Shadowing

Shadowing is a great way to test your level of commitment and to determine whether medicine is a good fit for you. It may help you narrow down which specialties you are most interested in and become more familiar with medical or research settings. It allows you to step into the daily life of a physician, build relationships, and gain opportunities for letters of recommendation. Shadowing also provides clinical exposure and stories that you may talk about during your admissions interviews.

Some questions to ask yourself while shadowing:

• Can I see myself doing the doctor’s tasks on a daily basis?

• What specifically am I attracted to about this profession or specialty?

• Is there anything that I dislike?

• What are the pros/cons of this particular type of practice?

• Does this increase or decrease my motivations about becoming a doctor? Why?

• What makes this experience meaningful?

• Any specific tips or strategies to learn about engaging with patients?

• Am I more drawn to solving diagnostic problems or performing procedures?

• How does the doctor relate to his/her/their patients? What does his/her/their approach look like? What factors seem to play into how patients respond to the doctor?

• Additional resources: https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/physician-shadowing-what-to-expect-and-gain/, https://www.uwmedicine.org/school-of-medicine/resources/shadowing

Free, virtual shadowing opportunities:

• Heal: Clinical Education Network

• eShadowing with Dr. Ryan Gray

• Virtual Premedicine Shadowing

• Webshadowers

• Pre-Health Shadowing

• UT Southwestern Virtual Shadowing

Ways to find in-person shadowing opportunities:

• Start by asking your own doctor (i.e. childhood/family physician, dermatologist, OB/GYN) or any other doctors with whom you have a good relationship

• Ask teachers, professors, or advisors if they know of any doctors that other students have successfully shadowed with in the past

• Contact hospitals through their volunteer office

• Search for local doctors with specialties that interest you

• Additional resources: https://students-residents.aamc.org/aspiring-docs-fact-sheets-get-experience/shadowing-doctor, https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-ask-to-shadow-a-doctor