3 answers
Sarah
Student
St. Augustine, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How can I get shadowing opportunities for medical school?
I am a second-year Bioengineering major looking to get more involved in my future career field. #healthcare #medicine #medical
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3 answers
Cara Oliver
Doctor, Agent for World Financial Group
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Cara’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
I am a medical doctor and remember being in this position! It was so overwhelming and daunting! I felt small, nervous and intimidated.
This was several years ago but I clearly remember feeling like no one provided us with guidance on how to do this. Just threw us to the wolves and told us to "find a doctor to shadow".
Now that I am on the other side of things I can saw with 100% certainty that most physicians truly enjoy have pre-med students "shadow" whether it is in an office, hospital, nursing home, home visit setting etc.
But where to start is the difficult part.
If you have anyone at all that is a physician around you start there. A family friend who is a physician is a great start. Not that you necessarily would shadow this individual but you can get the word out that you are likely going to apply to medical school and want to spend sometime with a physician.
Other ideas, it may sound crazy, but ask your own primary care doctor. If you have one, that is, and if you have a comfortable relationship. Definitely bring it up in a visit and ask if he/she has any colleagues that have students shadow or if he/she could help spread the word.
Ask you professors, counselors or any other career guiding figures that you are in contact with. Often they may know some physicians or could at least know where to start.
This idea is always the most scary, but look up physicians in the medical school in the University you are affiliated with and consider writing a letter to the dean. Well, actually in this day and age check out social media pages and post questions or look to see if there are opportunities noted anywhere on FB, IG, twitter etc. I am guessing you probably have done this and have posted this question there as well?
Talk to you colleagues and friends. Even if they aren't in science/math fields, ask them if they have family friends that are physicians, if they are comfortable with their own physicians etc. If any of your friends have children ask them if they are comfortable asking their OB/Gyn or pediatrician.
The bottom line is to just ask, ask, ask. It is very uncomfortable and daunting but eventually you will certainly find physicians to shadow and likely more than one.
And if you are told no don't be surprised and try not to get to upset. It is common and it isn't personal. Just keep trying and trying. Often you'll get 100 no's but you'll then get 1 yes and that is all it takes is 1!!!
You can do it, just don't give up!!
I am happy to help in any other way I can.
Sincerely,
Cara Oliver, MD
I am a medical doctor and remember being in this position! It was so overwhelming and daunting! I felt small, nervous and intimidated.
This was several years ago but I clearly remember feeling like no one provided us with guidance on how to do this. Just threw us to the wolves and told us to "find a doctor to shadow".
Now that I am on the other side of things I can saw with 100% certainty that most physicians truly enjoy have pre-med students "shadow" whether it is in an office, hospital, nursing home, home visit setting etc.
But where to start is the difficult part.
If you have anyone at all that is a physician around you start there. A family friend who is a physician is a great start. Not that you necessarily would shadow this individual but you can get the word out that you are likely going to apply to medical school and want to spend sometime with a physician.
Other ideas, it may sound crazy, but ask your own primary care doctor. If you have one, that is, and if you have a comfortable relationship. Definitely bring it up in a visit and ask if he/she has any colleagues that have students shadow or if he/she could help spread the word.
Ask you professors, counselors or any other career guiding figures that you are in contact with. Often they may know some physicians or could at least know where to start.
This idea is always the most scary, but look up physicians in the medical school in the University you are affiliated with and consider writing a letter to the dean. Well, actually in this day and age check out social media pages and post questions or look to see if there are opportunities noted anywhere on FB, IG, twitter etc. I am guessing you probably have done this and have posted this question there as well?
Talk to you colleagues and friends. Even if they aren't in science/math fields, ask them if they have family friends that are physicians, if they are comfortable with their own physicians etc. If any of your friends have children ask them if they are comfortable asking their OB/Gyn or pediatrician.
The bottom line is to just ask, ask, ask. It is very uncomfortable and daunting but eventually you will certainly find physicians to shadow and likely more than one.
And if you are told no don't be surprised and try not to get to upset. It is common and it isn't personal. Just keep trying and trying. Often you'll get 100 no's but you'll then get 1 yes and that is all it takes is 1!!!
You can do it, just don't give up!!
I am happy to help in any other way I can.
Sincerely,
Cara Oliver, MD
Mallory D
Medical Student
20
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Mallory’s Answer
I would add- don't be afraid to shadow a physician in a field you may not be interested in. You can learn something from every specialty so say YES to every opportunity! It will only benefit you. If you are having trouble finding contacts- I started by volunteering in a hospital in the ER. By volunteering you will be in the right environment, can learn a lot, and will be able to reach out to the physicians working.
Ricardynn StThomas
Pre-Medical Student, Brand Representative Lead
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Ricardynn’s Answer
I would advise you to go ahead and shadow people in other fields. You can call around to different places as well. LinkedIn is a really good place to look for professionals to shadow. You could also volunteer places and make connections. This allows you to be able to network and get to know more people who can help you on your pathway.