Is it okay to shadow a physician as an entering undergrad freshman?

[k12123]

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I dont have use for my summer and would like to seek extra curricular opportunities. I was wondering if i would be allowed to shadow a physician. Thank you.

 

[Angulimala]

I dont have use for my summer and would like to seek extra curricular opportunities. I was wondering if i would be allowed to shadow a physician. Thank you.

Absolutely. Talk to the physician to see if you're "allowed," but I think most people would agree that shadowing would be a great way to spend some of your summer.

 

[k12123]

Absolutely. Talk to the physician to see if you're "allowed," but I think most people would agree that shadowing would be a great way to spend some of your summer.

Should I ask for some form of a letter from the physician saying that I shadowed them? Thank you.

 

[Angulimala]

Should I ask for some form of a letter from the physician saying that I shadowed them? Thank you.

Generally, you'll be shadowing for your own benefit, I'd think (as opposed to using the experience later to leverage something). If you do it a lot and later want to reference the experience in your AMCAS, a letter is not required. If s/he likes you a lot, it's possible you'd get a recommendation out of it. Other than that, I can't really see any other use for a letter.

 

[k12123]

Generally, you'll be shadowing for your own benefit, I'd think. If you do it a lot and later want to reference the experience in your AMCAS, a letter is not required. If s/he likes you a lot, it's possible you'd get a recommendation out of it. Other than that, I can't really see any other use for a letter.

Oh okay. Thank you!

 

[mishaS]

You can, but I hope your realize that if you shadow you're expected to answer detailed questions about pathophysiology, biochemical pathways, and general gross anatomy questions. My first time, the doc sent me into the waiting room and demanded I give him a detailed write up on what I though the patients were suffering from without even answering questions.

 

[k12123]

You can, but I hope your realize that if you shadow you're expected to answer detailed questions about pathophysiology, biochemical pathways, and general gross anatomy questions. My first time, the doc sent me into the waiting room and demanded I give him a detailed write up on what I though the patients were suffering from without even answering questions.

Oh, maybe i should let them know about my status when i ask them if i can shadow huh?

 

[Angulimala]

You can, but I hope your realize that if you shadow you're expected to answer detailed questions about pathophysiology, biochemical pathways, and general gross anatomy questions. My first time, the doc sent me into the waiting room and demanded I give him a detailed write up on what I though the patients were suffering from without even answering questions.

Everyone has different experiences. Can't tell if you're serious, but I never had a bad experience shadowing.

 

[k12123]

Everyone has different experiences. Can't tell if you're serious, but I never had a bad experience shadowing.

Well in that case, maybe i'll go ahead and give it a shot. I'm just really eager to get into the medical field. I didn't do so well in high school. 2.6 GPA and I'm going to a state university, so maybe I'll do things the right way this time. Which is why I'm trying to get as advanced as I can. Thank you!

 

[mtbtx]

You can, but I hope your realize that if you shadow you're expected to answer detailed questions about pathophysiology, biochemical pathways, and general gross anatomy questions. My first time, the doc sent me into the waiting room and demanded I give him a detailed write up on what I though the patients were suffering from without even answering questions.

Troll post.

In my experience, the docs have been nothing but helpful and have tried to show me how their day-to-day operations run. Most have even gone above and beyond by showing me things and explaining them in a "dumbed down" way that an undergrad would understand (like X-rays, or what I'm looking at during surgery). Just be personable and act interested.

 

[k12123]

Troll post.

In my experience, the docs have been nothing but helpful and have tried to show me how their day-to-day operations run. Most have even gone above and beyond by showing me things and explaining them in a "dumbed down" way that an undergrad would understand (like X-rays, or what I'm looking at during surgery). Just be personable and act interested.

That's fascinating! I'm definitely looking forward to it!

 

[Xerxes1729]

No one expects you to know anything. Why would you? Don't worry about it.

 

[mishaS]

Hmmm sorry if it wasn't obvious, my post was a joke (I thought it was obvious...). Doctors want you to ask questions, and I've never heard of them putting students on the spot. Keep in mind those doctors were eager premeds to, they understand, and most, being good people, want to help.

 

[StudyShy]

No one expects you to know anything. Why would you? Don't worry about it.

👍

 

[essaywhuman]

I did! I think it's a great idea. It will help either solidify your commitment to becoming a doc or show you that it's maybe not for you. Why not find out now?

Plus all the docs I've shadowed have been awesome and eager to help me learn. I highly encourage you to do it.