Should I shadow a Physicians Assistant?

[Fitzgerald]

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[Premed Worrier]

I volunteer in an ER and the PA's are much more accessible than the doctors (obviously). I think I would get a lot out of shadowing a PA, but would it be of any consequence on my medical school application?

I've got 2 years left of prerequisites, so plenty of time to shadow doctors - just thinking this would be an easy way to start.

I really don't know the answer to your question. But I would like to say that if you think you can learn a lot from shadowing a P.A. then do it. Since they are practicing medicine, you can still get to see some interesting things. I would probably still shadow a M.D. just for the heck of it. But in a place like the Emergency Room I would imagine you'd learn a lot from a P.A. and if not it would still be a whole lot of fun. Good Luck.

 

[pianola]

I volunteer in an ER and the PA's are much more accessible than the doctors (obviously). I think I would get a lot out of shadowing a PA, but would it be of any consequence on my medical school application?

I've got 2 years left of prerequisites, so plenty of time to shadow doctors - just thinking this would be an easy way to start.

Well, it's helped me out a bit in the application process, ironically. I noted that I'd had the chance to shadow nurses, MDs, DOs, PAs, medical students and a whole slew of other health professionals and that THIS was how I was sure that the MD was the right healthcare path for me (as opposed to similar related degrees).

 

[fireguy6]

I shadowed an orthopod that had a PA, couple times with just him (PA was on vacation) and another time his PA was in the office with him. I feel like I got the same exposure to the medical field, but the PA did have a little more time to answer questions and what not, I'd say do a little of both, heck why not you still have two years. pianola's got a good point to.

 

[Law2Doc]

I shadowed an orthopod that had a PA, couple times with just him (PA was on vacation) and another time his PA was in the office with him. I feel like I got the same exposure to the medical field, but the PA did have a little more time to answer questions and what not, I'd say do a little of both, heck why not you still have two years. pianola's got a good point to.

Both would be not a bad option. You certainly can learn a lot from a PA, but to the extent you might want to get a meaningful LOR out of your shadowing experience, you want to work for a physician as well.

 

[45408]

Both would be not a bad option. You certainly can learn a lot from a PA, but to the extent you might want to get a meaningful LOR out of your shadowing experience, you want to work for a physician as well.

word

 

[oneandonlylo]

PA's are a really excellent source to learn from. They know a ton and have a lot of experience, but they have the time (and are often more willing) to really teach and explain, not to mention involve a student. Furthermore, they are obviously well connected to the physicians, and can be a voice to advocate for you to help you connect with a doctor you are interested in. I say absolutely go for it. Besides, if you were ever asked why you chose to do it, you can say because it was an opportunity to learn more about medicine. Case closed.

 

[Blesbok]

Just tell them that you were shadowing the doctor, unless the doctor is well acquainted with the administration at the school or something.

At this point in your education, you aren't going to learn much more from a doctor than you would from a PA.

 

[Fitzgerald]

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