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Fair enough, the example of the physician interaction you've described is much more along the lines of working with a research PI. That sort of letter absolutely would carry wa
The problem I have with this is that there are a great many places where it's impossible to work with an academic physician - many very large state schools (Nebraska, Kansas/Kansas State, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama/Auburn, Colorado/Colorado State, Oregon/Oregon State, Washington State, Arizona State, Florida State since it lacks a teaching hospital, and plenty of the biggest schools in Texas come to mind) have separate campuses in different cities for their flagship U and Medical School. The problem is even more widespread for people at a wide number of private schools.
Considering the difficulty most medical students have getting face time with academic faculty at their own institutions to get LOR's for residency and the task for most undergraduates is nearly impossible. This board is about simplifying advice, but in doing that, we have to consider what's the most widely applicable. Simply put, most undergrads aren't going to be in a position to obtain that level of interaction with an academic physician.
Really, we're arguing over a minor detail. Clinical experience is a necessity, I think we're all in agreement here, and not having any (whether volunteering or shadowing) is problematic. It's whether or not you need an LOR out of that experience and the possible implications a physician LOR might represent that we're discussing.
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