DO LOR requirement

[235788]

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What schools only strongly suggest it? I'm thinking about firing out a last minute DO app to Ohio U, but would like to add another school or so. I do not have a DO LOR -- but may be able to get one in the next couple of months.

3.7/3.6/29mcat solids ECs
-> corrected to 3.8/3.7

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[DrWily]

The only school that I can remember that REQUIRES a DO Letter are the LECOMs. Everybody else either strongly prefers DO or less. As long as you don't apply to LECOM, then you should be fine applying anywhere else with just an MD letter.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

There was a list going around and it was basically the schools I didn't apply to, and the ones that are heavily biased regionally.

 

[235788]

Do people get accepted without the DO lor? Or am i just throwing money away applying without?

 

[DrWily]

Do people get accepted without the DO lor? Or am i just throwing money away applying without?

Yes people get accepted without a DO LOR. It's definitely not a huge hinderance.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Look at my mdapps. I didn't have a DO letter. Granted I had only 2 acceptances, but lots of interview offers that I withdrew. Plenty get accepted without it.

 

[Art3MiS]

Does AZCOM/CCOM require one? I heard that they do, even though they put strongly recommended.

 

[DrWily]

AZCOM: I got an interview invite with only an MD letter, and at my interview, the interviewers didn't even know I had submitted a DO letter. This doesn't help much, but it's all I have.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Does AZCOM/CCOM require one? I heard that they do, even though they put strongly recommended.

Nope. Offered interviews at both with an MD letter.

 

[tenndoc]

No letter for me

 

[AnthroDocFL]

How many more DO letter threads are there going to be? If anyone is that concerned about it then they should just get one. If anything it will give you something to talk about during an interview for the all too common "Why D.O.?" question.

And for the record, LECOM doesn't even require ANY letters before an interview invite decision is made. It has also been suggested that they will even give you the opportunity to get a D.O. letter on the spot... Letters are only required for the final decision.

 

[COMedic2Doc]

How many more DO letter threads are there going to be? If anyone is that concerned about it then they should just get one. If anything it will give you something to talk about during an interview for the all too common "Why D.O.?" question.

And for the record, LECOM doesn't even require ANY letters before an interview invite decision is made. It has also been suggested that they will even give you the opportunity to get a D.O. letter on the spot... Letters are only required for the final decision.

Citing LECOM may not be your strongest point on the DO letter discussion, but I do agree that there are way too many threads about this subject.

 

[AnthroDocFL]

Citing LECOM may not be your strongest point on the DO letter discussion, but I do agree that there are way too many threads about this subject.

True. It was just in response to what DrWily posted about the LECOMs being the only schools that require a DO letter. I still think that if someone has the option of shadowing and getting a DO letter they should because I think it shows initiative and also because it gives the applicant something to discuss during the interview for the "why DO?" question.

 

[circulus vitios]

Are DO physicians aware of this requirement at some schools? Is asking for a LOR from physician who you shadowed for a few days as awkward as I imagine it to be? What do admissions committees look to see in a DO LOR? "circulus vitios followed me around all day. I highly recommend him."

 

[AnthroDocFL]

Are DO physicians aware of this requirement at some schools? Is asking for a LOR from physician who you shadowed for a few days as awkward as I imagine it to be? What do admissions committees look to see in a DO LOR? "circulus vitios followed me around all day. I highly recommend him."

From Des Moines University's website:

Suggestions for letter writers:
Medical exposure letter writer, please describe a few of the following:

How does the applicant interact with patients?
How well did the applicant perform in a medical setting?
How did he/she respond to stressful situations?
What was the level of awareness of patient, diagnosis or health care issues?
Interpersonal and communication skills
Level of clinical experience
Did he/she demonstrate any exceptional initiative and/or professionalism?
How long have you known or had contact with the applicant?
Did they shadow or observe your practice?
Any other relevant information that might give us insight about the applicant.

 

[circulus vitios]

From Des Moines University's website:

Suggestions for letter writers:
Medical exposure letter writer, please describe a few of the following:

How does the applicant interact with patients?
How well did the applicant perform in a medical setting?
How did he/she respond to stressful situations?
What was the level of awareness of patient, diagnosis or health care issues?
Interpersonal and communication skills
Level of clinical experience
Did he/she demonstrate any exceptional initiative and/or professionalism?
How long have you known or had contact with the applicant?
Did they shadow or observe your practice?
Any other relevant information that might give us insight about the applicant.

I haven't shadowed (yet) so correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the role of shadow to stand in a corner, watch, and shut up?

 

[AnthroDocFL]

I haven't shadowed (yet) so correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the role of shadow to stand in a corner, watch, and shut up?

Like in hospital volunteering there's not much you know how to do for the patient yet so your access and duties are severely limited. You can still interact professionally with patients and talk with them. Ask to see labs and stuff so you can get an idea of normal ranges, etc. I think the most important thing to do while shadowing is to not be afraid of asking questions where appropriate. Always be professional. You'll end up getting a lot more out of the experience this way.

But back to the DO letter, the more you interact (appropriately) with the patient and doctor the more the doctor will be able to assess your candidacy for medical school.

 

[DrWily]

This thread was dead for 4 months before tenndoc brought it back. As for LECOM, they heavily suggested that my D.O. letter be submitted to them before even attending my interview (back in September). As far as the "they'll give you one on the spot," I've yet to see proof of this. Just some mention by a few people who know other people. That being said, if you desire any chance of attending LECOM, I'd get a D.O. LOR before the interview just to show your dedication. Otherwise, an MD letter should suffice for most schools. If you want to be more competitive, then definitely get that D.O. Letter. I applied with one MD letter, then added on a DO letter later.

 

[tenndoc]

This thread was dead for 4 months before tenndoc brought it back. As for LECOM, they heavily suggested that my D.O. letter be submitted to them before even attending my interview (back in September). As far as the "they'll give you one on the spot," I've yet to see proof of this. Just some mention by a few people who know other people. That being said, if you desire any chance of attending LECOM, I'd get a D.O. LOR before the interview just to show your dedication. Otherwise, an MD letter should suffice for most schools. If you want to be more competitive, then definitely get that D.O. Letter. I applied with one MD letter, then added on a DO letter later.

i was bored. what can i say? some men just like to watch the world burn 😉