Too Young to Shadow

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

Hello!
Due to skipping a grade + dual credits, I've managed to become a college freshman at 15. Becoming a pre-med student was never a question for me because going into medicine has been a goal for me since I was very young, so I don't think I'll change my mind about this anytime soon.

What I am worried about is if I would be rejected by physicians if I ask to shadow them during the next few years. Should I wait until my junior year to start, or can I start now? Also, when is it young to shadow? or volunteer in healthcare settings?

Any suggestions on how I should start my ECs/Shadowing/Volunteering hours would be very helpful and most welcome too.

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[RNthenDoc]

Hello!
Due to skipping a few grades, I've managed to become a college freshman at 15. Becoming a pre-med student was never a question for me because going into medicine has been a goal for me since I was very young, so I don't think I'll change my mind about this anytime soon.

What I am worried about is if I would be rejected by physicians if I ask to shadow them during the next few years. Should I wait until my junior year to start, or can I start now? Also, when is it young to shadow? or volunteer in healthcare settings?

Any suggestions on how I should start my ECs/Shadowing/Volunteering hours would be very helpful and most welcome too.

Don’t let your age hold you back!

I shadowing at a young age and like you got a very early start. Treasure that, but be VERY wary of the pitfalls that come with it.

I was not ready for medical school when I was 21, much less 18.

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

Don’t let your age hold you back!

I shadowing at a young age and like you got a very early start. Treasure that, but be VERY wary of the pitfalls that come with it.

I was not ready for medical school when I was 21, much less 18.

Thanks for the word of encouragement! What sort of pitfalls exactly?

 

[RNthenDoc]

What sort of pitfalls exactly?

So this is true of aging in general, but the expansion of the things you learn isn’t like adding pages into a book, but rather zooming out a telephoto lens.

You obviously see the picture VERY sharply for your age, and that can make it easy to think you have it all figured out, but as time goes on you will begin to see that the picture expands beyond comprehension... that’s the best way I can describe it.

As a young man I was far too tunnel-visioned, and I think it came from pursuing a singular goal without remembering to take time to live in the moment.

Does that make sense?

(This advice is probably worth exactly what it cost, nothing. But I wish I could have helped my younger self, and I don’t want anyone to make the same mistakes I did.)

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

So this is true of aging in general, but the expansion of the things you learn isn’t like adding pages into a book, but rather zooming out a telephoto lens.

You obviously see the picture VERY sharply for your age, and that can make it easy to think you have it all figured out, but as time goes on you will begin to see that the picture expands beyond comprehension... that’s the best way I can describe it.

As a young man I was far too tunnel-visioned, and I think it came from pursuing a singular goal without remembering to take time to live in the moment.

Does that make sense?

(This advice is probably worth exactly what it cost, nothing. But I wish I could have helped my younger self, and I don’t want anyone to make the same mistakes I did.)

Oh wow. that made me a little dizzy thinking about it. I'll think about what you said and try not to push myself too hard! 🙂

 

[Skiiiiiing]

Asking for shadowing is always a little awkward. And yeah, some will reject you because you're 15. But some will welcome the opportunity.

You don't get to be a doctor without it...so do it in spite of awkwardness.

 

[earf]

I shadowed when I was 15-16 years old (junior in high school) at a family medicine clinic. Don't let age hold you back!

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

Many hospitals will not allow you to shadow until you’re 17 at least. But since you are already in college, not sure how that will work. You could try.


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[Terry Toma]

I'm fairly sure that the fact that you are in college would qualify you as an adult at all the places I've shadowed and volunteered.

Either way, never hurts to ask. The worst thing they can tell you is "no." And you're going to hear "no" a lot while seeking shadowing opportunities anyway, so you can't be afraid of rejection.

 

[JonathanHusky]

So this is true of aging in general, but the expansion of the things you learn isn’t like adding pages into a book, but rather zooming out a telephoto lens.

You obviously see the picture VERY sharply for your age, and that can make it easy to think you have it all figured out, but as time goes on you will begin to see that the picture expands beyond comprehension... that’s the best way I can describe it.

As a young man I was far too tunnel-visioned, and I think it came from pursuing a singular goal without remembering to take time to live in the moment.

Does that make sense?

(This advice is probably worth exactly what it cost, nothing. But I wish I could have helped my younger self, and I don’t want anyone to make the same mistakes I did.)

I think I need to sit down...

 

[MedicalDoge]

Being in college at 15 is an awesome accomplishment! If you want to start leisurely shadowing and volunteering, that's great. I know some places let you shadow if you are under 18 with a parent's signature.

If you aren't in a rush to be in med school by 18 or 19 (not sure how adcoms view letting in such a young person), I would really suggest making sure you kill your classes while you are in college and focus mostly on that, and do most of the EC's after you graduate with a gap year or two. This is not speaking from experience with your situation, but that is my 2 cents.

 

[lovehate]

I wish I knew about sdn when I was 15.

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

I wish I knew about sdn when I was 15.

ha ha. I'm really lucky I found it when I did. It's helped me a lot as far as mental preparation goes.

 

[Fidelio17]

Well, don't introduce yourself as, "I'm Strong Power, & I'm 15. May I shadow with you?"
Try, "I'm Strong Power, & I'm a freshman at __________ pursuing a degree in _________ as a pre-med student. I'm interested in learning about (name of specialty) because I find ________ intriguing, &, if possible, I'd like to shadow with you."

If they say, "Wow, you look young for a college freshman," then you can laugh, explain what you said here in your initial post (the reason why you're a college freshman earlier than most), & go from there. Most people will be impressed.

Be prepared for people to say no, but it likely won't be because of your age. Most often, it's hospital policy or some other such red tape. Just keep asking. If you ask enough people, you'll get what you need.

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

Well, don't introduce yourself as, "I'm Strong Power, & I'm 15. May I shadow with you?"
Try, "I'm Strong Power, & I'm a freshman at __________ pursuing a degree in _________ as a pre-med student. I'm interested in learning about (name of specialty) because I find ________ intriguing, &, if possible, I'd like to shadow with you."

If they say, "Wow, you look young for a college freshman," then you can laugh, explain what you said here in your initial post (the reason why you're a college freshman earlier than most), & go from there. Most people will be impressed.

Be prepared for people to say no, but it likely won't be because of your age. Most often, it's hospital policy or some other such red tape. Just keep asking. If you ask enough people, you'll get what you need.

Thanks for the advice! I look older than I actually am so I can easily pass as someone 2-3 years older, so I'm not really that worried if they ask how old I am. Most people can't tell how old I really am without asking. But don't they make you sign an agreement when you shadow? I thought that since I was a minor, I was not eligible to be held to a contract/agreement. Would that somehow prevent me from gaining clinical/shadowing experience

 

[Fidelio17]

That would be a question for the legal/HR department of wherever you're shadowing. I would wait to bring up age until after they've said yes regardless.

UPMC is relatively close to me, & they have a pretty thorough paperwork process before you're allowed to shadow. They have places for parent release signatures if you're under 18, & they require that you "be at least a high school senior." I really don't think your age will be an issue most places.

http://www.upmc.com/healthcare-prof...ment and Application - Entire Packet 2017.pdf

 

[curbsideconsult]

Keep in mind that shadowing at a hospital and volunteering at a hospital are two separate things (usually). I volunteered at a hospital at 14, but I highly doubt they would have let me shadow.

Considering that you're in college at 15 I don't think you need to be one of those students who need to focus only on grades and MCAT and wait to do volunteer work. It seems to me that you're able to balance academics fairly well so I think you should start volunteering somewhere worthwhile as soon as possible. It doesn't have to be 30 hours a week, or even 5-10 hours a week, it could just be 2-4 hours a week. If you start that now, think of how many hours you'll accumulate by the time your app cycle rolls around. I think in your case, you need to show that you're more well-rounded and not just a brainiac who's self-absorbed and can't socialize well. Put yourself in an adcom's shoes and think how they would perceive you when your app comes across their desk.

And @RNthenDoc holy cow was that deep. I'm having a Keanu Reeves "whoa" moment.

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

That would be a question for the legal/HR department of wherever you're shadowing. I would wait to bring up age until after they've said yes regardless.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank You!

Keep in mind that shadowing at a hospital and volunteering at a hospital are two separate things (usually). I volunteered at a hospital at 14, but I highly doubt they would have let me shadow.

Considering that you're in college at 15 I don't think you need to be one of those students who need to focus only on grades and MCAT and wait to do volunteer work. It seems to me that you're able to balance academics fairly well so I think you should start volunteering somewhere worthwhile as soon as possible. It doesn't have to be 30 hours a week, or even 5-10 hours a week, it could just be 2-4 hours a week. If you start that now, think of how many hours you'll accumulate by the time your app cycle rolls around. I think in your case, you need to show that you're more well-rounded and not just a brainiac who's self-absorbed and can't socialize well. Put yourself in an adcom's shoes and think how they would perceive you when your app comes across their desk.

That makes feel better. I was so nervous that I'd be held down because of my age. So Thank you!
And also, to show that I'm well rounded, do you suggest that I accumulate non-clinical volunteer hours and involve myself in clubs?

 

[manivharat]

I'll keep that in mind. Thank You!


That makes feel better. I was so nervous that I'd be held down because of my age. So Thank you!
And also, to show that I'm well rounded, do you suggest that I accumulate non-clinical volunteer hours and involve myself in clubs?

Yup, for sure! Starting club activities volunteering early and staying involved with them can help build character and help you in creating a good story/brand. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things (as cliche as that sounds), you'll be surprised to see the kinds of people you can meet and things you can learn from it! Don't spread yourself out too thin and as tempting as it is, chase after executive titles in those clubs. A couple of titles that you can list in your resume are not as valuable as you being able to speak passionately about those activities or a cause that you support. Seek leadership and involvement, but in things that are meaningful to 1) you and 2) your future as a physician.

 

[Strong Power. Thank You!]

Yup, for sure! Starting club activities volunteering early and staying involved with them can help build character and help you in creating a good story/brand. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things (as cliche as that sounds), you'll be surprised to see the kinds of people you can meet and things you can learn from it! Don't spread yourself out too thin and as tempting as it is, chase after executive titles in those clubs. A couple of titles that you can list in your resume are not as valuable as you being able to speak passionately about those activities or a cause that you support. Seek leadership and involvement, but in things that are meaningful to 1) you and 2) your future as a physician.

Thanks for the advice! love your profile gif btw <3

 

[curbsideconsult]

I'll keep that in mind. Thank You!


That makes feel better. I was so nervous that I'd be held down because of my age. So Thank you!
And also, to show that I'm well rounded, do you suggest that I accumulate non-clinical volunteer hours and involve myself in clubs?

Do exactly what @manivharat said. Seek out volunteer activities you'll really enjoy and that you'll be able to continue through your application cycle.

You're in this really interesting position where you can get involved in youth leadership programs that are geared towards high schoolers that you'll be able put on your med school apps because, while high school aged, you did them while you were in college.

When you're starting out looking for volunteer opportunities, you can try out a bunch before you find the 2-4 or so to settle on. Yes, it's important to be consistent, but don't get stuck doing something you don't enjoy. You want to be able to speak passionately about your activities to interviewers.

Also, as was implied above, live your life and try to be a kid while you can. Get all the ants out of your pants now (but don't get arrested) because once you hit med school and beyond, that's it. You're an adult forever. And whatever quarter-life or mid-life crises you have will be judged so much more harshly because you're older and you should know better. This is not to say med school isn't full of high school (middle school?) antics, but you can be someone who rises above all that crap.

Also, also, if you haven't learned this already, we humans are ridiculously slow at maturing and our brains aren't done developing until 25 (and by some other estimates 28 or so). This is not to say that you, personally, are not a mature person, just that you're in a period in your life that is crucial to development. Med school is a beast and it can bring down the strongest, most evolved of people.

Also, also, also, med students go out and drink. A lot. You'll be 19 when you start? You might miss out on a lot of socializing the first two years. Even if you don't drink, you can't (legally) get into any bars or clubs.

These are all points to just keep in mind. At the end, you do you. That's what being a mature adult is all about.