Shadowing Physicians

Shadowing an MD in rural Minnesota exposed me to the unique challenges of practicing medicine in underserved and isolated communities in the United States. I observed firsthand how family practice physicians tackle various cases–ranging from colonoscopies to carpal tunnel syndrome surgeries to court-mandated behavioral assessments–all in a day’s work. The physician’s life-long and tight-knit connections with some of her patients and their families highlighted the importance of trust and continuity in rural healthcare. This experience reinforced my commitment to patient-centered care and strengthened my desire to address healthcare disparities in remote communities that lack equitable access to healthcare.

I witnessed an osteopathic patient-centered approach in my local and diverse community of Santa Cruz through my DO observership. Given my background in Indian classical dance, I was fascinated in how osteopathic manipulative treatment focusing on structural alignment was seamlessly integrated with conventional medical care to enhance patient outcomes. Beyond techniques, what stood out to me was the physician’s commitment to patient relationships, demonstrated in the longer, genuine and personalized appointments I attended. Compared to my other shadowing experiences, each case and diagnosis reflected the DO physician’s individually tailored, preventative approach that included lifestyle modifications and patient education. Interacting with the patients and seeing how osteopathic principles translated into patient care reinforced my commitment to pursuing this path.

One of my most formative experiences on medical service trips with MEDLIFE was shadowing gynecologists where I observed how patient-provider trust and cultural humility are central to women’s health. While assisting with pap-smears and breast exams, I understood the importance of honoring patient autonomy in these vulnerable moments. These experiences deepened my commitment to culturally competent care, reinforcing the importance of empathy, adaptability, and respectful communication in medicine.