shadowing my uncle

[hildtom]

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My uncle is and has been an anesthesiologist for about 20 years now, and I was thinking about asking him if i could shadow him next summer/winter, which I'm sure he'd be cool with since he's done it with college students before, and I'm his family favorite (besides his kids of course haha) (my family's big btw).

But I was wondering if I were to put this experience down on my application would it look bad? Should I just not mention that we're related? Or is there even a question like that on the application that would ask "hey, you ever took advantage of connections?" Or would they ask me during the interview or anything like that? (Yes, my uncle and I have the same last names, but it's a pretty common last name.. like Smith, Kim) I mean, I've tried asking some MDs already, who flat out rejected me since i'm not a medical student, and I'm getting desperate. What do you think I should do?

(Just wanted to add, I think if you guys are against it, I'll just ask him if there's anybody he works with who might be okay with it. But I really don't think he'll be into that.. he doesn't like asking for things.)

 

[elwademd]

what do you hope to get out of a shadowing experience in general?
what do you hope to get out of shadowing your uncle?

depending on how your uncle sets it up for you, it may be fine. in other ways, it may be unethical and illegal- for instance, allowing you into an o.r. to see what he does without prior clearance and autorization by the hospital and/or the patient.

i remember an applicant (for medical school) who's only shadowing experience came from shadowing family members. apparently he came off as pompous during the interview... so there were quite a few questions about the ethics and legal issues behind his experiences.

so, while your uncle gives you access, make sure you go through the proper channels so that everything is copacetic. 🙂

 

[OCallag]

I think the best advice would be to avoid mentioning the family relationship on AMCAS, but be honest if ever questioned about it. Shadowing is a good experience, so if that's the only way you can do it, go for it.

I actually shadowed my uncle (pediatrician) and put it down on AMCAS. I ended up discussing it with my interviewers at both interviews. I didn't put down that we were related (our last names are different), but ended up mentioning he was my uncle at both. Neither seemed to have a problem with it. The second seemed to like it quite a bit because he thought I knew moreso than most what I was getting myself into because of it.

 

[hildtom]

cool. thank you!
and to the elwademd, I really want to shadow, because, like my status says, I'm pre-health, and I'm still not sure if I want to be a doctor, optometrist, dentist, nurse, etc.. I want to have first-hand experience with all the occupations I've mentioned, if possible. I just worry because medical school and dental school applications tend to be (from what I can tell) the toughest, so I'd like to stay competitive, while still open to options until I graduate. And thanks for your story about that guy.
and to OCallag, thanks for the uncle story, I think I'll probably do the same (if I get interviews lol).
And thanks again! 🙂

 

[Dr_Dan_the_man]

I say take advantage of the opportunity...

just dont expect to get a LOR from your uncle ! 😎