- Joined
- Jan 4, 2008
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Hey all! I am currently a pre-med student and was about to begin physician shadowing, when my mom heard from a physician that it was too early for me to begin physician shadowing. Basically, that I should do more science first so I have better understanding of the terminology, etc. I can definitely see the point here, but I keep getting different and conflicting advice..
However, I've heard from most people--advisors included--that the earlier you start, the better. I'm just wondering if it would do me any good, especially since I still have a lot of science classes left to do.
I'm seventeen and will begin my sophomore year of college in fall (though have more than ave. in credits). So far, the only science classes I've taken are:
--Bio 189/Intro to Bio
--Bio 196/Principles Modern Bio I
--Bio 197/Principles Modern Bio II
--Psych 101/Intro Psychology (not technically a science, but figured I'd include it since I plan on shadowing/going into psychiatry)
I haven't taken any college Chem yet, but will be taking Chem 121/General Chem this summer along with Bio 348/Anatomy. However, I have taken two years of Chem, incl. AP Chem in high school.
Also, I haven't done any volunteer work or extracurriculars yet (though I realize the importance of)...
Basically, my question is: Should I wait to shadow in the fall until I've finished more chemistry (and taken anatomy), and focus on volunteer work until then, OR start shadowing now and do volunteer work on the side?? When did you guys start shadowing?? When would you recommend to start shadowing?
I wonder if its better to have a consistent mix throughout the undergrad years of simultaneously shadowing and doing volunteer work, or volunteer towards the first years and focus on shadowing towards junior/sr. years..
Advice will be much appreciated : )
However, I've heard from most people--advisors included--that the earlier you start, the better. I'm just wondering if it would do me any good, especially since I still have a lot of science classes left to do.
I'm seventeen and will begin my sophomore year of college in fall (though have more than ave. in credits). So far, the only science classes I've taken are:
--Bio 189/Intro to Bio
--Bio 196/Principles Modern Bio I
--Bio 197/Principles Modern Bio II
--Psych 101/Intro Psychology (not technically a science, but figured I'd include it since I plan on shadowing/going into psychiatry)
I haven't taken any college Chem yet, but will be taking Chem 121/General Chem this summer along with Bio 348/Anatomy. However, I have taken two years of Chem, incl. AP Chem in high school.
Also, I haven't done any volunteer work or extracurriculars yet (though I realize the importance of)...
Basically, my question is: Should I wait to shadow in the fall until I've finished more chemistry (and taken anatomy), and focus on volunteer work until then, OR start shadowing now and do volunteer work on the side?? When did you guys start shadowing?? When would you recommend to start shadowing?
I wonder if its better to have a consistent mix throughout the undergrad years of simultaneously shadowing and doing volunteer work, or volunteer towards the first years and focus on shadowing towards junior/sr. years..
Advice will be much appreciated : )