How many shadowing hours?

[HappEness]

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I know there isn't a standard amount of shadowing hours needed to apply to med school. I understand that what you get out of shadowing is more important than the number of hours of shadowing you do.

But how many hours of shadowing is needed to be a competitive/successful applicant?

Asking everyone on this forum, especially those who got into med school already...

Thanks so much!

 

[Toutie]

I know there isn't a standard amount of shadowing hours needed to apply to med school. I understand that what you get out of shadowing is more important than the number of hours of shadowing you do.

But how many hours of shadowing is needed to be a competitive/successful applicant?

Asking everyone on this forum, especially those who got into med school already...

Thanks so much!

50-60 is pretty much standard. More than 100 does not help. Some of the hours should be with a primary care physician.

 

[Gauss44]

Can I resurrect this thread to get corroboration on this? I have the same question, but am not satisfied with just 2 votes for this answer from members I'm unfamiliar with.

 

[Toutie]

Can I resurrect this thread to get corroboration on this? I have the same question, but am not satisfied with just 2 votes for this answer from members I'm unfamiliar with.

According to your joined date, you have been on SDN for 5 years. Surely in that 5 years you have seen numerous posts with the recommended amount of shadowing hours...it is brought up at least once a week. So, I'll repeat what I said above... 50-60 is fine, more than 100 does not help, make sure at least some of the hours are with a primary care physician.

 

[Catalystik]

Can I resurrect this thread to get corroboration on this? I have the same question, but am not satisfied with just 2 votes for this answer from members I'm unfamiliar with.

Make me your third vote.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Aim for 100-120. Aim for 3 different types of physicians, one being primary care. Popular formula: 1. Primary Care, 2. Something specialized (cardiologist for example), 3. surgeon. You've covered all your bases. Most adcoms on SDN have told us shadowing letters do nothing to help, all they're used for is as a checkbox to see if the student actually shadowed.