• The 2026-2027 DO School Specific Threads are now available in the School Specific Discussions forum. The 2025-2026 discussions are now available in the prior year discussions forum.

Yes Or No?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

avgapplicant

Member
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Would having a family friend (who is a DO) who introduced me to osteopathic medicine and discussed it at lengths be sufficient for the letter of recommendation that schools require or should I try shadowing a DO. My app is decent with a 3.5 GPA and 32 MCAT. Just dont want to be completing my applications too late and wondering which avenue I should take.
 
a letter from a DO is a letter from a DO...sounds like this DO would know you better than just one that you randomly shadow (nothing wrong with that), but i say go for it...you are more than an avg. applicant...dont sell yourself short🙂
 
A letter that speaks personally about you is certainly the best type so I say use the letter and submit your applications. I would imagine that would be enough for you to have a good application. If you have time later you could also shadow a D.O. and submit that letter in the future to boost your app.
 
I know a guy who got into EVERY DO school and he had a DO family friend letter of rec. He had decent scores...28MCAT, 3.3 GPA, average extracurriculars. I'd say you've got it in the bag!
 
As far as I understand, the only letters that would be unacceptable are those written by family members. So if your father was a DO, a letter from him would not be accepted. In your case, I don't think that there is any problem with the letter being from a family friend.

Good luck,

WannabeDO