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Does anyone know of any physician assistant shadowing opportunities?

I am an aspiring physician assistant; I graduated college in December with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences. I am applying for PA school in just a few months. I have been searching for months and months on end for shadowing opportunities; however, due to COVID, I have been unsuccessful in finding anything. I have utilized almost all of my recourses with no luck at all. Does anyone know of any potential physician assistant shadowing opportunities or anyone that could help point me in the right direction? Any help is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!!! #healthcare #medicine #internship

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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Brianna! Right now with COVID unfortunately many clinical opportunities are limited therefore programs can be flexible in terms of shadowing. First, I would check with the specific PA program and see what their updates have been in terms of COVID and PA shadowing- I do know that there are requirements to PA school such as a certain number of clinical hours, GPA, GRE score, and like you know as well shadowing. I would make sure that you feel comfortable with these before applying so you can be a strong candidate. When it comes to specific shadowing see if there are any virtual opportunities, usually there are more virtual clinical opportunities due to COVID such as HEAL clinical shadowing- this is an online opportunity and some PA students have also hosted the events. I would also check with a pre-PA adviser at the university you graduated and see if they have any PA's they may connect you with . Certain PAs may be doing virtual Telehealth appointments that you may be able to join or you may be able to get questions answered and see more about their field over phone calls- for medical school shadowing this is what I had done before being able to shadow in person due to COVID.

I know you are trying your best and I know this is difficult but please remember these are unprecedented times so please do not worry too much and try to still stay active in the best way possible and check in with the programs. See also if there are admissions consultations with the schools you are applying to or any events they may host that may help in getting the questions you asked answered- the adcoms at graduate schools are always there for you and they definitely care for students who are interested!

I truly hope this helps! I wish you the best!

Yasemin recommends the following next steps:

Virtual shadowing/Telehealth
Ask pre-PA adviser
Check in with specific programs/schools you are applying to
Make a checklist to make sure you filled the criteria well
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Joanna’s Answer

Hi Yasmin! I’m also hoping to apply to PA school in April, so i understand your struggles! A good idea is to reach out to medical professionals and/or healthcare workers you know, such as coworkers, a supervising physician, etc. They may know a PA who is open to having you shadow! Even if you’re unable to due to COVID restrictions, you can also ask to meet with them over Zoom or have a phone call, so you could talk to them and learn more about the PA profession.

I heard some schools accept virtual shadowing, so if you have an Instagram, I’d recommend following the pre-pa community on there to see what opportunities are available. I believe one account, empoweredpas, has some sessions every few months or so.

You got this! Don’t lose faith! :)
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Amy’s Answer

Try American Red Cross and volunteer. They work within hospitals to coordinate volunteer services. They also work within Navy Hospitals, such as Naval Medical Center San Diego and Camp Pendleton. You do not have to be associated with the Navy to volunteer. You also don't have to be interested in the Navy to volunteer.
You are in California I see. You can go to UCLA and their volunteer department. They will train you to be a volunteer. Then, they will put you usually where they need you. However, they will always try to put you where you want to go.
You may even try the Veteran's Affairs. They have a lot of locations and may be accepting volunteers.
You will find something. I am sure of it. The medical field really needs help right now. They just may be struggling, because they don't have time to train or credential volunteers. Please keep looking!
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Jazmine’s Answer

Hi Brianna,

I would try and see if any local hospitals/clinics are offering shadowing experiences, but if not- I know some people have done shadowing virtually. I would just try and research as much as possible.
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Zohra’s Answer

Hi Brianna,

I would start with the volunteer offices in nearby hospitals. Submit your application to volunteer with them and mention your interest in shadowing a PA. There might be some pushback at the office with paper work and helping your passions, but be firm but respectful in your request.

Also, go to private doctors offices and shadow with them. There might be PA's there PT or FT , because they're cheaper to hire over physicians. Bear in mind with COVID they might not want to expose you just yet in hospitals, but on way to find out is to call the volunteer office.

Good Luck!
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