Strong MD or Weak DO letter?

[PA_dud3]

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Hi all,

So, I am trying to get some LoRs together in advance. I have some difficulties however when it comes to physician letters. I have a strong work/shadowing relationship with a nephrologist I know who has played a very large role in my desire to pursue medicine as well my interest in nephrology (1000+ hours of in-clinic work and nearly 100 hours of shadowing him alone) . I also plan to mention him in my PS. However, I know DO letters are preferable, but I really doubt I would be able to get as good of a letter from a DO due to such the time disparity of knowing each physician. Additionally, the nephrologist is technically an employer as well. Should I still pursue a DO letter if I apply mostly DO? MD letter? Or Both? I really appreciate any help you all could provide!

Best,

Dd3.

 

[m1microglia]

Hi all,

So, I am trying to get some LoRs together in advance. I have some difficulties however when it comes to physician letters. I have a strong work/shadowing relationship with a nephrologist I know who has played a very large role in my desire to pursue medicine as well my interest in nephrology (1000+ hours of in-clinic work and nearly 100 hours of shadowing him alone) . I also plan to mention him in my PS. However, I know DO letters are preferable, but I really doubt I would be able to get as good of a letter from a DO due to such the time disparity of knowing each physician. Additionally, the nephrologist is technically an employer as well. Should I still pursue a DO letter if I apply mostly DO? MD letter? Or Both? I really appreciate any help you all could provide!

Best,

Dd3.

It depends on the school you are applying to. My school requires a DO letter as part of the application. Some schools recommend a DO letter vs. a MD letter.

 

[PapaGuava]

I’d say try to have both, but at the very least one of them, like the MD letter you have now. Like the poster said above, some schools require it, and others strongly emphasize having one but it shouldn’t stop you from getting accepted to most schools.

 

[Goro]

Hi all,

So, I am trying to get some LoRs together in advance. I have some difficulties however when it comes to physician letters. I have a strong work/shadowing relationship with a nephrologist I know who has played a very large role in my desire to pursue medicine as well my interest in nephrology (1000+ hours of in-clinic work and nearly 100 hours of shadowing him alone) . I also plan to mention him in my PS. However, I know DO letters are preferable, but I really doubt I would be able to get as good of a letter from a DO due to such the time disparity of knowing each physician. Additionally, the nephrologist is technically an employer as well. Should I still pursue a DO letter if I apply mostly DO? MD letter? Or Both? I really appreciate any help you all could provide!

Best,

Dd3.

There's very little difference

 

[dial1010usa]

Both, it's not gonna hurt.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Get the DO letter. Some schools require it, other strongly recommend it. Plus, old farts such as myself like to see a modicum of interest in becoming a DO prior to applying. It can only help you.

 

[Isoval]

Strong MD unless the school explicitly requires a DO letter in my opinion.

Edit: I’ve just realized, after over a year, that your name is “doctor dude” and not “doctor dud three”. I hate myself.

 

[PhillyDoc24]

Hi all,

So, I am trying to get some LoRs together in advance. I have some difficulties however when it comes to physician letters. I have a strong work/shadowing relationship with a nephrologist I know who has played a very large role in my desire to pursue medicine as well my interest in nephrology (1000+ hours of in-clinic work and nearly 100 hours of shadowing him alone) . I also plan to mention him in my PS. However, I know DO letters are preferable, but I really doubt I would be able to get as good of a letter from a DO due to such the time disparity of knowing each physician. Additionally, the nephrologist is technically an employer as well. Should I still pursue a DO letter if I apply mostly DO? MD letter? Or Both? I really appreciate any help you all could provide!

Best,

Dd3.

Get both. If you have a better relationship with the MD, get that first. Ask him/her for a D.O. referral. Explain the situation. If apply to a DO program, you will want to have at least 1 letter from a DO.

 

[DameJulie]

Strong MD. Any day