Shadowing timeline

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nontrad2019

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  1. Pre-Medical
Hey guys, nontrad here with a question about timeline of shadowing

I have a social science background and taught science for 4 years (I had several science courses in my undergrad).
In fall 2017 I decided I wanted to pursue medicine after thinking about it for many years. Dad’s a doctor and my family and I have had many health struggles over the years that made me interested in medicine.

I volunteered at the front desk of a hospital in spring 2018 and then did a year of volunteering in the ED. During this time I completed prerequisites at a community college while working full time. Started a post bacc this fall and have gotten straight As so far in all upper level bio courses. Took the MCAT in August and got a 511. I’ve also being volunteering alongside a hospice nurse for 4 hours a week this semester.

I’ll have around 400 clinical volunteer hours by this spring and have a ton of nonclinical.

My main concern is this: I’m applying this spring and I only have 16 hours of shadowing. These hours were 2 years ago. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to find shadowing where I live. I’m going home this week and will get 16 more hours.

my question is this, how bad will it look to do the bulk of my shadowing the 6 months before I apply? Will they care at all that I was working full time, taking classes, and volunteering? Advice for how to explain this in interviews?
 
It won't look that bad. As long as you don't have a time gap (a period where it looks like you did nothing), then you won't have any red flags.
 
Thank you! I’ve been volunteering for 2 years so I should be good.
 
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