how much weight in having a DO lor?

[diana85]

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I read somewhere that your chances of getting in are significantly decreased if you dont have a lor from a DO. That really sux cuz im having a hell of a time trying to get one to let me shadow. I just dont get any replies!! And im running out of time... any thoughts? 😕

 

[whatdapho]

I read somewhere that your chances of getting in are significantly decreased if you dont have a lor from a DO. That really sux cuz im having a hell of a time trying to get one to let me shadow. I just dont get any replies!! And im running out of time... any thoughts? 😕

I know some schools require LOR's from DO's, some schools require a DO letter but allow an MD as a substitute. That is what i'm doing. I'm getting or trying to get a LOR from an MD. I know it's extremely hard to find a DO to shadow. I called about a dozen or so in my area. I finally found a DO to let me shadow for a couple of hours. I think as long you can shadow a DO and get a feel of the profession, then you'll be fine. You don't necessarily need a DO letter for most schools, just a physician. Just keep trying to find a DO to shadow. Don't worry too much about getting a LOR from him/her. Just try to get a LOR from a physician in general. I know it's tough but just hang in there. Good luck

 

[Krazykritter]

When I applied, I did not have a letter from a DO. I think that the most important thing in your physician recommendation letter is for the letter to show that you have spent significant time working w/ Dr. X & they know you well enough to recommend you for admission. I have read TONS of physician recommendation letters that are terrible & it is obvious that the student never spent any significant amount of time w/ them.

Unless the school requires a DO letter, I would go w/ whomever you have worked w/ the most that could write you the strongest recommendation.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I read somewhere that your chances of getting in are significantly decreased if you dont have a lor from a DO. That really sux cuz im having a hell of a time trying to get one to let me shadow. I just dont get any replies!! And im running out of time... any thoughts? 😕

Since some schools require such a letter, your chances can drop to 0% if you don't have the letter.

You don't have to shadow a DO to get a letter of recommendation.

The best way to go about shadowing a DO is to volunteer in an ER and then get to know a physician there. This way you don't have to go through the red tape that clinic physicians require.

 

[dr.z]

I read somewhere that your chances of getting in are significantly decreased if you dont have a lor from a DO. That really sux cuz im having a hell of a time trying to get one to let me shadow. I just dont get any replies!! And im running out of time... any thoughts? 😕

If you apply to schools that don't require LOR from DOs, I don't think your chances are that much worse.

 

[brookliner7]

well, I have seen some schools say in their apps that a DO letter is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

I too worked with a DO, but she is unavailbale to write an LOR. I am having a MD write one instead since I spent significant time with him, but am worried since it is not a DO LOR, it will not be as effective as a DO LOR.

oh well...

 

[Talula21]

I have shadowed a DO and even wrote part of my PS about that experience. However I also worked closely with an MD and I believe he can write a better LOR. I am not going to worry about it too much. To the OP: Beef up your knowledge of Osteopathic Medicine - make sure you can answer questions if put on the spot and apply anyway. Make sure you mention - in your PS or Secondaries (if possible) - that you are interested in O for more than just because "the requirements look less strict." At least I hope that is the case 😉

 

[MaximusD]

Personally, I shadowed an pediatric MD last summer for about a month. Thus, he knows me faily well, and I asked him for a LOR.

To satisfy the DO letter requirement, however, I asked a GP DO that my mother's side of the family has been going to for decades to write a letter. His only connection to me was that I knew him in that aspect. He didn't have a problem with it, and is currently drafting the letter. Because he doesn't know me all that well, I gave him a CV and a copy of my personal statement to use for the letter.

I did this in hopes that I can demonstrate a history of shadowing and clinical experience (beyond my hospital volunteering) and that I can also demonstrate a knowledge of the osteopathic profession...we'll see how adcomms like it haha.

 

[Doctorman]

What do you tell the DO when you call or email exactly?

I have worked over 200 hours in operation room but unfortunatly no real connection with any of doctors there... I know one or 2 good but I dont know how to find them any more.. but anyways they are MD..

Can I offer a DO some money for a good letter or he would just curse me 😉?!

 

[mikedaspawn]

Actually I'm in a similar situation, that I worked in the ER for the last few months and I didn't really grow any ties with the MDs there only becuase there was 1-2 of them (Attending) and the rest were residents. Still, my supervisor is more than willing to write me a letter. Can this compensate(for the lack of a DO/MD letter)?

 

[jawrigh1]

Some schools require a DO letter and some don't. The ones that don't require will use that as a deciding factor when trying to choose between two students with similar stats.