How to begin to shadow?
Hello, I am a pre-med student (freshman in college) and I am really worried about not being able to gain shadowing experience because whenever I ask someone how they shadowed they're like "My parents know doctors" and my family don't really know doctors and I feel like that's the only way people gain shadowing opportunities. Does anyone have tips? I already emailed a few doctors but I don't know if they actually reply. Please let me know if you have any tips! #college #doctor #medicine #student #pre-med #graduate-school #volunteering #medical-education
3 answers
Ana Felix
Ana’s Answer
Many colleges have a Pre-Med group and shadowing can be coordinated through the group. Alternatively, seek out the volunteer office of your local hospital- volunteering is more important than shadowing on your resume.
Ken’s Answer
Hi Duaa!
You asked about a very important area - career exploration!
One of the most important things to remember is that a personal contact is very much better and very much more effective than an electronic one. We are becoming a society that is too dependent on electronic forms of contact and need to get back to personal phone calls and one on one interaction.
Participating in coop, intern, shadowing and volunteer programs are very effective in developing information and forming relationships.
Best of luck! Please keep me posted! I would like to follow your progress!
Brittnye Dione’s Answer
Hello Duaa,
Have you ever considered being a Medical Scribe? It can be a great first start to gain meaningful experience while in school. You should research medical scribe companies that are searching for pre-med students like you.