Stupid question - shadowing

[Sage880]

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Hey, I know this sounds dumb, but how did you guys get to shadow doctors for clinical experience?

I'm Canadian and actually new to this application process. My GPA is good and I got a 32O on the MCAT (which I'm going to retake in August because I know I can do better if I take one of those MCAT courses).

I volunteer in the ER at a hospital near me but I never thought about shadowing a doctor for "clinical experience" as you guys are calling it. I don't know about America, but all the applications for med school in Canada are due mid-October and you can't send them in early so I have some time. Do you recommend I just go talk to one of the doctors in the ER to see if they'll help me out? I've never really talked to them before so I don't know if I should just waltz up and ask.

Any advice you'd have for me would be really great. I'd like to do everything I can to increase my chances for getting in for next fall.

Thanks guys!

 

[Vandyfox]

should just waltz up and ask.
Thanks guys!

Yes, or if you could BreakDance up and ask, that would be even better.

In all seriousness, yes, just ask someone you know / have any semblance of a friendship or nice relationship with. Everyone I shadowed said, "yeah, sure" like it was no big deal, and they were all very eager to explain things to me in the OR, on the X-ray, etc. that might have been obvious to everyone in the room but me.

Shadowing is great experience, both for the app process and to help us decide what specialties to start thinking about / avoiding.

Good Luck, and PM me if you want to know anything else.
-Vandyfox

 

[DocHoo]

What do you do when you really don't know any physicians? Do you write a letter and hope for the best? Thanks...

 

[gary5]

What do you do when you really don't know any physicians? Do you write a letter and hope for the best? Thanks...

I once wrote to 5 pediatricians, requesting to shadow. One replied and invited me to visit. Describe yourself, your background, and your interests. Give them a reason to like you (to reply).

 

[Medikit]

This question was stupid and sounded dumb 😀

 

[Ryan]

Just Ask,...if they refuse,...ask someone else (or try the breakdancing method mentioned earlier). 😀