Shadowing particular EM physician worth it?

[Orangescrubs]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Two EM physicians have agreed to let me shadow them like once or twice (assuming full day), but the hospital has implemented new rules. One of the rules includes a background check and getting a badge for $35. (I don't know if I can still use the badge if I decide to shadow in another area later.) No hospital I've volunteered at charges for background checks. I am interested in seeing what goes on in an ER and theres weekend and night shadowing opportunities. Also, it's hard to get into an ER as a shadow in my area. Do you guys think $35 is worth the "experience," or should I look elsewhere or another specialty?

 

[pinipig523]

In the grand scheme of things, $35 is not that much considering you're probably looking to spend $250K on medical school.

The beauty about the badge would be that you could probably shadow other doctors as well.

 

[beckerism]

I shadow at a Pediatric ER and it is hands down one of my most rewarding and telling experiences in certain ways. Rewarding in that I'm not sitting in a lab and see people actually being helped. Telling for the Pediatric ER that is. Def look around for other specialties/PC shadowing opportunities, but I think this is worth a shot. Some people don't like shadowing because it's very passive, but hey, as a premed, it should be.

 

[sliceofbread136]

ER shadowing is very fun imo. Between the druggies, gruesome wounds, and life threatening emergencies you get to see some entertaining stuff. I say do it.

 

[johnisles2011]

I think it's definitely worth it, unless 35$ is a huge expenditure for you. As many have pointed out above, you will spend MUCH more than that in both the application process and med school.