How many hours do you need to shadow a DO to get a LOR?

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How many hours is ample time for it to be appropriate to ask for a letter?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Stating a number of hours isn't possible. You have to use your people skills to kind of feel it out. I would say if you have shadowed them multiple times & they have a decent idea of who you are, it's safe to ask.

Just make sure you seem engaged/interested while you are spending time with them though so they don't feel like you are just doing it for the hours or a letter. They'll be much more receptive to going to bat for you, & likely write a stronger letter, if it seems like you are legitimately interested.

 

[armoman898]

You just need their letterhead with a letter about you. According to most posts I’ve seen here, LORs can only hurt you... they can’t really help you since everyone has good LORs

 

[WoundupKnight]

I shadowed for 6 hours, got a letter and was accepted.
Be upfront with what you need.

 

[Calizboosted76]

How many hours is ample time for it to be appropriate to ask for a letter?

My suggestion is to go to your local hospital and see if they have DO physicians working in the ED, if so and you are able to I would get a part time job as a scribe. I have 6 DO letters of recommendation. I understand this might not be practical for some people but getting a job as a scribe opens a lot of doors.

 

[Dr. Basketball]

I shadowed for 6 hours, got a letter and was accepted.
Be upfront with what you need.

This.

In my experience, a lot of docs expect to be asked. They know it´s part of the process. Just be tactful and upfront about how you go about it and you should be good.

Good luck!

 

[PapaGuava]

As everyone has said, there is no set hour limit required in order for you request an LOR. However, try to take in the shadowing experience so you can speak about it during an interview besides just getting the LOR.

 

[Schwifty]

While I was shadowing a DO he offered to write me a LOR at the end of my first day (6ish hours) without me even asking lol, so it just depends on the person.

 

[FutureDPM123]

I'd say at least 10 hours.

 

[tsmleague]

12 hours for me

 

[Magus5454]

In my case, my realtor was a NP(realtor was her side job) I mentioned needing a DO letter, turns out her brother was one. He agreed to write a letter after spending a day in his practice

 

[Laradd]

There is no set amount of hours. Depends on the situation, your relationship with the preceptor, etc. If you currently doing it and you have to ask then it is probably not enough yet.