Required to shadow for DO schools?

[iceman132]

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I met a DO through family..... Who lives 18 hours away

He said that he would be more then happy to have me shadow but I need to make the trip up there. (Just had a phone convo)


He's writing a LOR for me (No problem).... I'm just not sure if it would be worth it to go up there. Do I need to shadow? Or is the LOR enough? (I have already shadowed MDs)

 

[Iliketoytles]

I met a DO through family..... Who lives 14 hours away

He said that he would be more then happy to have me shadow but I need to make the trip up there. (Just had a phone convo)


He's writing a LOR for me (No problem).... I'm just not sure if it would be worth it to go up there. Do I need to shadow? Or is the LOR enough? (I have already shadowed MDs)

Well, I really enjoyed my shadowing experience. I learned a ton of things that he couldn't have possibly taught me over the phone. So for you personally and educationally, it would be a loss.

I'm sure the LOR is enough, but schools may wonder how you got an LOR without actually shadowing. lol. Not sure though...

 

[iceman132]

Well, I really enjoyed my shadowing experience. I learned a ton of things that he couldn't have possibly taught me over the phone. So for you personally and educationally, it would be a loss.

I'm sure the LOR is enough, but schools may wonder how you got an LOR without actually shadowing. lol. Not sure though...

I guess I can just tell them that I talked to him over the phone? I'm a bit lost on that one too.

The DO was on an admissions committee...... He sounded like the LOR wasn't a big deal....

 

[FrkyBgStok]

if you haven't shadowed at all, I would make the trip. i work as a patient transporter in a hospital for 20 hours per week for a year so my clinical experience is more than enough, but the shadowing showed me more than I ever imagined. it is hard to explain, maybe i shadowed a fantastic doctor, maybe it was the speciality i didn't expect to love, i don't know. i do know that if i had NO other options at all, i would make the trip.

 

[iceman132]

if you haven't shadowed at all, I would make the trip. i work as a patient transporter in a hospital for 20 hours per week for a year so my clinical experience is more than enough, but the shadowing showed me more than I ever imagined. it is hard to explain, maybe i shadowed a fantastic doctor, maybe it was the speciality i didn't expect to love, i don't know. i do know that if i had NO other options at all, i would make the trip.

I shadowed 3 MDs.... No DO though. (2 primary care)

It's a big dilemma I'm having right now. It's actually an 18 hour drive..... If admissions would care then I will definitely do it... Just not sure.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

if you have already shadowed. i wouldn't sweat it too much.

 

[Doctor246853]

I met a DO through family..... Who lives 18 hours away

He said that he would be more then happy to have me shadow but I need to make the trip up there. (Just had a phone convo)


He's writing a LOR for me (No problem).... I'm just not sure if it would be worth it to go up there. Do I need to shadow? Or is the LOR enough? (I have already shadowed MDs)

Theres no way in hot hell I would drive 18hrs to shadow a DO/MD/Phd/RN/CRNA/CNA/CEO/HIV/ or whatever. Im sure you can find a DO that is close and still accept that letter.

 

[LifeTake2]

If you think he knows YOU enough to write a decent LOR then don't drive 18 hours.

However, I would suggest shadowing one. If for no other reason than everyone complains about finding a DO to shadow...and actually doing so shows commitment and that you are willing to work for what you want.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

It also depends on where you are applying. If you are only applying to a couple schools that require a DO letter, and they are low/mid on your list, just get the LOR without shadowing and use one of the MD letters at the schools that don't require a DO letter.