Shadowing as a freshman

[Hoosier77]

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So I think I will have the opportunity to shadow a neurosurgeon, should I do it my freshman year, maybe fall or spring break? Or is it not cool to shawdow during your freshman year? Also, whats a good number of hours to shadow for?

Thanks

 

[BigChubbyMD]

Shadowing is about realizing what you are getting into being a doc, so do it any time you get a chance. My premed advisor said most people shadow around 40 hrs or so, but from other people I heard from, that is pretty low and 80-100 is more likely. Starting shadowing early won't hurt you as long as you are consistent throughout your college career

 

[pooghe]

Why would shadowing as a freshman be bad? I shadowed an orthopedist and ophthalmologist as a freshman, it was a great experience. Helped me get motivated to study more and keep my grades up.

 

[Hoosier77]

Yeah thanks..and plus (not that I'm the bragging type) it's the surgeon who removed Lance Armstrong's brain tumor, so I'm stoked. Thanks again for the input.

 

[UC pre med]

Yeah thanks..and plus (not that I'm the bragging type) it's the surgeon who removed Lance Armstrong's brain tumor, so I'm stoked. Thanks again for the input.

Yep, some of the best advice I heard on this forum is to remember that you stay consistent. So if your going to start now, keep it going throughout your years. And make sure you have enough time for your GPA/MCAT/EC's ect.

 

[Dannyw]

Yeah thanks..and plus (not that I'm the bragging type) it's the surgeon who removed Lance Armstrong's brain tumor, so I'm stoked. Thanks again for the input.

I think you dropped something.



seriously though do as much as you can. Why not?

 

[acegsm]

If the physician allows you to shadow him that's awesome! I shadowed an opthalmologist my freshman year, he was great about it. However, the neurosurgeon was not even close to allowing me to shadow him. He asked why I would shadow as a freshman and to try him again when I was a medical school student.

 

[Jli]

Why would it be bad? if the doctor allows you, congratulation, if you get that opportunity take advantage over it, I would love to shadow as early as possible, but dont know how yet.