Philly area shadowing

[WhitecatBlackcat]

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Does anyone know of any physicians or hospitals that allow shadowing during the summer in the Philadelphia area?

 

[Cynicalcatlady]

Abington memorial has a summer pre med program you can apply to but I think the deadlines was December. If you cold call around like I did (I wouldn't suggest it because it didn't end up going well) the only hospital that was receptive to me was PCOM. I think CHOP also has some programs in place you should look into to gain clinical experience and shadowing as well.

 

[laurenlee3]

Try the Veteran's hospital. They have lots of volunteering/shadowing opportunities.

Abington memorial has a summer pre med program you can apply to but I think the deadlines was December. If you cold call around like I did (I wouldn't suggest it because it didn't end up going well) the only hospital that was receptive to me was PCOM. I think CHOP also has some programs in place you should look into to gain clinical experience and shadowing as well.

PCOM doesn't have their own hospital...

 

[escavalier]

HUP, CHOP, Penn Presbyterian, VA

 

[Tutor526]

I would try really hard to find a shadowing opportunity at CHOP, it's an amazing hospital. Awesome facilities filled with awesome people

 

[Sunshizzle]

start with your local primary care doctor (or get one if you dont have one). at your visit, mention you are interested in medicine and gauge their reaction. approach the subject of shadowing them if you get the feeling theyd be up for it (most PCPs are awesome and wouldnt mind having you shadow). Once you go a few times and build rapport, ask if they know anyone else in another specialty who would let you observe. Medicine is a small world, they'll know who to steer you towards.

 

[Cynicalcatlady]

Try the Veteran's hospital. They have lots of volunteering/shadowing opportunities.


PCOM doesn't have their own hospital...

Yes I realize this and I apologize for the misleading language. They do have clinics and primary care offices in the area that they will set you up with.

 

[ciestar]

Where I found opportunities was teaching hospitals.
All the Jefferson ones (Jeff, Neuro, Methodist, plus Will's Eye); maybe even Abington now that Jeff owns them too (Drexel students do clerkships at AMH)
Temple
Hahnemann (Drexel)
Penn/CHOP (but be aware with CHOP about their crazy criteria to shadow.)
Any of the clinics associated with PCOM.

 

[IlDestriero]

Penn/CHOP (but be aware with CHOP about their crazy criteria to shadow.)

What do they want?


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Il Destriero

 

[aldol16]

The Penn health system is in Philly, so there is no shortage of doctors who have to deal with med/pre-med students. Start with any doctors you or your family/friends have connections to and go from there (unless they're your family/friends' OB/GYN, in which case it might be awkward).

 

[ciestar]

What do they want?


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Il Destriero

I need to get a background check, the PA child abuse clearance, the FBI fingerprint clearance...all my health records which includes vaccinations and a TB status.

 

[wolfnscale]

Hi guys,

Can I bump this back to life? I'll be in Philly a few times a week this summer, attending Penn Summer at UPenn for some post-bacc classes. I'd like to get some shadowing in while I'm there. I saw that UPenn has a volunteer program, but does not offer shadowing. Does anyone have any 'connections' or some ideas of places in the city where I might find an amenable doc?

 

[JohnJacobJungler]

start with your local primary care doctor (or get one if you dont have one). at your visit, mention you are interested in medicine and gauge their reaction. approach the subject of shadowing them if you get the feeling theyd be up for it (most PCPs are awesome and wouldnt mind having you shadow). Once you go a few times and build rapport, ask if they know anyone else in another specialty who would let you observe. Medicine is a small world, they'll know who to steer you towards.

this^^^

 

[wolfnscale]

Lol, yes. That is brilliant advice for starting to shadow near your permanent residence. It's a bit trickier if you are visiting a city. I'll be temporarily in Philly for 11 weeks. I actually spoke to my doc to see if they know anyone if the Philadelphia area, but alas no. Anywho, I will email around and for those watching this thread, I will post some possible clinics or hospitals that are positive toward shadowing here. 😉

 

[JohnJacobJungler]

Lol, yes. That is brilliant advice for starting to shadow near your permanent residence. It's a bit trickier if you are visiting a city. I'll be temporarily in Philly for 11 weeks. I actually spoke to my doc to see if they know anyone if the Philadelphia area, but alas no. Anywho, I will email around and for those watching this thread, I will post some possible clinics or hospitals that are positive toward shadowing here. 😉

I was in a similar boat as you, moving to a new city. Here are some things you can try

Depends what you are doing over the summer. If you are working at a hospital just ask someone who works there, I have found plenty of success that way. (EM, IM, Trauma Surg, Pediatric PM&R)

If you are visiting family, the way that I have been also shadowing is just by asking to go to my families doctors appointments. I've shadowed few physicians that way. Once you are in their office not one has said no. (Cardio, Podiatry, Gen Surg)

Alternatively, you can also schedule a physical with a provider who takes your health insurance out in your new area. I did this and when they were done with the exam I just asked, and they said absolutely, do XYZ to get you into the clinic. (Primary Care)

Good luck. I am not from Philly, but another urban area. I increased my shadowing hours x3 over the past two months alone, just by doing one of these three things.