To shadow or not...

[amakhosidlo]

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After spending a day with a D.O orthopod I've been left with a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. I'd already shadowed an PCP (MD), which I enjoyed immensely, but in this experience I found absolutely no joy.

I know I need a letter to get into D.O schools, and that this guy would write me one if I spent some time with him, but for some reason my heart's just not in ortho. So I'm not sure if I should try to find another FM (what I'm aiming for) doc to shadow, but there's always the chance it might not happen.

So to reiterate: Is it a worth it to shadow a doc in a field you have no interest in just to get a letter? (Assuming you can fein interest well)

 

[RySerr21]

meh, I'd say try your hardest to find another doc who is in a specialty that you find interesting. Its kidn of worthless (and a waste of your time) to spend hours at a clinic bored out of your mind. You are likely not going to gain anything from it.

You should have NO trouble finding a DO in primary care to shadow. They are everywhere. If you havent yet, you can use this AOA mentor program website to hook you up with a family practice doc. Just search by location and specialty. GL

http://www.osteopathic.org/YOM/mentor_search.htm

 

[213965]

After spending a day with a D.O orthopod I've been left with a little bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. I'd already shadowed an PCP (MD), which I enjoyed immensely, but in this experience I found absolutely no joy.

I know I need a letter to get into D.O schools, and that this guy would write me one if I spent some time with him, but for some reason my heart's just not in ortho. So I'm not sure if I should try to find another FM (what I'm aiming for) doc to shadow, but there's always the chance it might not happen.

So to reiterate: Is it a worth it to shadow a doc in a field you have no interest in just to get a letter? (Assuming you can fein interest well)

Ryserr, congrats on Loyola 😀

For the shadowing, I would try to get that letter because unfortunately it is a requirement at most schools and could potentially hold you back when you finally decide to apply (I couldn't obtain one until very recently hence why my applications are being sent out so late). A friend of mine couldn't get her letter in until March and by then, most of her top school's seats had already been filled so she was forced to attend her last choice program despite her excellent stats. What a way to spend to spend 160+k and 4 years of your life, eh? As for the shadowing experience itself, I would definitely recommend checking out the site Ryserr suggested in finding a D.O. to shadow in a field that interests you more, if you have the time. However, top priority should be in getting that letter because it's hard enough to find a D.O. to shadow much less one that's also willing to write you a recommendation. Good luck!

 

[ILikeFood]

Ryserr, congrats on Loyola 😀

Ryserr, a super hot classmate of mine just got into Loyola. It's her top choice. Damn you.

 

[RySerr21]

Ryserr, a super hot classmate of mine just got into Loyola. It's her top choice. Damn you.

Well she wasnt there on my interview day! haha. Well thats good to know at least.

Rennykim - Thanks!