LOR from DO if applying to MD schools

[stratosphere]

Hi all!

I know that if someone is applying to DO schools it is recommended that they get a letter of rec from a DO.

I was wondering if I am applying to only MD schools, is it preferred to get a LOR from an MD that I scribe for or is it okay if I get it from a DO?

Thanks!

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[Isoval]

A physician letter is a physician letter.

 

[stratosphere]

But most MD programs dont require a physician lette

So would you say it's better to ask an MD?

 

[gyngyn]

But most MD programs dont require a physician lette

...or want one.

 

[stratosphere]

...or want one.

Would you still dislike it even though I was a scribe for them?

 

[stratosphere]

The issue with physician letters is
1) they are mostly written for students by physicians they have shadowed for short, passive observations
2) they usually effusive in praise with little detail or evidence for such praise
3) therefore they are generally less than impactful
4) being a scribe for a physician is nearly irrelevant for framing the letter. It should be shaped as supervisor talking about an employee. In that regard, if you a traditional student, it is at best a secondary letter. It might be more important for someone who is doing a gap year or a longer nontrad

Thank you so much for your thorough response! I am actually taking 2 gap years and have been working as a scribe since I graduated so I think it would be beneficial for me.

 

[Isoval]

But most MD programs dont require a physician lette

Very correct! Thank you for the clarification.

 

[Chlorophyll Oracle]

My understanding is that it won't matter. I believe that the adcom will care a lot about what the physician thinks of you and very little about the letters after their name.

 

[grateful_phys]

I had a DO write me a letter and I got MD interviews. I think what helped is that I had worked with him for a full year and he was able to write a very personal letter. Like the above said.. a physician letter is a physician letter.

 

[person777]

+1 had a DO letter and going to MD

 

[YeaJeets2]

I was in the exact same situation with gap years/scribing. I applied MD and DO and one of the DO's I work with wrote both for me. It worked out, starting MD in August.

 

[gyngyn]

Would you still dislike it even though I was a scribe for them?

If the letter were from a long term employer (who happens to be a physician) it is not what I would consider a "physician" letter.