How much formal shadowing is absolutely necessary for nontrads who work in the healthcare industry?

[edgerock24]

Hi everyone,

I'll keep this short: I've worked in hospitals as a clinical research assistant and as a psychiatric counselor for the past 2+ years. When I apply to medical school in 2015, I will have worked for a total of 3 years in hospitals. I have worked closely with physicians, and have had tons of direct patient experience.

My question: with consideration to my work history, will I still be expected to formally shadow a physician before I apply to medical school?

I ask, because it seems somewhat redundant in a way to do so. Since I have worked with doctors, I have seen what their days are like. I know what I'm getting into.

Any and all comments are much appreciated.

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[gyngyn]

Hi everyone,

I'll keep this short: I've worked in hospitals as a clinical research assistant and as a psychiatric counselor for the past 2+ years. When I apply to medical school in 2015, I will have worked for a total of 3 years in hospitals. I have worked closely with physicians, and have had tons of direct patient experience.

My question: with consideration to my work history, will I still be expected to formally shadow a physician before I apply to medical school?

I ask, because it seems somewhat redundant in a way to do so. Since I have worked with doctors, I have seen what their days are like. I know what I'm getting into.

Any and all comments are much appreciated.

Do you have any experience with primary care?

 

[Doctor Bob]

My question: with consideration to my work history, will I still be expected to formally shadow a physician before I apply to medical school?

No

 

[QofQuimica]

Since you have direct patient contact and work with physicians, then no, shadowing is probably not strictly necessary. But given that you're in a fairly specialized field, some primary care exposure would be a plus.

 

[edgerock24]

Thanks for the replies, all.

Do you have any experience with primary care?

I have not. I've worked in an outpatient psych unit -- but nothing with family medicine. I can see where shadowing a family medicine doc for a week or two (hope this would be enough?) could be worthwhile.