How to make the most out of shadowing (Cardiologist)

[AKamM]

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Hello! I am currently shadowing a cardiologist and I am blown away by how fascinating everything is! I learn so much everyday but I want to make sure I take away as much as I can from this experience. I've been keeping a journal and I wrote notes (not about patients) about facts he told me, questions, answers to my questions, medications, goals for what I want to learn, etc but what else can I do? Also, is there anywhere throughout the application process I can talk about my journal? Lastly (sorry guys lol), how many hours do medical schools like to see an applicant shadow a physician? Thanks!

 

[godless]

When I shadowed a cardiologist I wrote down interesting cases. It helped me to remember my experiences months later when I was writing my applications.

It depends on the school, but I heard to shot for 100 hours.

 

[gmcguitar4]

I have been working around cards for the past year. Do you shadow him at his practice/clinic/hospital? You should ask if you can shadow rounds in the CCU. That is where its at!

But yea I mean what you are doing is what I did. Write down stuff I didn't understand and look it up and ask them about it. It is very interesting stuff.

 

[StoicJosher]

Hello! I am currently shadowing a cardiologist and I am blown away by how fascinating everything is! I learn so much everyday but I want to make sure I take away as much as I can from this experience. I've been keeping a journal and I wrote notes (not about patients) about facts he told me, questions, answers to my questions, medications, goals for what I want to learn, etc but what else can I do?

You are doing everything. There is a limit to what you can know without a formal medical education but with what you have, I think you are going above and beyond.

Also, is there anywhere throughout the application process I can talk about my journal?

Yes. This years application has 15 slots where you can enter your activities ranging from Clinical volunteering to shadowing to hobbies/interests. There is also a descriptions box where you can talk about the experience. I wouldn't talk too much about it but you can have a bullet point mentioning your journal if you really want. If this is a significant experience (you can pick 3 as significant), you get 1500 characters for the description; all other activities get 700 characters.

Lastly (sorry guys lol), how many hours do medical schools like to see an applicant shadow a physician? Thanks!

There is no such limit/requirement. It is not the hours but what you got out of it.