Secondary App/Interview Question

[onceanerdalwaysanerd]

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Hello all!

So here is my question...is it acceptable to talk about shadowing experiences in secondary apps and interviews, but shadowing is not listed in my primary app (already submitted) because I haven't received confirmation yet from those I had reached out to? (I also have contacted a number of individuals, so listing contacts would have been tricky as well since I don't know who will agree!) I have 200+ hours of volunteer experience, which does include watching traumas, observing how doctors interact with staff and patients, asking questions of doctors, following around the doctors and charge nurse when they do rounds, etc., but not classified as formal shadowing. I appreciate any responses!

 

[NeuResurgens]

Hello all!

So here is my question...is it acceptable to talk about shadowing experiences in secondary apps and interviews, but shadowing is not listed in my primary app (already submitted) because I haven't received confirmation yet from those I had reached out to? (I also have contacted a number of individuals, so listing contacts would have been tricky as well since I don't know who will agree!) I have 200+ hours of volunteer experience, which does include watching traumas, observing how doctors interact with staff and patients, asking questions of doctors, following around the doctors and charge nurse when they do rounds, etc., but not classified as formal shadowing. I appreciate any responses!

What do you mean by this?

 

[onceanerdalwaysanerd]

What do you mean by this?

I have asked a number of individuals if I can shadow, but as of right now I only just got confirmation from my primary care physician that I could shadow her. I am still waiting to hear back from others.

 

[jih]

I have asked a number of individuals if I can shadow, but as of right now I only just got confirmation from my primary care physician that I could shadow her. I am still waiting to hear back from others.

Unless you have prior shadowing experience, you may want to sit this cycle out...

 

[HCHopeful]

So... You're wondering if talking about this shadowing after you've spent hours doing it is okay? Yes, although not having shadowing experience on your primary is going to look suspicious.

If you get the experience, yes you can discuss it in your secondaries. And it may be your best bet, as the schools will want to see that you've done it. At the very least, I would update schools when you have gathered 20+ hours.

 

[onceanerdalwaysanerd]

Thank you all, and yes I would intend to talk about it in my secondaries or interviews when prompted. I believe that I have gained enough insight from life experiences and my time served as a volunteer (ER in particular) to understand the responsibilities and qualities of a doctor, and know that I have decided upon a life path that I am passionate about. Shadowing should reinforce that decision and be a source of personal growth for myself.

 

[claduva94]

Unless you have prior shadowing experience, you may want to sit this cycle out...

Provided OP has sufficient clinical experience this is not true. I did all of my shadowing a couple weeks before submission and did fine this cycle.