Am I Screwed?

[mbio2015]

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So I was supposed to shadow a doctor for a couple of weeks for the summer, but he never got back to me and I'm leaving for a summer job soon. I've looked online and shadowing is supposed to be a quasi-requirement, so will that be a huge knock against me if I'm applying this summer? I had a chance to shadow during the school year, but picked doing research at my university's medical school because I thought that would be better for top schools...am I screwed unless my MCAT and GPA are above and beyond a school's average? I am planning on shadowing when I get back in August if that helps.


Also want to add I've had experience volunteering in the ER, patient transport, and nursing homes.

 

[DokterMom]

If you're applying this summer (2 weeks from now), not being able to START shadowing until August will be a big problem. Talk about leaving it to the last minute...
The point of shadowing is so medical schools will know that you have a realistic picture of what being a doctor is like. Unless your parent is a doctor, you probably don't.

 

[mbio2015]

It's possible I could shadow a primary care physician for 10-20 hours if I will be stationed near the clinic, but is not shadowing until August a dagger on my application?

 

[primordialfruit]

I think Doktermom's point is that the main objective of shadowing is so that premeds have a realistic view of the profession and would then be able to make a mature and informed decision to apply. Shadowing after you've already decided to apply to med (or after you've already submitted your app) just reeks of box checking for a resume.