Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out how/when to make the transition! I don't want to give off the vibe that the only reason why I'm shadowing is to get the DO letter (and of course, that's not the case but I ALSO do not want to give the vibe that I'm planning on shadwing indefinitely!) So from your experience when should I pitch the question/request for an LOR? I'll shadow the DO physician all day for one day next week but he also gave me other times that he's available next week and the week after. Should I request him to shadow him for several times and then request him a letter or should it be way more than "several times" in your opinion? I have a letter from an MD physician and I have worked with him for two years so it was just very easy to get and receive the LOR....thoughts on the timing?
Converting DO Shadowing to DO LOR!
- Thread starter ldesczi
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yeah that's hat I read and that's why I feel confused..how can someone even write you anything somewhat meaningful based having you in the room for 6 hours without any interaction? I also don't want to overdo it but I guess I'll figure out on Monday!
Also what are good questions to ask besides the regular: OMT, what you like/dislike about your specialty, etc.
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All my letters are from doctors that I scribe for every day, so I'm not a good person to ask considering I talk to them on a daily basis. Most docs are pretty conversational, though, and will ask you questions about your pursuits as well. If it takes you a few days of shadowing to ask, that's fine, but you don't need to shadow the same person 10+ times in order to ask for a letter.
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When I asked docs for a LoR, I created a packet with a typed letter that explained my situation and had instructions on how to send the letter, and when I would need it by, it also had my resume, and copies of my college transcripts. I think that's the best approach when trying to get a letter from a doc who doesn't know you too well
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I did pretty much the same thing as @TopTomato , my university's premed committee gave us an instructional letter to give to letter writers, additionally I included a resume, a set of transcripts, and a brief personal essay.
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I was in a similar position to you OP. In the end, I felt more comfortable taking several shifts. All told I shadowed ~20 hours before mentioning it.
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I was lucky enough that the DO I shadowed offered to me write me a LOR after just a few hours of shadowing the first day. However, I think it's important to continue to shadow the DO who writes your LOR a number of times so you can continue to make a good impression on them.
Thanks everyone for your responses. VERY helpful! I'm just thankful I could convince one DO to let me shadow..I probably live in a place with not that many in the first place.
Kayce: CV is pretty much equivalent to a "resume" for us undergrads/recent-grads (it means slightly different thing for "more accomplished" folks hah).
Kayce: CV is pretty much equivalent to a "resume" for us undergrads/recent-grads (it means slightly different thing for "more accomplished" folks hah).
Thanks, will keep that in mind!
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Guys does anyone know if there's ever a risk of getting a bad LOR from DO they shadowed?!
I'm terrified of that notion. I think at most schools they filter out the bad parts of the other letters but a DO letter wouldn't be sent to a school's committee.
I'm terrified of that notion. I think at most schools they filter out the bad parts of the other letters but a DO letter wouldn't be sent to a school's committee.
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If you think you did not behave well during shadowing, don't ask. Get someone else.
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I asked after my first day of shadowing, she was very receptive to it and said whatever she could do to help... Just ask if you feel comfortable enough around the doctor. Most DOs know that they are in the minority as far as being fewer # of DOs to MDs and that you will need a DO letter to apply to osteopathic schools.
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Luckily, we have a few DOs in town. I went to them and stated I was looking for shadow opportunities to see the profession and obtain strong letter of recommendation. We matched up shedules and set a few dates. 1x week for a month and went from there. Wasn't difficult and they have been more than happy to help
