LOR/Shadowing

[maldini99]

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How long would it be appropriate to wait to ask for LOR while shadowing physician? I have read that people would ask after 30 or some hours of shadowing.

I am actually really confused about this way of recommendations. How can someone tell if you are worthy of Med School admission if you are just following someone around and not doing anything? They will not challenge you with questions or let you do anything. All that you can do to present yourself well is talk about your achievements and ask questions, which (unless you have clinical background), are usually really basic.

 

[steelblue89]

Wait at least until you get 10-15 hours in before you even suggest a LOR to the physician. Then after you let them know you may be interested, wait until the end of your shadowing period before asking the physician to actually write one.

I just started shadowing a physician for the first time this week and have done about 5 hours so far. I'm waiting to get a bit more acquainted before I bring it up.

 

[maldini99]

Wait at least until you get 10-15 hours in before you even suggest a LOR to the physician. Then after you let them know you may be interested, wait until the end of your shadowing period before asking the physician to actually write one.

I just started shadowing a physician for the first time this week and have done about 5 hours so far. I'm waiting to get a bit more acquainted before I bring it up.

How do you suggest a LOR without actually asking for it?

 

[NickNaylor]

At some point you have to ask them for a letter. I don't know about this "suggesting" business; I would just ask when you feel like you're approaching the end of your time with that doctor. Something like: "Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to shadow. Would you mind writing a letter of recommendation for my medical school application?" That would probably work.

 

[scattun]

In my personal opinion (and LizzyM seemed to share my view on thread a while back) LORs from physicians who you simply shadow are pretty useless. You pretty much nailed the reasons why in your original post.