past employers, who are not veterinarians. Will this be detrimental? I will still list my expirience at the other clinics in my application, I just won't be getting reference letters from either of them.

[lowenger]

You won't be penalized ... so it is not detrimental.

[eventer1594]

Ok. Thank you.

[elephant123]

What about 3 reference letters from veterinarians at the same vet clinic? Would this be detrimental?
I have worked many hours at this vet clinic, and all the veterinarians know me very well and would be able to fill out the referee assessment form very thouroughly and would all give me an excellent reference letter. However, although all 3 vets work at the same clinic, it is a very large clinic with many different departments. The vets I have asked for a reference letter are from different departments and therefore each vet have seen me perform in a different environment.
I could get a reference letter from a different vet clinic where I volunteered 2 years ago, however I feel as though the veterinarian there would not be able to fill out the referee form as well as the vets at the other vet clinic. 

Thank you in advance for the help!

[lowenger]

The third reference is not a vet reference. You should read the information about references at www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/recruitment/en/applyingtodvm/Nonacademicrequirements.asp

[elephant123]

I thought that it still could be from a vet? I understand that two MUST be from a veterinarian, but I thought the third could be from anyone who knows you in a professional context.

[lowenger]

In your case I would suggest a third reference from another place. Someone who could speak to other skills that you have.

[lowenger]

Please use your best judgement.

[JJ94]

Hi Elizabeth!
I am using 2 DVMs from the same clinic and was considering using a tech from the same clinic as my third (I have worked extensively with this clinic and my other veterinary experiences have only been shadowing). I could potentially use a previous manager from when I used to groom dogs at another business, but I thought it would be better to use a tech as opposed to a grooming salon manager. In my case, would it be more advisable to use the tech? or to opt for the manager without veterinary experience... I am very on the fence. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

[lowenger]

I'd say the best option is the person who knows you the best and who will give you a stellar referee assessment