I absolutely know for a fact that I want to go into pediatrics. Would it be better to stick to shadowing general pediatricians, pediatric surgeons or other specialties?
Shadowing
- Thread starter busygyal
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You can if you like, but I suggest you refrain from mentioning how sure you are about specialty in the application. An open mind is preferred by Adcomms, especially as you will be required to have exposure to many fields in med school. And also because adcomms know that 80% change their mind before applying to residency programs.
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Better for what, the sake of your application? Just shadow/gain clinical exposure.
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Agree with @Catalystik about keeping an "open mind."
@busygyal ... feel free to shadow a pediatrician to get some day-to-day ideas about pediatric medicine. Among other things, general pediatricians refer children to other specialists for different types of care (e.g., pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric oncology); and spend a lot of time reviewing lab work/paperwork, as well as interacting with parents, and other medical personnel.
You can also shadow some other physicians (in addition to a pediatrician) to gain further exposure to the typical demands, ups-and-downs, and overall lifestyle of a physician. Adcoms like to see evidence indicating that you have a "minimal idea/minimal understanding" about what life will be like for you as a physician - whether you pursue pediatric medicine or some other medical specialty in the future.
Better, in terms of experience, of becoming a pediatrician.
I know what I want and that is to go into pediatrics. I just dont know which subspecialty I wish to pursue.
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Doesn't matter. You're so far out from choosing a speciality. You need to focus on getting into Med school, not your speciality, at this point.
If you know for a fact that you want to be a pediatrician, then you know for a fact that you're going to have to go to medical school, not pediatrician school. Shadow whomever you want and don't get hung up on pediatrics. You'll have to spend some time doing it all in school anyway.
I agree. With way up a few posts. Make sure you keep an open mind and don't appear dogmatic. Shadowing is 100 hours of 10000 hours of study and will be taken in context. Pick the experience that you will enjoy with a good dr. The temperament of the person you shadow probably trumps other factors at this stage.
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