DO Shadowing not needed
Started by iceman132
i know the thread you are talking about, and I am not sure where it is, but all of that can be found in the AACOMAS book on their website. Just read the secondary information and it will say if a DO letter is required.
Here it is.
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Much appreciated!
You don't need to shadow a DO, just obtain a LOR from one.
Thanks, but I just think that I'll skip the ones that need a DO recommendation. (Just don't see the point since there are only 8 required)
Eh, I suppose that is true. However it does benefit your application.
I agree, there are 26 DO schools. It cuts it down to 18 and I'm sure the other DO schools would like to see it on my resume.
If I don't get in this cycle I definitely see myself begging some DOs to let me shadow.
You can always submit your application with MD letter and find a DO to shadow while you wait for your interview invite. There was at least one school who would even let you submit a DO letter by the time you're accepted. And some schools ask in their secondary "Why osteopathic medicine?" or "What specificexperience/exposure have you had with osteopathic medicine?" This kind of question could also come up in the interview. Just my .02 cents.
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Do you have an LOR from a MD? Many schools (>8) require an LOR from a physician (either MD or DO).
Plus, while you can get into an osteopathic school without shadowing a DO, I kinda feel like you are shooting yourself in the foot. How do you think it looks to adcom's when they have a student applying a DO school and they haven't even shadowed a DO? I live in an area with very few DO's and I was still able to find one and get an LOR.
Plus, while you can get into an osteopathic school without shadowing a DO, I kinda feel like you are shooting yourself in the foot. How do you think it looks to adcom's when they have a student applying a DO school and they haven't even shadowed a DO? I live in an area with very few DO's and I was still able to find one and get an LOR.
Why not try for a D.O.? It may be a good experience for you anyway... or not. Plus having that D.O. LOR can only help you. Don't discount a school just because they require a letter you may have to go out of your way to obtain. No use closing doors before the game really begins.
I am shadowing DOs but even better is to start using a DO as your primary care physician. I've been going to MD's for years and am familiar with their practices. I figured since I'm applying to DO schools I should understand the patient side of working with one. I now have a DO as my primary care provider and I think it gives me an even better insight into the differences between MD and DO then just shadowing does.
