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How do I secure a shadowing opportunity as a highschool senior during summer?
Hello, I’m a rising senior and am interested in shadowing a physician. I tried finding doctors on websites but I cannot find any of their emails and frankly, I’m not even sure if most of them are willing to be shadowed as I’ve cold called clinics before and they said that they weren’t open to it. Please help me out.
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6 answers
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Rita’s Answer
I think it will be hard to shadow a doctor. Your best chances are asking your own doctor or asking a family friend who is a doctor. Doctors speak about very personal issues and honestly, I would not have a high school student shadow me. I recommend anyone interested in medicine work as a medical scribe. This will act as your shadowing and you get paid. You can then see what doctors do and how they think. They will teach you the terminology of medicine which is difficult.
At your age, I volunteered at 2 hospitals but all they had me do was wheel patients from one area to another or transport items. I did not learn anything.
At your age, I volunteered at 2 hospitals but all they had me do was wheel patients from one area to another or transport items. I did not learn anything.
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Kitty’s Answer
We have high school students that shadow doctors and nurse practitioners in our practice occasionally. It can give you a good idea of what a real day is like. Start with your pediatrician or your parent's doctor. Many time a personal link is very helpful. Good luck!
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Martin’s Answer
Embrace the opportunity to observe nurse practitioners or PAs in action, and you could discover a whole new realm of possibilities to explore.
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Bijaya’s Answer
Shadowing a physician is a great way to learn about the medical profession and explore your interests. I have seen students shadow physicians and decide early on if this is the right path for them. Initially, finding a shadowing opportunity can be challenging, but with persistence, you can find one. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Visit nearby clinics, introduce yourself politely, and express your interest in shadowing. Explain why you are interested and how you can contribute, such as helping with administrative work or assisting patients and staff. Some clinics may offer you an opportunity.
2. For hospital shadowing, look for nearby hospitals, identify the specialty of the doctor you are interested in, find their contact information, and send a brief email requesting the opportunity to shadow them. Note that hospitals may have a designated institutional email for such requests. Be aware that the onboarding process can take time, so start early. Some hospitals also offer observer programs on their websites, so be sure to review and complete any necessary paperwork.
3. Look for free clinics run by charitable organizations and consider volunteering there. This can help you connect with physicians and staff, who can then assist you in achieving your shadowing goals. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience in itself.
4. You can also seek a consulting agent who can help find opportunities easily but may charge a high fee, so be cautious and decide accordingly.
5. Reach out to friends with similar interests who may have already shadowed a physician. They can provide valuable advice and help expedite the process for you.
Hope that helps. All the best!
1. Visit nearby clinics, introduce yourself politely, and express your interest in shadowing. Explain why you are interested and how you can contribute, such as helping with administrative work or assisting patients and staff. Some clinics may offer you an opportunity.
2. For hospital shadowing, look for nearby hospitals, identify the specialty of the doctor you are interested in, find their contact information, and send a brief email requesting the opportunity to shadow them. Note that hospitals may have a designated institutional email for such requests. Be aware that the onboarding process can take time, so start early. Some hospitals also offer observer programs on their websites, so be sure to review and complete any necessary paperwork.
3. Look for free clinics run by charitable organizations and consider volunteering there. This can help you connect with physicians and staff, who can then assist you in achieving your shadowing goals. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience in itself.
4. You can also seek a consulting agent who can help find opportunities easily but may charge a high fee, so be cautious and decide accordingly.
5. Reach out to friends with similar interests who may have already shadowed a physician. They can provide valuable advice and help expedite the process for you.
Hope that helps. All the best!
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Brett’s Answer
That's a very good question. You can try calling/contacting physician offices - I imagine the success rate with this method would be low, but you might get lucky - so keep trying, perseverance pays off! Many hospitals have an office/person dedicated to education - so if you look online at your local hospital's website, and you can find that office/person, they may be able to help you out. Most hospitals also have a volunteer program. By volunteering at a hospital, you may be able to develop a relationship with a physician who you feel comfortable asking if you could be their shadow. If you have a medical school in your vicinity, they may be able to help. Lastly, the next time you see your pediatrician, or your parent(s) see their primary care physician or specialist, you could ask if they would be willing to participate.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
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Matthew’s Answer
Contact your local hospital. Some hospitals specialize in teaching and will be more helpful.