Shadowing

[InNotOf]

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I'm starting college this fall, and I'm wondering when in my undergraduate career I should begin shadowing, and in what capacity. Should I try to shadow for a variet of specialties, or just the 2-3 that I'm most interested in? Do I need to get to know these doctors well enough to ask them for letters of rec for med school? I realize that neither I nor doctors should commit to anything excessively long term (e.g., "I'll shadow you once every week for 3 years!"), but I want to get a well-rounded and stable shadowing experience.

If anyone has experience with this (and I know you do), let me know how you've gone about shadowing. Thanks!

 

[thedelicatessen]

Anytime is a good time for shadowing as long as you have the time; there really are no set rules. It's good to get to know the doctor you're shadowing for mentorship/advice purposes, but I don't know how much of a letter of rec he/she can give you on your abilities because you're not really doing anything when you shadow. Ultimately, you just need to ask around, and you will find someone who will take you in. It's a really good learning experience. Good luck!