Shadowing is beneficial in many ways. Most importantly, it allows a student to determine if medicine is the right field for him or her.
How do I find someone to shadow?
- OCH Shadowing Program
- Must be at least a Junior
- Must have current health insurance
- Students can shadow one (1) semester for 35 hours.
- If a student has not been accepted into the program, they may re-submit an application each semester.
Tips for Shadowing a Doctor
Finding a Doctor
- Start by asking your own family doctor
- If they say yes, ask if they know any doctors in other specialties you could shadow.
- Call your local hospital.
- Family members or friends of family.
- Use your networking skills!
When shadowing
- Dress professionally if shadowing in a clinic or scrubs if the doctor does not mind. If you are shadowing in the OR, then you will more than likely wear scrubs.
- Take a mini note book to write down your experiences or medical terminology you may want to look up later.
- Please note to never write down any personal information of the patients.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Keep a journal of the experiences. One day you may be asked to write about the experience and if it’s two years after the experience then you may not remember it. A journal is a great way to keep an account.
- Be on time.
- Send a thank you note to the doctor following your shadowing.
- The pre-med office works closely with a number of pre-health clubs to provide students with opportunities, like shadowing. Physician’s on the Rise student organization helps students with shadowing opportunities.