Lack of Shadowing Hours

[chajjohnson]

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Hey guys,

So I'm reapplying to ~12 mid and upper tier med schools this year with a 37P, 3.9 sGPA, 3 years research with pubs, 200 hours hospice volunteering etc... However, I only have 42 hours of direct shadowing spread over 5 different docs, recently added this spring. I've talked with schools I was rejected at last year who said my lack of any shadowing was the deal breaker. Any thoughts on whether my small amount of shadowing will be a significant disadvantage this year? If so, can anyone recommend any schools that don't have large shadowing requirements? I know it's not a lot of shadowing, but most schools I've seen have a 40 hour minimum, so it might not be too bad...? Thanks a lot.

 

[cheerful85]

Hey guys,

So I'm reapplying to ~12 mid and upper tier med schools this year with a 37P, 3.9 sGPA, 3 years research with pubs, 200 hours hospice volunteering etc... However, I only have 42 hours of direct shadowing spread over 5 different docs, recently added this spring. I've talked with schools I was rejected at last year who said my lack of any shadowing was the deal breaker. Any thoughts on whether my small amount of shadowing will be a significant disadvantage this year? If so, can anyone recommend any schools that don't have large shadowing requirements? I know it's not a lot of shadowing, but most schools I've seen have a 40 hour minimum, so it might not be too bad...? Thanks a lot.

Which schools explicitly told you that they have a 40 hour shadowing minimum, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[rfvbnmju]

As far as I know there's no requirement for shadowing hrs. It's kinda one of those unspoken requirement that you get exposure in the medical field to make an informed decision before entering. This can by done by shadowing, volunteering, clinical work etc..

 

[chajjohnson]

Which schools explicitly told you that they have a 40 hour shadowing minimum, if you don't mind my asking?

Mayo and Stanford require shadowing. I don't think they list it as a requirement, but said there's no way to show you know what medicine is like without it, so you need to do some. The mayo admissions director said they, and other unmentioned schools, think 40 hours is a minimum. I talked to the U of MN admissions director and she said shadowing is not a requirement as they understand finding a doc to shadow can be really difficult, but it is highly recommended.

 

[Ron1x]

What have you done since you last applied to prove to schools this is what you want to do?

That would be my main concern, not shadowing. It's not pointless, but close to it as schools don't care about it nearly as much as getting patient contact and or doctor interaction. Shadowing doesn't really allow for either.

My advice, locate the weak spots in your application and work on them the next year. Get some more shadowing in here in there but focus on clinical work and patient interaction. From your post it doesn't sound like you have done anything since you last applied, and you won't even get an interview from schools that interviewed you last year if that is the case.

 

[chajjohnson]

What have you done since you last applied to prove to schools this is what you want to do?

That would be my main concern, not shadowing. It's not pointless, but close to it as schools don't care about it nearly as much as getting patient contact and or doctor interaction. Shadowing doesn't really allow for either.

My advice, locate the weak spots in your application and work on them the next year. Get some more shadowing in here in there but focus on clinical work and patient interaction. From your post it doesn't sound like you have done anything since you last applied, and you won't even get an interview from schools that interviewed you last year if that is the case.

Well, I added the 40 or so hours of shadowing, have done more hospice volunteering, and I rewrote all my essays and application stuff. I think my application is somewhat improved over last year, and I'm applying to way more schools.

 

[caballo]

Not to hijack the thread, but how do you realistically go about acquiring shadowing opportunities? Is it as simple as contacting a practice or hospital and asking them?

 

[Salaam]

Hey guys,

So I'm reapplying to ~12 mid and upper tier med schools this year with a 37P, 3.9 sGPA, 3 years research with pubs, 200 hours hospice volunteering etc... However, I only have 42 hours of direct shadowing spread over 5 different docs, recently added this spring. I've talked with schools I was rejected at last year who said my lack of any shadowing was the deal breaker. Any thoughts on whether my small amount of shadowing will be a significant disadvantage this year? If so, can anyone recommend any schools that don't have large shadowing requirements? I know it's not a lot of shadowing, but most schools I've seen have a 40 hour minimum, so it might not be too bad...? Thanks a lot.

I think you'll be fine. Your other ECs are impressive, and you have excellent stats. I was concerned about my shadowing hours too (had 48), but I had a successful cycle. My advice would be to really think through what you learned during those 42 hrs and be able to articulate and explain those things well on your AMCAS activities description. Then, to absolve any doubt in the ADCOMs' minds, write a stellar personal statement with good, thoughtful reasons for why you want to be a doctor.