Questions to ask an osteopathic physician

[EMTLizzy]

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It took a bit of searching, but I found a DO who can write me a LOR for those schools that won't accept an MD letter. Maybe I should list one of my reasons for wanting to become a DO is because there just arent many in my area. LOL

My mother is a physician and had a DO resident rotating with her recently. They hit it off and when my mom said she had a daughter interested in osteopathic medicine she said she'd like to meet me and help me out with any letters I might need.

So we're having dinner tonight and I'm curious if you all had any ideas what kinds of questions I should ask her. I've already made a mental list of the basics, but I thought some of you who have had more exposure to DO's might know of some interesting things we can talk about.

I know she went to KCOM, so I was going to ask about the school, how did she feel about the COMLEX, did she take the USMLE and how did it compare, does she use OMT often or at all now (she's going into pediatric psychiatry so probably not), which osteo schools did she apply to and what made her choose KCOM. Any of these sound too intrusive? Any other ideas? My mom said this dr is one of the brightest residents she's had in a long time so I'm really looking forward to talking to her and getting her take on things.

 

[DrMom]

Your questions look good. Here's what I'd add:
Many of the schools which require a DO letter want to know that you have some understanding of the history and philosophy of osteopathic medicine so I'd ask a little about this.

 

[DrB]

Try asking:
Why they choose osteopathic medicine and how do they use the osteopathic principles. You may even want to shut up and just watch what they do... Don't just watch them talk to a patient or mend a wound, but watch them fill out stacks of paperwork, drink a cup of coffee, deal with insurance agents/ hospital administrators, work long hours... picture yourself in thier place while they check a colon for blood or hold the emesis basin for projectile vomit.

Just have fun 😀

In all seriousness, these little details may give you the necessary edge when the admissions committee reads your essays. Also they can open your eyes to the the realities of life as a doc.

 

[Robz]

It took a bit of searching, but I found a DO who can write me a LOR for those schools that won't accept an MD letter. Maybe I should list one of my reasons for wanting to become a DO is because there just arent many in my area. LOL

My mother is a physician and had a DO resident rotating with her recently. They hit it off and when my mom said she had a daughter interested in osteopathic medicine she said she'd like to meet me and help me out with any letters I might need.

ROCK ON!

I had a DO write me a kick ass letter after only knowing me for a small bit. He was super cool and one day I hope to repay him somehow for such kind words. (Not only that but being the only head neck and basal skull fellowship trained surgeon in east tennessee might have helped a bit too)

Sounds like you found someone that know the game of LORs and the fun times trying to get them for school. I ended up being very fortunate getting a few letters from physicans but I know there are some in more rural areas that have a harder time.

Please post back and let us know how the meeting went!

 

[EMTLizzy]

Please post back and let us know how the meeting went!

The meeting went awesome! We met at my mom's office and the three of us went to dinner. The conversation was great and ranged from the basic osteopathic questions to what I'm doing now in school/work and how much we like eating chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. Needless to say, we hit it off and she got to know more about me than just what my undergrad major was. She asked me to send her a CV so she can add some things we talked about (she didn't take notes during dinner ).

Aside from learning about what she does, her education, and how greatful she is to the osteopathic profession for seeing something in her that would make a good physician, we all had a really great time. Lots of laughs. We all agreed we should get together next month for dinner again to chat. Looks like I not only found a professional reference, but I made a friend! 👍