I think you should use your best referees during each
attempt. Is there a problem with them being used for
both Canadian, and US schools? If there isn't, all
you need to do is ask your referees to hold onto an
electronic copy of the reference letter, and this way
you can personalise it as appropriate for each individual medical school. There's no rule stating that you can't use the same three referees repeatedly.
As for your second question, when I applied, UBC only
had a requirement that one of the three reference
letters be from a university professor, or someone
along those lines who could testify as to your
academic skills. Therefore, I chose a fourth year
professor who taught an interesting Neurobiology
course, in addition to a close Doctor friend, and my
high school Biology teacher, who I've been very close to.
Under the new restrictions, should you wish to apply here, it looks like might you
want to pick out your supervisor, a close associate
for your personal qualities, and one from a volunteer
co-ordinator. Make sure the volunteer co-ordinator
can write a good reference letter; leave him/her your
resume for more information. I say this only because
co-ordinators are notorious for writing: Mr.
So-and-so worked 230 hours at the hospital, and was a
valued member of the volunteer team. End stop. Not a useful reference letter.
Also, don't forget to ask your referees well in advance.
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