EC questions...

[UVMMedHopeful]

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As with just about everyone else in this forum, I'm interested in med school. However I do not have much medical experience as far as ECs go. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what is the best way to shadow a physician, both a MD and DO (just to see which I like more). Is it best to call or would a letter (email?) be better? How long do most people shadow for? If I shadowed each for about 30-40 hours, would this be enough or should I aim for more?

Also, starting in November I'm going to serving/working for AmeriCorps for a community health corporation. The term is for about 1700 hours. Would this position along with shadowing and volunteering at a local hospital be sufficient for an application down the line? I do have non medical ECs...
worked at two summer camps; one science oriented, the other nature/ecology oriented. I also volunteered for 2+ years at UVM through Pets Helping People, a program we we would bring the local rescued greyhounds to nursing homes once a week and helped take care of them by walking, bringing food/treats, as well as help promote adoption of them.

I am not applying anytime soon, I still have a couple more years before I can. I have to do some grade recovery and take the MCAT before I can apply. I was just wondering if I do the shadowing/volunteering on top of what I already have would it be enough?Because when I start my post bacc I would rather be focused on my classes rather than getting more ECs if I can help it.

 

[Catalystik]

What exactly will your duties be at the community health corporation?

One finds physicians to shadow through one's clinical experiences, by asking one's own doc or those of family members, by asking the prehealth advisor at school if they have a list of community docs willing to be shadowed, or by cold-calling local docs' offices and asking if shadowing is permitted. You can also find a DO doc through the American Osteopathic Association matching service, a link for which can be found among the stickies in Pre-Med Osteo forum.

About 50 hours of shadowing seems average. I suggest aiming for 60-80 hours total, split among a few types of doc, of which at least one is primary care.