shadowing

[stickytape]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have a few questions regarding shadowing a D.O. I am new to this and am just curious what others have done for those that do not mind sharing. Thanks.

As for my questions, how many hours is one expected to shadow and how do you ask for a letter of rec. (especailly if the D.O. does not know you too well)?


Also, are you listing shadowing on your application and if so how? The reason I ask this last one is bc I do not have the experience yet and am not sure if I should hold off on my application until I get the experience or if I should just send a letter of rec. from an Osteopath directly to the schools once I do get the expereince. Sorry for all the questions and thanks for reading this.

 

[GreenShirt]

You shadow the physician for as long as they will allow you to, and they feel comfortable writing an LOR. In my case, I shadowed a DO for half a day while others may shadow for an entire summer or more. DO's know you need an LOR to apply, so they will likely assume you need one when you ask to shadow. It's cumbersome for them to have someone following them around so they'll probably set a limit on how much shadowing you'll do. You can then approach them and ask if they feel comfortable writing a letter for you.

If you put it on your AACOMAS, you will have to say you've shadowed for "0" hrs, since you have not shadowed yet. Zero hrs of activity doesn't mean much. The adcom will know about your experience from your LOR, and if you wish to further point it out you can mention it in your 2ndaries or send an updated resume later.

If you need more info, please do a search on "shadowing", "how long to shadow", "DO shadow", because this topic has been discussed multiple times in the past few months.