Medical Shadowing

• Why shadow?
  Shadowing is more than just a requirement for admission into medical or professional school. It allows you to get a clear sense of what it’s like to be a practicing doctor. Shadowing is a great way to find out if a career in medicine might be right for you. It will give you a better understanding of what a doctor’s typical day is like, and give you good experience to talk about in your applications and interviews for medical school. It’s also a great way to gain familiarity with different specialties and medical environments.
• How do you find a doctor to shadow?
  If you have a relationship with your own doctor(s), or know any doctors, start by asking them. You can also ask your teachers, professors, and advisors if they know any doctors that other students have shadowed in the past. Family and friends may also be able to connect you, It’s also okay to contact hospitals through their volunteer office, or search online for local doctors with specialties that interest you.
• What should I wear and what should I bring?
  Dress professionally and comfortably: dress pants and a tie for men, dress pants or a dress for women, and closed-toed shoes you can walk in all day. Bring a notebook. Ask questions and take notes in between patients, not in front of them,and prepare some questions ahead of time.
• Do I talk to patients?
  The doctor is required to introduce you to each patient and explain that you are a premedical student, so expect to talk to patients. Some people may be uncomfortable having you in the room during an examination or the entire appointment, so you may be asked to step out. Other patients may ask you questions about yourself, school or your plans to become a doctor. It would be good to practice these responses and be prepared. In either case,
  it’s important that you keep all patient information private. You may be required to sign a HIPAA compliance document stating that you will not disclose any patient information or details that could lead to patient identification.
• What should I do afterwards?
  Write a thank you note to give the doctor on your last day that thanks them for their time. If you think it went well, ask for a letter of recommendation right away. Don’t wait until you need it because the experience may not be fresh in the doctor’s mind by that time. Reflect on what you’ve learned from your shadowing experience and write down anything you may want to remember later.
• How do you ask to shadow?
  See the sample template below which is designed to help you compose an e-mail to request an opportunity to shadow and/or conduct an informational interview. Where there are blanks, fill in the appropriate information that is specific to the person you are contacting. Feel free to personalize the language, but keep it professional. Be sure to proofread before you send the e-mail to make sure that there aren’t any typos.
• Does Virtual Shadowing count?

  Virtual Shadowing

  Does Virtual Shadowing count?
  The COVID-19 pandemic has made it especially hard to find shadowing or observation opportunities in person.
  Every student is facing this problem and professional school admission boards acknowledge this.
  Thankfully, many medical schools and professional schools are accepting virtual shadowing as an option that is equal to or can be used in place of person shadowing.
  Check with the specific medical school website to confirm.
  The best option is in person, but if you are unable to find these opportunities,virtual shadowing will also be viewed as valuable experiences.

  How do I find virtual shadowing?
  There are various options online that have weekly or monthly virtual sessions.
  Some are more in-depth than others.
  Things to consider when choosing your virtual shadowing options:
  -Is it active or passive learning?
  -What is the consistency and accessibility of the sessions?
  -How much credit can you get? And how restrictive is the process?
  -What is the content presented?
  -How closely does it reflect actual in-person shadowing?

  Some virtual shadowing options will offer certificates, quizzes, recordings and Q and A. Having virtual shadowing is better than having no shadowing at all.
  It is still a great option to learn and develop understanding of different fields.

• What if they say no?
  Chances are, you will probably get turned down several times before someone says yes. Don’t get discouraged! This is a normal part of the process. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to thank a professional for responding, even if you don’t get the answer you were hoping for. This keeps the relationship going, which might open up other opportunities down the line. See the template for a professional way to Follow-Up. Remain professional and keep trying.

Professional Sample Template to ask for Shadowing:
Template to ask for Shadowing

Sample Follow-Up Email or Note:
Follow-up to say Thanks