LOR Question

[Shad0w]

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I was hoping to apply to about 8 or so DO schools, but I'm not sure how strict they are when they say they will take MD LOR's but prefer DO letters. RVU specifically says:

• To complete their file, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a pre-health
  advisor or committee. In the event the applicant attends a university which does not have an advisor, two (2) letters from science instructors may be substituted. Applicants are also required to provide a letter of recommendation from a physician (a letter from a DO is preferred).
  

I'm having a committee letter written with an MD LOR. How badly are my chances hurt by not including a DO letter?

 

[Marrowist]

I was hoping to apply to about 8 or so DO schools, but I'm not sure how strict they are when they say they will take MD LOR's but prefer DO letters. RVU specifically says:

• To complete their file, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a pre-health
  advisor or committee. In the event the applicant attends a university which does not have an advisor, two (2) letters from science instructors may be substituted. Applicants are also required to provide a letter of recommendation from a physician (a letter from a DO is preferred).

I'm having a committee letter written with an MD LOR. How badly are my chances hurt by not including a DO letter?

The resounding opinion is going to be get a DO letter. You have ample time to find a DO to shadow for a couple days and then ask for a letter.

 

[Shad0w]

That just sounds unprofessional to me. 2 days isn't a lot of time to shadow someone, then ask for a letter.

 

[Marrowist]

Well then shadow them longer. I am shadowing a DO for a week and then asking for a letter. I have 2 stellar letters from MDs I have worked with for over a year, every day. But the DO schools like to see a DO letter, so I am doing it.

 

[Shad0w]

For DO school applications, is it better to submit early, and leave out DO shadowing, or attempt to shadow for 1-2 weeks, then submit? I have over 2k hours in scribing for MD's currently, and have only chatted with DO's or watched them to the occasional procedure for consults.

 

[DrMikeP]

How valuable is 1 or 2 points on an MCAT?

 

[Marrowist]

For DO school applications, is it better to submit early, and leave out DO shadowing, or attempt to shadow for 1-2 weeks, then submit? I have over 2k hours in scribing for MD's currently, and have only chatted with DO's or watched them to the occasional procedure for consults.

Submit to a throwaway, get the shadowing in while your app is being verified or shortly after. That way you can send the completed app immediately.

 

[GreatLakegrizz]

As far a letters, if I am waiting for for one letter can I submit now and update it later? Or does it all have to be submitted at once?

 

[acapnial]

For DO school applications, is it better to submit early, and leave out DO shadowing, or attempt to shadow for 1-2 weeks, then submit? I have over 2k hours in scribing for MD's currently, and have only chatted with DO's or watched them to the occasional procedure for consults.

Apply early. It could be fun to do a little DO shadowing to see if you can spot any differences from the MD's you worked with (unless they do a lot of OMM, you very likely will not), but for RVU you won't need it. Wouldn't hurt, of course.

 

[DrMikeP]

It depends on where you are applying, some schools specifically want rec letters on submission and some are fine with them later (with secondaries or after). This was discussed in some other threads recently. With an MD letter you'll be fine submitting early for most schools and get the DO letter in asap after (preferably by submitting secondaries). You could mention shadowing a DO in your PS, so it would hopefully be considered in your application process.

Good Luck