EM shadowing + freshman LoRs?

[1nvictus]

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So I got myself an opportunity to shadow a doctor in emergency medicine as a freshman and I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with shadowing under this specialty. The hours I can choose from are either 11PM - 3AM or 3AM - 7AM so I'm going to have some experience in late nights.

Also, since med school apps would be two and a half years from now would it be a smart idea to consider asking for a letter from this physician if my wouldn't need to apply for a long time?

 

[eleveneleven]

So I got myself an opportunity to shadow a doctor in emergency medicine as a freshman and I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with shadowing under this specialty. The hours I can choose from are either 11PM - 3AM or 3AM - 7AM so I'm going to have some experience in late nights.

Also, since med school apps would be two and a half years from now would it be a smart idea to consider asking for a letter from this physician if my wouldn't need to apply for a long time?

The shadowing will be a great experience. Try and get in on both shifts as you will see some variation in the types of patients that come in during either shifts. Write down some stories. Reflect on your experience. Remember and learn as much as you can. Don't worry about asking the EM doctor for a letter. There isn't much that one can say about you if they only ever see you as a passive observer.

 

[mimelim]

Why it would be a bad idea to try to get a letter of recommendation from this person:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=985472

 

[oceanillusion42]

I agree to hold off on the letter for now, but really try to take in as much as you can from the experience. You should get to see a lot, so enjoy it and get a feel for the specialty. It's also good to see what actually goes on in "real life" at your stage in the game because for a lot of people the reality is different from what they thought. You may think you love EM and then that heroin OD that comes to and vomits on your shoes... you may wanna rethink your career in medicine lol.

All in all, enjoy your experience and take away from it as much as you can.