Do shadowing hours "expire'?

[elprup321]

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Im in my mid-20s and have decided to attempt to go to school and hopefully become a doctor. Ive been looking into this for years but am just now finally able to start college and start to really dedicate myself to all that is required before applying to med school. Im married with children and will be working while going to school so Im starting to really stress the recommended ECs. I know its definitely do-able but I dont want to waste the free time I have now.

Heres my question, I will be doing 1 year of school starting in August 2014 where Im at and then moving to a different state. I currently have opportunities to shadow where Im at because my SO works in a hospital. Is it to early to try to knock shadowing out of the way? Ive read so many stories of having difficulties finding doctors to shadow and I dont want to waste this opportunity, but I also dont want to waste time (theirs and mine) if it will look bad if I shadow now vs. closer to when/if I apply to med school. Any input would be very appreciated. As a side note I am volunteering and working in a clinical setting already.

 

[jeghaber]

Like you said, arranging shadowing opportunities can be difficult to fit into your own and the physicians' schedules. Of course, others with a more first-hand knowledge of how this woudl be viewed can comment, but I'd say go for it now 😀 Shadowing is supposed to give you a perspective of the working physician's daily routine and demands to essentially make sure that you're not fantasizing the physician's job. To a lesser degree, it also introduces you to the various specialties and practice styles. These aren't going to change so dramatically in the next few years. If you can shadow now and decide that yes, this is indeed the kind of career you want, I don't see why it wouldn't "count" a few years from now.

 

[elprup321]

Thanks I appreciate the response. I was thinking about it more today and I guess I can always get the bulk of the hours now and then maybe do some hours close to when I apply. Thanks again!