Crisis line or more shadowing

[SpanishMusical]

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Hi all,

I recently got an email from my university about an ER shadowing program that I could do; basically, by the end of the semester, I would have 24 more hours of ER shadowing. However, due to my schedule, this would mean I would be unable to work at a domestic violence crisis center in my town. My current shadowing is 8 hours of an ophthalmologist, 8 hours of an ENT, 8 hours at an ER, 8 hours of radiology, ~8 hours during my interpreting at a free clinic, 12 hours on an ambulance (not sure if relevant), and 15 hours in orthopedics in Spain (not sure if relevant, as it's not in the US).

In other words, I have 40 hours of shadowing that I know counts as such, and an extra 27 of non-US and non-MD shadowing. Is it more worthwhile to bring this up to 64 hours in a shadowing program that quite frankly, I'm not too interested in, or should I stick with the shelter, where, although not medical, I feel like I'd be making much more of a difference, and would be able to use my skills (speaking Spanish) in a meaningful way? I could also try to sign up for ER shadowing shifts on Sunday, but I'm already pretty busy with other things, and would like to have that day for catching up on HW, laundry, decompressing, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[Cornfed101]

keep doing the volunteering. If you find another opportunity to shadow (especially in primary care) you can take it, otherwise you are probably fine

 

[DJay4534533]

I’m not sure where this idea that people need to come into school with millions of shadowing hours, but I wish it would go away. Because the most annoying classmates that I have are the ones who start off every discussion with “When I shadowed a ____ Doctor.”

Shadowing is just a glimpse into the life of the doctor. Imo, having a long term relationship with a doctor & seeing patients long-term is far more rewarding of an experience.

In any case, this volunteering gig that you have sound much more fulfilling than an obvious check the box shadowing activity. Continue with the volunteering activity as it will show your humanity.

 

[keolu hills]

I think in your case working with domestic violence victims might be better. You already have a lot of shadowing done in many specialties. Also, if I understood you correctly, you will be getting paid to work with DV victims.

 

[SpanishMusical]

Thank you everyone – I will continue the volunteering. At least I'll finish every week knowing that I was able to really help someone!