hey guys I have a quick question, if I plan on doing a postbacc, should I plan on shadowing before applying, or can I wait and do it later during my postbacc? Note: I have not shadowed a doctor before, but I have volunteered in the hospital for 2 summers (ER)
Shadowing before postbacc or after
- Thread starter dapmp91
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It doesn't matter. Having shadowing experience will not affect your application to post-bacc programs.
Having said that, I think that it's a good idea to shadow physicians for your own personal benefits. Although shadowing only shows you a very small part of what a doctor's life is like, you will gain insight into what their work is like, the work environment, work relationships, etc. I, too, have volunteered at a hospital, and I will tell you that the shadowing experience is totally different. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow ER physicians and an ophthalmologist in the OR. I loved every moment of it.
Shadow whenever you can!
Having said that, I think that it's a good idea to shadow physicians for your own personal benefits. Although shadowing only shows you a very small part of what a doctor's life is like, you will gain insight into what their work is like, the work environment, work relationships, etc. I, too, have volunteered at a hospital, and I will tell you that the shadowing experience is totally different. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow ER physicians and an ophthalmologist in the OR. I loved every moment of it.
Shadow whenever you can!
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I think you should definitely shadow, for your own personal experience. Shadowing is definitely a lot different than volunteering. Personally, I do not think, it would not really make a difference if you shadowed now or after the program. But definitely shadow before applying to medical schools.
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Shadowing isn't always worthwhile, but it's a de facto requirement of sorts for med school. Just do it one or two Fridays during your postbac year and put it on your application -- no need to rush.
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Like some people have already said, shadow whenever you can. It does not matter when you do it, but it would be nice if you could start something immediately and indicate you are starting on the AMCAS. That way, it doesn't look like you are completely lacking in that (albeit not explicitly required) criteria.
