Physician LOR - too late to ask?

[luftfaust]

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Hi all,

I'm currently waiting for an LOR from a physician (a DO) to complete my application. I've shadowed him for ~10 hours for two days, and he agreed to write me the letter on the first day.

So that was about three weeks ago. After I was done shadowing him, I emailed him right away with the instructions for Interfolio. I also sent him another reminder a week ago.

He did not respond to either email. At this point, I'm not even sure if he ever will, much less actually write the letter for me.

Would it be appropriate for me to contact him again? I'm honestly panicking, now that the time is running out. I had to reach out to ~20 physicians over a month just to get this opportunity, and I'm not even sure if I could find another one before my time is done...

What should I do? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Hi all,

I'm currently waiting for an LOR from a physician (a DO) to complete my application. I've shadowed him for ~10 hours for two days, and he agreed to write me the letter on the first day.

So that was about three weeks ago. After I was done shadowing him, I emailed him right away with the instructions for Interfolio. I also sent him another reminder a week ago.

He did not respond to either email. At this point, I'm not even sure if he ever will, much less actually write the letter for me.

Would it be appropriate for me to contact him again? I'm honestly panicking, now that the time is running out. I had to reach out to ~20 physicians over a month just to get this opportunity, and I'm not even sure if I could find another one before my time is done...

What should I do? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

Wait, are you saying you haven't been verified through AACOMAS yet?

 

[luftfaust]

My AACOMAS app was verified and I've also completed secondaries for 7 schools. All I need right now is a physician letter.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

My AACOMAS app was verified and I've also completed secondaries for 7 schools. All I need right now is a physician letter.

Ohh, okay, well some schools will interview you with the letters you have already and give you a deadline to get a LOR from a DO. While this is not ideal, this is your only option for now. I would go talk to him face to face. If he said he'd write you one, then he probably meant it and has just been busy. It's worth a shot, be vigilant!

 

[j4pac]

Did you give the physician a timeline to complete? I write many LORs...and if you don't give me a timeline I can guarantee you that I will eventually get around to it. Eventually being the key word.

 

[xstetsonx]

Did you leave him/her your CV and PS????

 

[dushash]

I think what OrdinaryDo said sounds most realistic. What are your stats if you don't mind me asking?

 

[DrMikeP]

Did you give the physician a timeline to complete? I write many LORs...and if you don't give me a timeline I can guarantee you that I will eventually get around to it. Eventually being the key word.

I totally agree with ^^^.

Most docs aren't innately aware of your timeline and he could actually think you meant for next cycle, since it is late in this one. Most of the letters I'm writing now are for those applying early for the next cycle. I also agree with ask in person if possible and if the doc isn't used to writing letters have a sample or two available and be willing to share (lots on here and online).

 

[luftfaust]

Just wanted to post an update:

I emailed the doc right after I posted the original thread. I tried to convey how much I've learned from the shadowing experience (I asked a lot of questions) and how important the LOR was.
After waiting for another couple of weeks without any response, I called his office and spoke to his secretary. That was a week ago, and I still did not have a positive answer.

While I was contemplating a visit to his office, I've received the letter this afternoon! I think the secretary passed a word to him and that might have gotten him to work on the letter.
Needless to say, I've sent it to the schools right away. I do hope I get more interview invites in this cycle...

Thank you all for the responses!

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Just wanted to post an update:

I emailed the doc right after I posted the original thread. I tried to convey how much I've learned from the shadowing experience (I asked a lot of questions) and how important the LOR was.
After waiting for another couple of weeks without any response, I called his office and spoke to his secretary. That was a week ago, and I still did not have a positive answer.

While I was contemplating a visit to his office, I've received the letter this afternoon! I think the secretary passed a word to him and that might have gotten him to work on the letter.
Needless to say, I've sent it to the schools right away. I do hope I get more interview invites in this cycle...

Thank you all for the responses!

Did you upload the letter yourself? I think a letter holds more weight if you sign a non-disclosure agreement for your LORs. I did this with every single LOR I had written for me. I have no idea what they say, but it must have been good!

 

[luftfaust]

I used Interfolio and had the doc directly upload the letter to the system. That's how I was able to submit it to the schools so quickly.

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Yeah, getting letters can be a sluggish process with lots of email reminders, tireless calls and some luck.