4 answers
Ava
Student
New Bedford, Massachusetts
16
Questions
Asked
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How can a shadow a doctor as a sophmore in highschool?
I am going into my sophmore year and i want the exsperince and i would like to see with my own eyes what its like I am intressed in what ever people have to say and show i want to learn
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4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
That's fantastic that you're interested in medicine at such a young age! Shadowing a doctor is a great way to gain insight into the medical field, especially if you're considering a career as a pediatric surgeon. Here's how you can get started:
1. Research and Identify Potential Doctors to Shadow
- Start with Your Network: Ask your family, friends, or teachers if they know any doctors who might be willing to let you shadow them.
- Local Hospitals and Clinics: Reach out to hospitals, clinics, or private practices in your area. Many hospitals have volunteer or internship programs for high school students.
2. Prepare a Resume and Cover Letter
- Resume: Highlight your interest in medicine, any relevant courses, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.
- Cover Letter: Express your enthusiasm for learning about the medical field and why you’re interested in shadowing a doctor.
3. Reach Out
- Email or Call: Contact the doctors or medical facilities you’re interested in. Explain who you are, why you want to shadow, and how long you’re available. Be polite and professional.
- Follow Up: If you don't hear back after a week, send a polite follow-up email or make another phone call.
4. Prepare for the Experience
- Research the Doctor’s Specialty: Learn about the doctor’s field and common procedures or conditions they handle.
- Dress Professionally: Wear business-casual clothing or scrubs if instructed.
- Be Ready to Learn: Bring a notebook to jot down observations and questions. Stay attentive and respectful during your time shadowing.
5. Understand the Requirements
- Parental Consent: You may need parental consent to shadow, especially if you’re under 18.
- Health and Safety: Some places might require you to have certain vaccinations or complete a HIPAA training.
6. Reflect on the Experience
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor questions when appropriate.
- Reflect: After the experience, reflect on what you learned and how it aligns with your interests.
Shadowing is a valuable opportunity, so make the most of it by being proactive and eager to learn!
Best wishes!
That's fantastic that you're interested in medicine at such a young age! Shadowing a doctor is a great way to gain insight into the medical field, especially if you're considering a career as a pediatric surgeon. Here's how you can get started:
1. Research and Identify Potential Doctors to Shadow
- Start with Your Network: Ask your family, friends, or teachers if they know any doctors who might be willing to let you shadow them.
- Local Hospitals and Clinics: Reach out to hospitals, clinics, or private practices in your area. Many hospitals have volunteer or internship programs for high school students.
2. Prepare a Resume and Cover Letter
- Resume: Highlight your interest in medicine, any relevant courses, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.
- Cover Letter: Express your enthusiasm for learning about the medical field and why you’re interested in shadowing a doctor.
3. Reach Out
- Email or Call: Contact the doctors or medical facilities you’re interested in. Explain who you are, why you want to shadow, and how long you’re available. Be polite and professional.
- Follow Up: If you don't hear back after a week, send a polite follow-up email or make another phone call.
4. Prepare for the Experience
- Research the Doctor’s Specialty: Learn about the doctor’s field and common procedures or conditions they handle.
- Dress Professionally: Wear business-casual clothing or scrubs if instructed.
- Be Ready to Learn: Bring a notebook to jot down observations and questions. Stay attentive and respectful during your time shadowing.
5. Understand the Requirements
- Parental Consent: You may need parental consent to shadow, especially if you’re under 18.
- Health and Safety: Some places might require you to have certain vaccinations or complete a HIPAA training.
6. Reflect on the Experience
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor questions when appropriate.
- Reflect: After the experience, reflect on what you learned and how it aligns with your interests.
Shadowing is a valuable opportunity, so make the most of it by being proactive and eager to learn!
Best wishes!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Ava
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
Mary Jane Shroyer
Director of Health Professions Career Community
116
Answers
Grinnell, Iowa
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
You can definitely try! Some medical centers will have requirements like being a certain age, completing a training, and showing proof of vaccination. My suggestion is to start with your family doctor or anyone you know who is a doctor. They will often let you shadow or connect you to the proper office. If that doesn't work, contact your closest hospital to ask if they allow shadowing. If they don't have a contact on their website, contact their volunteer coordinator and ask if they can point you in the right direction. If you live in a rural area, you can also search for "AHEC" and your state. AHECs often have shadowing and other programs for high school and college students. Good luck!
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
14
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Definitely call and ask around. I know it’s allowed during extern and internships in college and vocational programs. They will need you, your school and guardian to sign a waiver. They won’t show you much because of HIPPA, but they probably can take time to answer questions.
Angela Brown
Paramedic
1
Answer
Augusta, Georgia
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi Ava. In some cases Emergency Room physicians in small hospitals will allow you to shadow them. However, they may ask you to sign a waiver stating that if you are harmed in any way, the facility cannot be held responsible for your injuries.
If that does not work, I would suggest approaching a physicians office. They have a bit more time to spend with the patient. You can sometimes learn more in an office setting rather than an Emergency Room. A Doctors office will allow more opportunity for the doctor to answer any questions as well.
Angela recommends the following next steps: