Does shadowing other medical fields count?

[DaymanNightman]

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So, quick debate. I understand that medical schools want more "variety" when it comes to shadowing, such as the shadowing physicians of different specialties (I am shadowing a internist and a neurologist). But recently, I also shadowed a PA and NP, and I know it's more beneficial for PA or NP school, but would it count to the hours I shadowed in total? Would the admissions committee even care if I did shadow a PA and an NP?

 

[plumhill]

So, quick debate. I understand that medical schools want more "variety" when it comes to shadowing, such as the shadowing physicians of different specialties (I am shadowing a internist and a neurologist). But recently, I also shadowed a PA and NP, and I know it's more beneficial for PA or NP school, but would it count to the hours I shadowed in total? Would the admissions committee even care if I did shadow a PA and an NP?

You could use that experience to show why you've settled on becoming an MD/DO instead of becoming a PA or an NP, but beyond that I'm not sure how much it would matter.

 

[LizzyM]

Shadowing other professionals gives you more ammo in your response to "if not medicine then what other careers would you consider". If you are in medicine for the patient contact then having the experience of shadowing a dentist, podiatrist, physical therapist, or even a PA or NP can give you an idea of what other patient-centered profession you might choose if medicine were not an option (a popular interview question to get at your motivation for choosing medicine). If you are in medicine more for the science side of things you might refer to your research and talk more about a career in industry or university-based research with or without mentoring/teaching.

 

[TriagePreMed]

I shadowed a podiatrist. I will definitely add it to my list.

 

[ForHumors]

Shadowing other professionals gives you more ammo in your response to "if not medicine then what other careers would you consider". If you are in medicine for the patient contact then having the experience of shadowing a dentist, podiatrist, physical therapist, or even a PA or NP can give you an idea of what other patient-centered profession you might choose if medicine were not an option (a popular interview question to get at your motivation for choosing medicine).

Yes, but then you have to come up with a rebuttal for the question "so if you're fine with being an NP or a PA why do you want to be a MD/DO?"

 

[LizzyM]

Yes, but then you have to come up with a rebuttal for the question "so if you're fine with being an NP or a PA why do you want to be a MD/DO?"

Of course, and there is a good answer to that question but I'm going to let everyone figure it out on their own.