Shadowing While Employed

[shannonigans]

I'm looking into volunteering as well as shadowing some doctors before applying to post-bacc pre-med programs. Unfortunately, I work full-time with a daily commute of 95 miles. As hospitals are open on weekends, I don't anticipate running into issues with finding volunteer positions. However, I'm struggling to figure out a way to shadow some doctors as so many offices are only open 8am-6pm, Mon-Fri.

Does anyone have experience shadowing a physician while employed full-time prior to enrolling in a post-bac pre-med program? If so, how did you do it?

Any general advice re: volunteering and shadowing would be much appreciated as well!

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[deleted480308]

I shadowed an em doc in the evenings


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[popopopop]

I would see how you do in your post-bac classes first, then save the shadowing once you get into your groove. That's my plan at least, get everything nailed down first then focus on the loose ends. Perhaps save the shadowing for the summer? Also, look into free clinics that are open on the weekends because they should have physicians there.

 

[Five0tomed68]

I would see how you do in your post-bac classes first, then save the shadowing once you get into your groove. That's my plan at least, get everything nailed down first then focus on the loose ends. Perhaps save the shadowing for the summer? Also, look into free clinics that are open on the weekends because they should have physicians there.

OP wants the volunteer experience for the post bacc app process.

Whatever clinical volunteer work you find on the weekends, there will probably be a physician. Make a good name for yourself early, network yourself and when the opportunity presents itself see if you could shadow sometime.

You can also go the route of cold calling physicians with weekend hours as well. You would be surprised how many physicians work weekend hours.

 

[popopopop]

^Ahh, didn't know you need that to apply to formal post bac programs.

 

[Five0tomed68]

^Ahh, didn't know you need that to apply to formal post bac programs.

You don't but it may give you a bump over other applicants.

 

[shannonigans]

It's interesting- some programs I've looked into want 100 hours of volunteering and/or shadowing so they know you're committed to and serious about the career change. Other programs are willing to take the application as is with an essay on why you're interested in health care. Personally, I'm interested in shadowing to make sure I'm making the right career choice. For example, I was really excited about social media 2 years ago when I seriously started pursuing it and now? Ha. Haha. HAHAHAAAA. I've wanted to pursue medicine ever since I can remember, but I want to make sure this is something I can see myself doing as a career for the next 30+ years, not burn out after 6 months.

 

[kami333]

I used my vacation days.

 

[Elewynne]

I used my vacation days.

As did I. I'd second the recommendation to look at EM physicians as well, since the department is always running.

 

[SurgeonsGFstruggle]

I would suggest weekend shadowing:
1) Try the ER. Always open. Docs rotate shifts so if more than one is willing to have you shadow you can have the pick of their shifts.
2) some PCP / Pediatrics offices have Saturday hours now. May be busy though so only go if they seem to have time.
3) IM - shadow a Hospitalist. May be harder to connect with; not sure of your background/friendliness of a lot of hospital staff in terms of meeting someone to shadow. IM does weekend rounds and basically they're in house all day and night so again, more than one may be willing so they may have you switch back and forth to see patients depending on their load for that day.
4) on-call in house surgery (mostly trauma/acute care) - you'll probably end up with residents and maybe med students on this one. But constantly rotating on patients, seeing the chain of command for patient med changes/request for a procedure, etc that you would soon enough be a part of. Much of what I learned about surgery was during the times I brought my boyfriend lunch/dinner on Saturday call. Asking each other about patients and different opinions, looking at CTs, etc.

I am also really optimistic when it comes to shadowing because I was very blessed to have worked as an ER scribe which allowed me to meet many specialists (it was a trauma hospital). Made friends with surgeons and observed surgeries with them, met a cardiologist and spent >100 hours (including weekend rounding) with him and his mid level practitioners who were also amazing. He was great because he would hand me off to the interventional cards on that day if they had an interesting cast. Truly amazing learning experience. Because of that, I met most of the doctors in the hospital and have made great connections. The more time you can spend there, the more connections/mentors you can gain.

I hope it all works out for you. If you're anywhere near Northeastern PA or central/upstate NY, let me know and I may be able to help.