DO Shadowing....Is it required ?

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ppg

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In order to apply to a DO school, do we need a letter from a DO from shadowing or whatever ? I am in NY so if anyone knows of a spot where I can shadow a DO can they post it here. Also, I have already done some volunteer work - I can't use this to satisfy this requirement can I ?
 
There is no shadowing requirement, just a requirement for a LOR from a DO. This tends to be done thru shadowing though I've heard of other ways. Maybe knowing a DO somehow already, or just calling one up, meeting and asking though I think this is probably very rare.

The yellow pages would be a great place to find nearby DOs to call. 🙂 Most are very cooperative.
 
I never shadowed a DO. I knew a DO through another person. I talked to that DO for a little bit and he said he'd write me a letter cause he knew that many of the DO schools had the DO letter requirement.
 
So indeed we need a LOR from a DO. Just when I thought all of this was over with. Do I need a LOR at the the time when I submit my AACOM ? I want to send it in now and get it over the next 3 months.
 
ppg said:
So indeed we need a LOR from a DO. Just when I thought all of this was over with. Do I need a LOR at the the time when I submit my AACOM ? I want to send it in now and get it over the next 3 months.

No, it needs to be sent in with your secondaries. It is not needed for the primaries.
 
thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it. Just wondering if any of you from NY know of a good DO to get a LOR from. Most Docs out here are afraid to let anyone shadow them.
 
ppg said:
thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it. Just wondering if any of you from NY know of a good DO to get a LOR from. Most Docs out here are afraid to let anyone shadow them.

Contact NYCOM or the NY osteopathic association for a list of doctors that have already volunteered to let you shadow
 
duplicate- see below
 
DO shadowing or letter isn't required for all schools, but always looks good as part of the app. Besides, it will help you to see what it is to be a DO and will help with the interview as well. Shouldn't matter if he/she does manipulation, but this would also be a plus.
 
even though it isn't required for all schools, everyone who wants to become a physician whether MD or DO should shadow one. for me it was the most valuable experience. it solidified my committment into becoming an osteopathic physician. shadowing allows you to see the other aspects of medicine especially the CONS. volunteering at a hospital is pretty worthless when it comes go gaining an understanding of a physician's responsibilities and tasks.
 
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