recommended premed major ADVICE WANTED

[rebel100]

They sincerely believed that the physician letters helped them get in. Just because they believed that doesn't make it true. Neurotic people do all kinds of silly things. I submit that those letters from physicians had absolutely nothing to do with these exceptionally smart people getting in.

I wouldn't support collecting random letters from physicians either, except that it can be helpful and is ACTUALLY REQUIRED in some instances of med school applications. The OP should be finding meaningful employment or volunteer activities that supports med school admissions. This absolutely includes trying to meet and talk with actual physicians. These physicians should be viewed as mentors and, if needed, should be groomed to provide the applicant with letters and testimony supporting the applicant if required. I agree that every school won't require them. Physicians can also be called upon to testify (via letter) as an ancillary or addition to the three typically required academic letters.

College of Osteopathic Medicine degree at NSU
5. Letters of recommendation from: A physician (M.D. or D.O.)

The Applications | UW Medicine
3. Letters of recommendation
Submit a premedical committee evaluation and up to 3 additional letters
OR
Submit a minimum of three and up to six letters from writers who can speak to one or more of the following: your academic ability, commitment to service, leadership potential, clinical or research experiences, interpersonal skills, ability to function on a team, and/or potential as a physician. The collection of letters should provide a balanced and well-rounded view of your candidacy for medicine. Letters of recommendation from current employers may be advantageous.

Shadowing a DO and Learning About the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine
Colleges of osteopathic medicine encourage applicants to learn more about the profession by identifying an osteopathic physician to shadow.
Many of the colleges require applicants to get to know a DO and request a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Applicants should meet and spend time shadowing the physician. This provides the applicant with exposure to the osteopathic profession and enhances awareness of osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with a physician will prepare the applicant for the application interview. Completing this crucial step also demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to the osteopathic profession.

Students should contact a DO before applying for admission, beginning as early as possible while in undergraduate education

Colleges of osteopathic medicine encourage applicants to learn more about the profession by identifying an osteopathic physician to shadow.
Many of the colleges require applicants to get to know a DO and request a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Applicants should meet and spend time shadowing the physician. This provides the applicant with exposure to the osteopathic profession and enhances awareness of osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with a physician will prepare the applicant for the application interview. Completing this crucial step also demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to the osteopathic profession.

Students should contact a DO before applying for admission, beginning as early as possible while in undergraduate education


https://medicine.llu.edu/admissions/lett...mmendation
If the applicant's school does not provide a committee recommendation or packet, a minimum of three individual recommendations from individuals who know the applicant well are required. At least one of those recommendations must be from a science professor who has taught the applicant. It is suggested that the other references come from:

Physician
Employer
Pastor (or other clergy)
Other persons who know the applicant


I can sit her and find schools requiring, preferring, or at least accepting a physicians referral letter all day...fail to find a Doc to provide this for you at your own peril.