What's the recommended experience for a pre-med DO student

[Story8]

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I'm basically going from of a focus of MD to DO. Though they are still physicians, I'm very new to DO, so I'm just wondering, are DO schools strongly looking for students who have hospital experience, extra-curricular research experience, and a little doctor a shadowing as strongly as an MD?

Aside from grades and personality, what is the most crucial thing I can do to better my chances at acceptance? Is there a link on this site that gives a good breakdown on DO school info--what to expect and how to prepare? Thanks. I know I asked a lot, just hoping someone will help.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I'm basically going from of a focus of MD to DO. Though they are still physicians, I'm very new to DO, so I'm just wondering, are DO schools strongly looking for students who have hospital experience, extra-curricular research experience, and a little doctor a shadowing as strongly as an MD?

Yes, research is less emphasized at DO schools however its still a good EC. It's crucial to shadow a DO and obtain a letter if you want to apply to a wide variety of DO schools as many require a DO letter or a MD letter.

Aside from grades and personality, what is the most crucial thing I can do to better my chances at acceptance? Is there a link on this site that gives a good breakdown on DO school info--what to expect and how to prepare? Thanks. I know I asked a lot, just hoping someone will help.

More or less the same thing you need to get into a MD school you'll need to get into a DO school. The exception is that DO schools do care about your experiences in life and eat up non-trads with graduate degree's.

For more information

http://www.aacom.org/Pages/default.aspx

 

[TriagePreMed]

OP - Even if research is less emphasized at some schools, it is becoming more appealing for DO schools now that places like WesternU, Midwestern, etc. have graduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences.

Treat Pre-DO as Pre-MD.

 

[Sankaku]

Treat Pre-DO as Pre-MD.

I agree. The only difference with DO schools is that they will like to see that you have shadowed or had experience with DO's and can articulate your interest in osteopathic medicine.

 

[Helen Wheels]

And make sure you get a LOR from a DO at some point while you are shadowing. Many DO schools require an LOR from a DO and not having that will limit where you can apply.

 

[deleted357625]

I'm basically going from of a focus of MD to DO. Though they are still physicians, I'm very new to DO, so I'm just wondering, are DO schools strongly looking for students who have hospital experience, extra-curricular research experience, and a little doctor a shadowing as strongly as an MD?

Aside from grades and personality, what is the most crucial thing I can do to better my chances at acceptance? Is there a link on this site that gives a good breakdown on DO school info--what to expect and how to prepare? Thanks. I know I asked a lot, just hoping someone will help.

If you are more interested in D.O. I'd highly recommend shadowing a few D.O. physicians.

The rest is basically the same, it's all the standard EC's such as:
Research (pubs/ posters, etc)
Shadowing is very important (2-3 docs/include primary care/ 60-80+ hrs preferably.)
Great letters of recommendation
Clinical exposure such as volunteering in a hospital/clinic (patient contact is important)
Getting involved in things non-related to medicine such as volunteering t a advocacy center etc/community service (Shows diversity etc)
Leadership roles in other activities.
Great personal statement

All these are the basic EC's premeds get involved in.
But yea if interested in D.O try to take the time to shadow at least one D.O out of the few docs you shadow.

 

[drpierre]

And make sure you get a LOR from a DO at some point while you are shadowing. Many DO schools require an LOR from a DO and not having that will limit where you can apply.

This is probably the best advice, having a LOR is probably as important as your extracurricular activities. Especially if the DO is from the school you are applying to.

 

[Honze55]

for what it's worth, my interview ONLY talked about my EC activities. nothing about school. nothing about medicine. just about me as a persona and what I enjoy.

have things you are passionate about other than medicine. it goes a long way.

 

[blinkboy1156]

And make sure you get a LOR from a DO at some point while you are shadowing. Many DO schools require an LOR from a DO and not having that will limit where you can apply.

This. Also, read "The DOs" by Norman Gevitz.