Shadowing a DO...other then primary care...

[mtmonroe]

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Hey everyone...I have been following the posts on SDN for months now, and have been able to find answers to all my questions except one. I am certain that I want to be a DO...my gpa, xtras, and work experience are better than most...but I am worried about my observation/shadow time. I have been observing a DO who works in Emergency Medicine at a major trauma center, and also serves as the Medical Director for the EMS agency I work for. I am concerned that following a DO who does not practice in a Primary Care setting might cause some problems...considering that DO philosophy is one that focuses on Primary Care. I understand that DOs work in all areas of medicine...but everything I have read in books and on SDN has led me to believe that DO schools are looking for PC. If at all possible I would like to stay where I am...I love the DO philosophy...almost as much as I love emergency medicine...and hope that one day I can combine both...Sorry for writing so much...Does anyone have any thoughts?!?!? thanks in advance. 😀

 

[PlasticMan]

Don't sweat it. Plus, not all DO schools are looking for PC; take a look at PCOM along with others where those who go on to specialize far outnumber PC. I think you're worrying too much about this. The important thing is that you are shadowing a DO. Now, just make sure to get an LOR from him/her 😉

 

[mshheaddoc]

I am concerned that following a DO who does not practice in a Primary Care setting might cause some problems...considering that DO philosophy is one that focuses on Primary Care.

I wouldn't worry too much. If you are that worried, ask him for recommendations of other doctors who wouldn't mind you maybe shadowing for a few days. Just an idea (figuring you probably know him pretty well the way you are talking). The primary care isn't a big deal. EM is the "unoffical primary care for the underserved" 😉

 

[daveyjwin]

I shadowed a DO in the ER as well, and I never had any problems or questions or anything regarding it. You'll be fine.

 

[mtmonroe]

The primary care isn't a big deal. EM is the "unoffical primary care for the underserved"

Great point! Thanks for the comments...its not that im "stressing" ...i just want to take care of problems now...instead of trying to work it out after. I almost always learn the hard way...so im trying to be proactive! thanks again. 👍