Is it worth getting more shadowing done now?

[SweetRain]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm applying this cycle and I've already shadowed a doctor last month. I only did 16 hours because of my schedule. I felt like whether it goes onto the application or not I felt like it was a great experience and saw things I never thought of before.

At this point, is it a good idea to get more shadowing done and list it as planned activity (TMDSAS) or is it going to look like I'm cramming in everything last minute? I felt like my previous shadowing was somewhat last minute as it is.

Also, I'm really interested in primary care, so I shadowed a primcary care pediatrician. Should I shadow a specialist, or a primary care physician in adult medicine?

 

[Catalystik]

Shadowing is one of the few activities where you won't be faulted for getting it done last-minute.

Yes, it is a good idea to get more done before you submit. I would not say, "I plan to do more" on the application. Rather, update schools later with additional hours.

More shadowing with the pediatrician would be fine. Also spending time with another specialist or two would be great. I think a breadth of experience is nice to see, and you have the advantage of a wider exposure to different fields and physician perspectives on medicine as a career. Try to get some time with an adult medicine doc. Maybe the pediatrician or that IM physician could provide a contact with a subspecialist.

 

[DrBowtie]

There isn't a need to list hours anyway. Describe the experience and what you learned rather than the amount of time.