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The 2026-2027 DO School Specific Threads are now available in the School Specific Discussions forum. The 2025-2026 discussions are now available in the prior year discussions forum.
I think it would be more polite if you simply ask, or say something on the order of that you'd greatly appreciate a LOR, as you wish to show the school your committment to osteopathy.
Is it okay (or recommended) that I mention I need a recommendation letter when I email DOs in the area asking to shadow them???
Is it okay (or recommended) that I mention I need a recommendation letter when I email DOs in the area asking to shadow them???
A lot of people say yes, do it. Most DO physicians already know you're going to use him to get that LOR... you don't need to remind him of it, haha. It just makes things awkward. If you need the letter ASAP then you should let him know, as this will speed up the "getting to know just enough about you so he can write a LOR" part. However, if you aren't applying till next cycle... just shadow and let him get to know you naturally. It'll make for a better letter, and it'll be much easier for him to write.
But that's just my take on it. I managed to get a letter just by asking after the third day of shadowing. We had gotten to know each other well, so it was easy.
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Yeah, I never mentioned it up front. I just shadowed and then contacted them after the fact. Did this for 2 cycles and both were happy to do so...I would wait. Like said above, I think most suspect the request, namely because there are so few DOs to choose from when it comes to getting a LOR. They had to do the very same thing back in the day, so they understand it's probably coming.
