Shadowing question

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DrJC

Pre-Med
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I have lots of hours of shadowing, but the problem is I shadowed my older brother, so I can't get a LOR from him. I also shadowed a few other doctors in his hospitals, but mostly I was with him. I don't think the other doctor's would write me a strong letter of recommendation so I don't want to ask any of them. The only LOR I have right now is my pre-med committee one which I know for a fact is very strong. I want to put the shadowing hours in my ECs because I have atleast 200+ hours of it, but would it look bad that I don't have a letter?
 
I have lots of hours of shadowing, but the problem is I shadowed my older brother, so I can't get a LOR from him. I also shadowed a few other doctors in his hospitals, but mostly I was with him. I don't think the other doctor's would write me a strong letter of recommendation so I don't want to ask any of them. The only LOR I have right now is my pre-med committee one which I know for a fact is very strong. I want to put the shadowing hours in my ECs because I have atleast 200+ hours of it, but would it look bad that I don't have a letter?
Most letters from a physician are pretty useless. You don't need to be aiming for a physician letter from your shadowing. The exception is if you are applying to DO schools, where many require a DO letter.

That being said, you should be looking for other doctors to shadow. Its fine to list these hours even though they are with your bro but aim for more variety
 
Sector9 is absolutely right on this one. Actually, the pre-med committee letter is going to satisfy most schools' requirements on its own.
 
Sector9 is absolutely right on this one. Actually, the pre-med committee letter is going to satisfy most schools' requirements on its own.

Yes, additional physicians' letters beyond 1 are pretty useless.

I'd still aim for 1, though, although if your committee letter satisfies then good for you.
 
Yes, additional physicians' letters beyond 1 are pretty useless.

I'd still aim for 1, though, although if your committee letter satisfies then good for you.

Unless you're going DO, a letter from a physician you shadowed is essentially worthless.
 
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