Shadowing in DC/MD/VA area?

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HopefullySearch

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So I'm in the process of getting my applications together, and I still haven't found a DO to shadow 🙁 I've shadowed MDs before, and could get an MD letter if I need to, but VCOM is my top school and they require a DO letter, so I would really like to shadow a DO if possible. I've contacted quite a few DOs, and have either gotten no response, or just told that their practices didn't allow students to shadow them. Does anyone know of any DOs in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area that are willing to allow undergrads to shadow? I've even e-mailed an admissions officer at VCOM to try and find alumni in the area, but still no such luck 🙁 Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you! 😀
 
It was hard at first but I managed to do it so you can too. I literally cold-called 50+ DO physicians to ask to shadow them (and managed to get 3). I just googled it. I used the AOA website where they list the physicians in a certain area and called them.
 
HopefullySearch said:
So I'm in the process of getting my applications together, and I still haven't found a DO to shadow 🙁 I've shadowed MDs before, and could get an MD letter if I need to, but VCOM is my top school and they require a DO letter, so I would really like to shadow a DO if possible. I've contacted quite a few DOs, and have either gotten no response, or just told that their practices didn't allow students to shadow them. Does anyone know of any DOs in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area that are willing to allow undergrads to shadow? I've even e-mailed an admissions officer at VCOM to try and find alumni in the area, but still no such luck 🙁 Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you! 😀
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are you sure VCOM requires a LOR from a DO? I know its recommended to receive a LOR from a DO but many accept MD letters too.

Have you tried calling Hospitals? Reston, Fair Oaks?, etc. (im from nova)
 
Candidates are welcome to submit additional letters of recommendation including a letter of recommendation from an allopathic physician (MD). However, the letter of recommendation from a MD cannot be substituted for the required letter of recommendation from a DO. VCOM will accept letters of recommendations from practicing D.O.s or upper level D.O. residents (no interns or first year residents) where the student has met with and/or shadowed the D.O. is required. The more competitive applicants will have shadowing experience with the D.O. who writes their letter of recommendation (typically 24 hours or more) which demonstrates their commitment to the profession and understanding of the practice of osteopathic medicine. -From the VCOM website

I've tried calling INova Fair Oaks and Fairfax and was pretty much told no in a roundabout way. I'm working on talking to my PCP about any DOs he might know in the area, but for right now I'm still working on googling and making as many phone calls as possible.
 
HopefullySearch said:
Candidates are welcome to submit additional letters of recommendation including a letter of recommendation from an allopathic physician (MD). However, the letter of recommendation from a MD cannot be substituted for the required letter of recommendation from a DO. VCOM will accept letters of recommendations from practicing D.O.s or upper level D.O. residents (no interns or first year residents) where the student has met with and/or shadowed the D.O. is required. The more competitive applicants will have shadowing experience with the D.O. who writes their letter of recommendation (typically 24 hours or more) which demonstrates their commitment to the profession and understanding of the practice of osteopathic medicine. -From the VCOM website

I've tried calling INova Fair Oaks and Fairfax and was pretty much told no in a roundabout way. I'm working on talking to my PCP about any DOs he might know in the area, but for right now I'm still working on googling and making as many phone calls as possible.
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When are you applying? Im not applying to medschools till next summer. VCOM was my first choice..damn. Cause, i cannot find a single DO in the area. In fact, I've never seen a DO in my life!
 
I'm applying this cycle, so I'm really scrambling to find a DO asap. If I'm able to find anything, I'll let you know! You'll definitely have plenty of time.
 
HopefullySearch said:
I'm applying this cycle, so I'm really scrambling to find a DO asap. If I'm able to find anything, I'll let you know! You'll definitely have plenty of time.
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Thanks, much appreciated. Let me know what happens!
 
I just found this while searching through the website. Go to the 3rd year rotations and look up the preceptors. There are preceptors located everywhere. Find one that's near your area. Try calling them and telling them VCOM is your number one and you REALLY DESPERATELY need shadowing experience. they might let you. Good luck!
 
Cuongoff said:
I just found this while searching through the website. Go to the 3rd year rotations and look up the preceptors. There are preceptors located everywhere. Find one that's near your area. Try calling them and telling them VCOM is your number one and you REALLY DESPERATELY need shadowing experience. they might let you. Good luck!
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Ahhh that's brilliant. Thank you so much!
 
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