Shadowing a DO--How long is long enough

futuredoc-lisa

Well... "you get out of it what you put into it" is probably the simplest answer to give. The purpose of "shadowing" is for you the future applicant to learn more about osteopathic medicine and whether or not IT is right for you and for the DO to get to know you to see if you are right for IT.

So how long is long enough? I have heard that more schools are asking how many hours you have volunteered, rather than how long (days, weeks, months). So with that in mind, more is better (when you have an opportunity to learn). But it also has to fit into your life.

Sorry for the seemingly vague answer.

BBB

 

I've shadowed docs for a week at a time... and I've shdowed docs for a 1/2 day. It really depends on the doc.. and what you're lookin to get from the experience. I would never quit/change my job just to shadow. Medical schools are looking to know if you know what you are getting into (by shadowing) - they don't want a mini-career.

Hope I helped!
-A

 

Let's be real here, folks. Some may shadow to 'get to know about Osteopathy' but most do it for the letter of rec from a DO so they can complete their apps.

So Lisa, I'd say that you should shadow a DO until you feel he knows you well enough to write you a great letter of rec. For most docs (unless their lazy or super-busy) this means that you'll have to spend some 'quality-time' together. Only then will they be able to write you a letter that will make a favorable impression on the AdComs.