• 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.

D.O. Recommendation Letters

Started by wvumedboy
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

wvumedboy

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I will be applying to medical schools this upcoming summer and I am concerned with my recommendation letter from a physician. I have a close relationship with an MD orthopedic surgeon but I am applying to both MD and DO schools. Where I live there are not many DOs. Would it hurt if I submitted an MD recommendation letter to DO Schools?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I know of people who have been accepted with only a MD letter. If you cannot find a DO to shadow by the time you apply, just do your research on the schools you are applying to. I know WVSOM requires a DO LOR, but I'm not sure about any other schools. Also make sure you are able to answer "why DO?" if you cannot find a DO to shadow!
 
Not at all, expect for those schools that require a DO LOR.

I will be applying to medical schools this upcoming summer and I am concerned with my recommendation letter from a physician. I have a close relationship with an MD orthopedic surgeon but I am applying to both MD and DO schools. Where I live there are not many DOs. Would it hurt if I submitted an MD recommendation letter to DO Schools?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I applied DO with a MD letter. I was accepted at every school I interviewed at. Take the letter of the physician that knows you best! Obviously don't apply to schools that require DO letters.