didn't shadow D.O....

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

magikdoc

Full Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
May 17, 2008
Messages
104
Reaction score
2
so i didnt shadow a D.O. because of time constraints,

yet i still got 2 interviews next week with D.O. schools

i know they are going to ask me, why I didnt shadow, and I the only answer I can give, is that I simply did not have the time...

I know my stats are already very competitive for D.O. schools, I wonder how much they are going to emphasize shadowing during the interviews,

any comments/advice greatly appreciated!
 
so i didnt shadow a D.O. because of time constraints,

yet i still got 2 interviews next week with D.O. schools

i know they are going to ask me, why I didnt shadow, and I the only answer I can give, is that I simply did not have the time...

I know my stats are already very competitive for D.O. schools, I wonder how much they are going to emphasize shadowing during the interviews,

any comments/advice greatly appreciated!


I've never shadowed anyone. Still got interviews and acceptance. No worries.
None of my interviewers brought it up..
 
Don't sweat it, I didn't shadow any either, and I already have been accepted at two places.
 
Shadowing is a great way to get direct exposure to medicine and, more specifically, osteopathic medicine. It also can help give a nice foundation for answering the infamous "Why DO?" question and being convincing of your commitment during interviews.

However, congrats on the interviews, and if they ask why you didn't shadow, just be honest and sincere. There's a good chance they won't ask, and an even better chance that it won't affect you, at this point.

In the worst case, that you don't get in this year, I'd address a) Interviewing skills and b) Lack of DO shadowing. But that most likely won't be the case. Good luck!
 
Well I just had my NSU interview today and I was grilled for not having a letter from a DO even though I've worked with doctors for the past 5 years and I have an MD letter. Anyways now I'm concerned about it as well.
 
Some schools are a little more into it than others. It is also the luck of the draw with interviewers. I suspect the biggest issue is that they think you are just applying as a backup and not out of an honest interest to become a D.O.
 
I have read up DO's and I think I answer the 'why DO' question well. Usually around that time they also ask if I have shadowed a DO and I just answer with 'no I haven;t', they then move on...3 DO acceptances so far...
 
This worried me at first, too. I think it is just downright ridiculous and stupid to require shadowing of an "osteopathic" physician. Especially since many are not doing hordes of OMT. Personally I was fortunate and found a DO. Except this DO did not do any OMT and was an ER doctor.

So why did I need to bust my hump and worry for weeks about finding a DO to shadow when I could have shadowed an MD at the local hospital and gotten the same exposure to medicine?

Osteopathic "philosophy"? No. Any good physician, DO or MD will take the whole patient into account. Pretending a DO is more empathetic is arrogant and hypocritical.

So... rant done. 🙂
 
Top