Clueless, in need of advice.

[Epohi]

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I've recently been researching more and more about the differences of MD and DO.

And after doing so, D.O. seems like a route that really parallels a "natural" sort of approach which is definitely drawing me into it. (I am a big environmentalist)

However, I am quite lost in the admissions requirements for D.O. schools. I've read that Shadowing a D.O. Physician is actually Required... not recommended? is this true?

What other additional differences are there in the application process that I should be aware of for applying to D.O. schools?

I will be a 3rd year at UCI with a 3.6 (no mcats yet) and have the cookie cutter EQs as of right now.

 

[LADoc84]

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[RySerr21]

I've recently been researching more and more about the differences of MD and DO.

And after doing so, D.O. seems like a route that really parallels a "natural" sort of approach which is definitely drawing me into it. (I am a big environmentalist)

However, I am quite lost in the admissions requirements for D.O. schools. I've read that Shadowing a D.O. Physician is actually Required... not recommended? is this true?

What other additional differences are there in the application process that I should be aware of for applying to D.O. schools?

I will be a 3rd year at UCI with a 3.6 (no mcats yet) and have the cookie cutter EQs as of right now.

This is only true for a few schools. Check out this link that shows every schools LOR requirement, courtesy of Chocolate Bear's signature.

Which schools require DO letters?

 

[Cale]

If you're truly interested in becoming a D.O., you have to do your research. All of your questions are great, but why not call the actual schools for answers. You ask if schools require you to shadow a D.O. There are some schools that do, but many of them don't. Call up an admissions advisor to the school you're interested in and ask them. Most will say that it's not required, but it's definitly a good idea. Many admission advisors are happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have.

You can even setup a time to meet with an admissions advisor at the campus itself. The advisor will look at where you currently are academically and point you in the right direction. This also gives you a great chance to see the school and ask all the questions you have about the osteopathic path to becoming a doctor.

I'm not trying to be mean, but you need to ask the source to truly get the answers you need.

 

[CrownwithCoke]

Is that really true? I just used my personal statement from my AMCAS appliaction, which was general and didn't mention anything about osteopathy. I also have no letter of reference from any D.O. (only M.D.'s) and have not shadowed or worked with a D.O. either. If my stats are decent (3.6gpa 30 mcat) is there really no chance for me to get in anywhere??😕😕😕

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Is that really true? I just used my personal statement from my AMCAS appliaction, which was general and didn't mention anything about osteopathy. I also have no letter of reference from any D.O. (only M.D.'s) and have not shadowed or worked with a D.O. either. If my stats are decent (3.6gpa 30 mcat) is there really no chance for me to get in anywhere??😕😕😕

Many don't mention osteopathic medicine in their PS. Many also don't have a DO letter. And your stats are above average for DO schools.

However, how will you be able to speak intelligently about your future profession without any contact? You still have time. Cold call some DOs and try to shadow one for a few shifts and talk to them. It'll help your case immensely. 👍

 

[engineeredout]

And after doing so, D.O. seems like a route that really parallels a "natural" sort of approach which is definitely drawing me into it. (I am a big environmentalist)

Sounds like you'd be more interested in getting a N.D.

 

[Epohi]

If you're truly interested in becoming a D.O., you have to do your research. All of your questions are great, but why not call the actual schools for answers. You ask if schools require you to shadow a D.O. There are some schools that do, but many of them don't. Call up an admissions advisor to the school you're interested in and ask them. Most will say that it's not required, but it's definitly a good idea. Many admission advisors are happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have.

You can even setup a time to meet with an admissions advisor at the campus itself. The advisor will look at where you currently are academically and point you in the right direction. This also gives you a great chance to see the school and ask all the questions you have about the osteopathic path to becoming a doctor.

I'm not trying to be mean, but you need to ask the source to truly get the answers you need.

Wow, Cale, thanks for this.

I had no idea a general student could contact a school advisor and get questions answered, let alone some 1on1 time.

In fact, I find myself saying "why didn't i think of that" as of right now. haha.

Again, thanks for all your input - it's really helpful

 

[Epohi]

Sounds like you'd be more interested in getting a N.D.

Yeah, didn't I mention I am getting a N.D. along with an N.H.D ?

Oh, I guess I forgot.

 

[LADoc84]

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[CrownwithCoke]

thanks chocolatebear and ladoc84...

yeah i have been looking up D.O.'s near my school, so I will probably try to shadow one of them once my school starts up again... not sure if ill be able to get a recommendation but ill definitely get to know them and get some advice.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

thanks chocolatebear and ladoc84...

yeah i have been looking up D.O.'s near my school, so I will probably try to shadow one of them once my school starts up again... not sure if ill be able to get a recommendation but ill definitely get to know them and get some advice.

Oh yeah! Read this book, too--immediately!