applying osteopathic/shadowing DO

[natureboy]

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I applied to all allopathic schools last year and was very unhappy with the final outcome, so this year, I'm only applying to a select few allopathic schools and a TON of osteopathic schools. However, I've never shadowed a DO, but I'm trying really hard to set something up. Will I be at a loss if I have never shadowed a DO? Can I shadow after I submit my secondaries, or will that be too late? Seems a good number of DO schools strongly recommend DO LOR even though I already have an MD LOR. I just want to be a physician...will my dream be cut short this year if I the DO shadowing experience doesn't fall through? I don't want to waste any more money if I know the schools won't accept me without a DO LOR...

Anyone, please advise.

 

[Kappy1]

I applied to all allopathic schools last year and was very unhappy with the final outcome, so this year, I'm only applying to a select few allopathic schools and a TON of osteopathic schools. However, I've never shadowed a DO, but I'm trying really hard to set something up. Will I be at a loss if I have never shadowed a DO? Can I shadow after I submit my secondaries, or will that be too late? Seems a good number of DO schools strongly recommend DO LOR even though I already have an MD LOR. I just want to be a physician...will my dream be cut short this year if I the DO shadowing experience doesn't fall through? I don't want to waste any more money if I know the schools won't accept me without a DO LOR...

Anyone, please advise.

Many students who apply and are accepted to DO schools have not shadowed a DO. DO schools understand that. DO's only make up 5% of the medical community and you may not have a DO in your area. You should be fine without it. Though it can help you get to the interview stage if you do shadow a DO and he went to a school you would like to attend. ADCOM's value their alumni's opinion. Also if you plan on shodowing a DO let him or her send you a letter. Schools accept LOR's through out the interview season. I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!!

 

[Jpc984]

D.O. schools want to know that you are interested in the osteopathic philosophy... A couple of schools require a D.O. letter.

 

[Kappy1]

D.O. schools want to know that you are interested in the osteopathic philosophy... A couple of schools require a D.O. letter.

I didn't mention it but that is also true.👍

 

[natureboy]

Thanks guys. A couple of schools that I'm applying to require a DO LOR, however, when's the latest I can have the LOR sent in? I'm only asking because if they review my file after I submit my secondaries and deny me an interview just because I didn't have the DO LOR yet, I'd be very angry... I'm just trying to avoid this if I can since I haven't submitted my primary application yet.