Question on shadowing

[sasoriboi]

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Hello everyone,

Quick question. Does it matter what specialty you shadow in, or is it more so based on your hours? I've heard some people say it is important to shadow IM/FM over other specialties. Is this true? Just trying to get an idea.

Thanks!

 

[Catalystik]

Quick question. Does it matter what specialty you shadow in, or is it more so based on your hours? I've heard some people say it is important to shadow IM/FM over other specialties. Is this true? Just trying to get an idea.

You can shadow many or one specialty, so long as primary care is represented (IM, pediatrics, family med, OBGYN). About 50 total US physician hours is the average listed.

 

[sasoriboi]

You can shadow many or one specialty, so long as primary care is represented (IM, pediatrics, family med, OBGYN). About 50 total US physician hours is the average listed.

Thanks!

 

[HomeSkool]

If there's a specific area that interests you (for example, cardiology or hem-onc), some shadowing in that field will demonstrate your interest and may help with your PS. And like Catalystik said, you definitely need to include primary care.

 

[sasoriboi]

If there's a specific area that interests you (for example, cardiology or hem-onc), some shadowing in that field will demonstrate your interest and may help with your PS. And like Catalystik said, you definitely need to include primary care.

Great, thanks!

 

[sasoriboi]

Does it matter if the physician got their degree in a different country?

 

[Catalystik]

Does it matter if the physician got their degree in a different country?

As long as the physician is practicing medicine in the US, you're fine.

 

[ChymeofPassion]

Do MD schools have any particular aversion to shadowing a DO (such as in primary care)?

 

[jazzmetal]

You can shadow many or one specialty, so long as primary care is represented (IM, pediatrics, family med, OBGYN). About 50 total US physician hours is the average listed.

Good stuff, thanks!
What's the current consensus on whether scribing can substitute for shadowing? I have fewer than 50 hours of pure shadowing, but about 100 volunteer scribing hours at a primary care clinic.

 

[Catalystik]

Do MD schools have any particular aversion to shadowing a DO (such as in primary care)?

No, MD schools are open to any physician shadowing, MD or DO.

 

[Catalystik]

What's the current consensus on whether scribing can substitute for shadowing? I have fewer than 50 hours of pure shadowing, but about 100 volunteer scribing hours at a primary care clinic.

Many would consider that in-person scribing covers both shadowing and active clinical experience, unfortunately, that is not the universal opinion of adcomms, so dedicated physician shadowing is also necessary. If you have 40 hours of "pure" shadowing (including a primary care doc), plus the scribing, you'll be fine, though.