LOR from a non-MD Healthcare Practitioner

[byron108]

I am applying to Med School this cycle and I had an MD LOR lined up, but that fell through because my physician is really busy. I also spent 9 months shadowing/interning with a Chiropractor who allowed me a lot of responsibility such as interacting with patients, prepping materials for treatments, and even performing some of the therapies in the office. I have a good relationship with that Chiropractor, but I was wondering whether a LOR from her would be looked upon favorably. I will probably get another LOR from a different MD anyway but it wouldn't be as strong of a letter as the one from the chiropractor since she knows me a lot better and has seen my work ethic and other redeeming qualities whereas my backup MD I only shadowed for 2 days.

Help!! What do you guys think.

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[whitemagic]

Given the extremely negative view that many physicians have of alternative medicine, I would say absolutely not.

 

[byron108]

Given the extremely negative view that many physicians have of alternative medicine, I would say absolutely not.

Even though I didn't really do anything alternative? I got a lot of direct patient experience, and I got the opportunity to set up QEEGs as well as see how healthcare administration works... Would the potential "character letter" benefit outweigh the credentials of DC vs MD?

 

[spartan25]

The general consensus is physician letters are fluff. Therefore chiropractor letters (for an MD application) are a step below fluff

 

[whitemagic]

That is just my opinion, I'll let the adcoms roll by and give you a better answer. Replace chiropractor with homeopath: would you still be asking this question?

 

[gyngyn]

This would be below fluff. Lint?

 

[byron108]

Haha oh gosh. Well thanks for the input. Guess I won't be putting it on my activities list either....

 

[allantois]

An NP, PA, RT or other who worked with for an extensive period of time might be worth something.

But a Chiropractor isnt even lint. Its more like that annoying tissue that got in the dryer and got all over your clothes and just makes you frustrated and pissed.

Until you get some back pain and a prescription for pain meds from your doc.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Chiropractor?

No, definitely not.

 

[The Milkman]

If the letter assesses OP's character, qualities and personality, why does it matter if it's from a chiropractor, nurse, professor, doctor, boss, etc? Its not like OP only shadowed a doctor and asked for a letter, they actually worked with/for the chiropractor and built a relationship that allows her to write a positive letter about their positive attrubutes. As long as the letter doesn't go on the topic of why OP should be a chiropractor, I really don't see why this would be a negative letter...

 

[spartan25]

If the letter assesses OP's character, qualities and personality, why does it matter if it's from a chiropractor, nurse, professor, doctor, boss, etc? Its not like OP only shadowed a doctor and asked for a letter, they actually worked with/for the chiropractor and built a relationship that allows her to write a positive letter about their positive attrubutes. As long as the letter doesn't go on the topic of why OP should be a chiropractor, I really don't see why this would be a negative letter...

Mainly the issue is shadowing letters in general are not useful. About the best thing that can come from them is "Johnny did a great job of following me around for a week. He was courteous, showed up on time, and wore a nice tie." This doesn't add anything substantial to one's application.

 

[Goro]

You might as well get a LOR from a Mayan shaman, a Hogwarts-trained herbologist, or a naturopath.

I am applying to Med School this cycle and I had an MD LOR lined up, but that fell through because my physician is really busy. I also spent 9 months shadowing/interning with a Chiropractor who allowed me a lot of responsibility such as interacting with patients, prepping materials for treatments, and even performing some of the therapies in the office. I have a good relationship with that Chiropractor, but I was wondering whether a LOR from her would be looked upon favorably. I will probably get another LOR from a different MD anyway but it wouldn't be as strong of a letter as the one from the chiropractor since she knows me a lot better and has seen my work ethic and other redeeming qualities whereas my backup MD I only shadowed for 2 days.

Help!! What do you guys think.

 

[spartan25]

You might as well get a LOR from a Mayan shaman, a Hogwarts-trained herbologist, or a naturopath.

If I could get a LOR from Professor Sprout I would totally add that to my application

 

[Catalystik]

You might as well get a LOR from . . a Hogwarts-trained herbologist, . . . .

Whoa, let's not go that far. Mad skills would be needed to get a good letter from such a source. And I'd want to read it.

 

[Psai]

You might as well get a LOR from a Mayan shaman, a Hogwarts-trained herbologist, or a naturopath.

i would go to the hogwarts guy

 

[Catalystik]

Can't use interfolio but have to go with iOWL

Do AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS accept that service? Must have been in a memo I missed.

 

[cloudmurder1]

Off topic, but it's in your best interest to change your picture as soon as possible.

 

[Deranged Medic]

Can't use interfolio but have to go with iOWL

Or just send a Howler directly to all the schools.

 

[NickNaylor]

That's most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! Do you know how much it would cost to send howlers to 18 MD schools, 8 DO schools and TDMSAS? I would have to hock my wand and broom to afford that!

Tough times.