Shadowing

[MedProspect1991]

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Was just offered a shadowing experience with a family friend who is a podiatrist. Would I still be able to use this under shadowing for AMCAS even though he is not an MD?

 

[just one]

In my opinion, you could as long as you have many other shadowing experiences with MDs. You could show how you were exposed to other areas of medicine and how you deceided that field wasn't for you. But I would only list it if you are trying to fill space because you are weak in that area of your application.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I guess you might as well. It won't hurt you if you aren't filling up the EC spaces you're given. Considering that shadowing doctors is just sort of a check mark kind of thing on your application, I don't think it'll help you.

 

[Catalystik]

I'd agree that podiatry shadowing is useful, but should not stand alone. You need to shadow physicians (MD or DO) as well. include all of them in one space under Other on the AMCAS application. Try to shadow a few specialties in medicine, to include a primary care doc.

 

[MedProspect1991]

Ok just wanted to make sure, and I've also been set up with a pediatrician and a couple other docs for the near future as well. Thanks for the help.

 

[TexasPhysician]

The purpose of shadowing is to show med schools that you understand what you are getting into and that it is your life passion. You can list podiatrist shadowing, but it doesn't help show them that you are prepared for the long journey to become an MD/DO. It is VERY costly to train doctors, and schools absolutely HATE it when students drop out because it wasn't for them. Students with extensive shadowing that still show a high degree of interest are obviously more likely to stick with many years of extensive schooling vs someone who has only seen their PCP when he/she is sick. Definitely shadow other docs, pediatricians like you mentioned, etc.