Shadowing Guide
Some professions or individual schools require shadowing hours, while others do not. Either way, shadowing can be an excellent way to explore professions and specialty areas. It can offer a direct look at the clinician-patient relationship and provide insight into how health care facilities function. Be willing to shadow in professional areas outside of what you think you would like to do. You may be surprised at what you learn!
By definition, when you shadow a clinician you are observing only. When you go to shadow, above all be professional, respectful, and grateful.
Resources for finding shadowing opportunities
These resources can help you find a shadowing opportunity, and they provide excellent advice on what to do (or not to do!) while shadowing:
General resources
Anesthesiologist Assistant
Contact the Massachusetts Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants to ask whether they can help you connect with an Anesthesiologist Assistant in your area (look for other states’ Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants if you wish to shadow in another state)
Dentistry
Genetic Counseling
Occupational Therapy
State occupational therapy associations may help you connect with local occupational therapists (more information here)
Optometry
Physical Therapy
Physician (MD/DO)
AAMC tips on shadowing (allopathic medicine)
Shadowing a DO (osteopathic medicine)
Find a DO (osteopathic medicine)
Physician Assistant
Podiatry
Networking with clinicians
Most shadowing opportunities are found through networking and asking clinicians or practices whether they can accept student observers. Follow these steps to reach out to providers in a professional manner:
Before contacting anyone, visit the CDC for help preparing your resume.
Where possible, contact a clinician by writing to them at their work email address. If you cannot find an email address, it is appropriate to call the practice or hospital department to ask whether they have a general email address to which you could send a letter.
Prepare a formal email that you will send to the clinician. Be clear and concise. Use a Standard or Indented Block Style layout. Make sure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Begin with the most formal form of address until you are invited to do otherwise. That means that if you are emailing someone who holds a doctoral degree (MD, DO, OD, DPT, OTD, DPM, DNP, DVM, DMD, DDS, PhD and more!) you will begin by writing “Dear Dr. LAST NAME.” If the person does not hold a doctoral degree, you will most commonly use Mr./Ms./Mx.First paragraph: Introduce yourself. State your educational background and career goals. Share how you got their name and contact information. Explain your intentions for writing and indicate you are requesting an opportunity to shadow.
Second paragraph: Outline the reasons why you are contacting that provider. Perhaps you are interested in their specialty or patient population. Maybe you are considering several career options and would like to compare professions. If you are enclosing a resume, state that it is for informational purposes only.
Final Paragraph: Thank the person for considering your request. Inform the person of your contact information. Closing: Use “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” before your name.
Be patient. Wait a week or two. At that point if you have not heard back, it is acceptable to resend your email with a brief note: “Dear Dr./Ms./Mr./Mx. LAST NAME, I am resending my original email in case you did not see it. Thank you again for your consideration. Regards (or a different formal word), YOUR NAME.”
Be prepared to be told “no.” Many clinicians cannot accommodate pre-health students. If this is the response, thank the person for their time and ask whether they can recommend anyone else who you might contact about a shadowing opportunity.
When you are told yes, thank the provider and find out what paperwork you may need to complete before you are able to shadow (you may need to do HIPPA training, provide proof of immunizations, and/or sign a confidentiality agreement). Let the provider know of any times when you definitely cannot be there to shadow, but also be as flexible as possible. Remember that they are doing you a favor.