question on applications

[drnima]

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Hey guys, how's everyone doing?
I have applied to the DO schools after I finished applying to the MD schools. Does this look bad?
Also, I have never shadowed a DO before. I'm planing on finding a DO to shadow before my secondaries. Is it a big deal? Since I have no experience with a DO, I'm going to ask an MD to write one of my letters of rec. How bad is that?
I've just submited my application to the AACOMAS (October 4th). Are my chances of getting in very small?
Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[Ypo.]

Its OK for most schools, some schools require letters of recommendation from a DO. You should try to hook up with a DO to shadow in your area. Either go to the AOA website or your state's osteopathic association- or else start calling DOs and asking if you can shadow.

You can shadow in between submitting secondaries and interviewing, but you definitely should shadow.

 

[drnima]

Thanks yposhely.
What sort of things should I talk about in my secondaries? I don't really know how to approach the essay questions. Could you guys give me any tips?

 

[docbill]

Why are you applying to DO program?

Really.. this is not meant to be negative... you have never shadowed/spoke to a DO? You need to do this fast. Read as much as you can about Osteopathy.

I have never been to a DO myself... (We don't have many in Canada) .. prob 10-15. But I have been in contact with a couple of DO's since 2000 in Canada and States and have been following Osteopathy for 5 years now.

If this is backup... for MD program then you have to find a good way for justifying your essays. Few people on this site can tell you what to write for your essay questions. Other then usual... INterests, Motivation, drive... why osteopathy.

 

[medic170]

Why are you applying to DO program?

Really.. this is not meant to be negative... you have never shadowed/spoke to a DO? You need to do this fast. Read as much as you can about Osteopathy.

I have never been to a DO myself... (We don't have many in Canada) .. prob 10-15. But I have been in contact with a couple of DO's since 2000 in Canada and States and have been following Osteopathy for 5 years now.

If this is backup... for MD program then you have to find a good way for justifying your essays. Few people on this site can tell you what to write for your essay questions. Other then usual... INterests, Motivation, drive... why osteopathy.

I think docbill is right. You don't want to dedicate your life and a financial debt to a profession you know nothing about. Read some books like "the DO's" and talk to some DO's before you apply so you can make sure its right for you.

 

[drnima]

Thanks docbill.
It's not a backup. I want to practice medicine, be it osteopathic or allopathic. I don't understand why it is such a big deal to want to do one over the other.
I have done a lot of reading about DO's, but I've never shadowed one before. Do you think it'll look bad on my application. Would they think that I applied blindly and not give me a chance?

 

[Ypo.]

Thanks docbill.
It's not a backup. I want to practice medicine, be it osteopathic or allopathic. I don't understand why it is such a big deal to want to do one over the other.
I have done a lot of reading about DO's, but I've never shadowed one before. Do you think it'll look bad on my application. Would they think that I applied blindly and not give me a chance?

No, they would definitely give you a chance. And I would advise applying now and in the meanwhile-read up on the history of osteopathic medicine and try to shadow a DO at least one day and observe some OMT.

But you should understand that DOs have a set of written and agreed upon principles that all schools preach for the DO profession-whereas MDs do not-their principle is solely hard science.

Just read up on osteopathic medicine, browse the osteo and preosteo forums around here- ask schools how you can learn more, etc..

 

[kaikai128]

I would also try to find a DO to shadow at least a little bit so you can put that on your secondaries. Even if your LOR is from a MD (check with individual schools first because some don't accept MD letters), I think it would look good to put the shadowing of a DO in your volunteer experiences. It surely can't hurt.

 

[Quakkilla]

Why are you applying to DO program?

Really.. this is not meant to be negative... you have never shadowed/spoke to a DO? You need to do this fast. Read as much as you can about Osteopathy.

I have never been to a DO myself... (We don't have many in Canada) .. prob 10-15. But I have been in contact with a couple of DO's since 2000 in Canada and States and have been following Osteopathy for 5 years now.

If this is backup... for MD program then you have to find a good way for justifying your essays. Few people on this site can tell you what to write for your essay questions. Other then usual... INterests, Motivation, drive... why osteopathy.

Right on docbill....I realize that some people have not had the good fortune of working with or knowing a DO as I have, but if you are far enough along in the process of applying you need to know your s*&t. Go find a DO, most will be more than willing to help you out, but if you have already applied you better get your a$$ moving.

 

[drnima]

Thanks for all the help guys.