Unsure about ECs

[paperflowers15]

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[Catalystik]

It wouldn't hurt to get in some formal shadowing during the summer and mention it in future update letters. There is more to appreciate than just the patient interaction that you have observed.

Your research is above average, the clinical experience average (though the HS experience is beyond that, it generally isn't much considered, unless it's in your PS). You have teaching, leadership if the editorship required some management of people, some nonmedical community service (very good), and something for maybe artistic endeavors. Some hobbies would be nice to see too.

Overall, your experiences are solid, though the shadowing could be improved, and that's amendable very quickly if you have the time.

 

[paperflowers15]

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[rslancer]

yes i'm also kinda confused about the shadowing. Is it really important to have shadowing experience when u already have clinical experience? is it a make or break sorta thing??? I thought shadowing kinda fell under the general umbrella of clinical experience.

 

[Catalystik]

Shadowing, like clinical experience, is a type of clinical exposure, but because it is passive while you observe the role a physician plays (watching how a physician conducts business with patients and staff, takes a history, conducts a physical, counsels and treats, dictates notes, takes phone calls, does paperwork), it is not sufficient in itself. Clinical experience focuses on the patient and gaining comfort in a clinical environment. It is not the same as shadowing and also should not stand on its own. Most adcomms like to see both.

Some med schools do not regard shadowing at all, and others value it highly as it gives one the best idea of what being a physician is all about. In order for your application to appeal to the broadest number of schools, it is wise (but not obligatory) to include this type of experience.

In regards to shadowing hours: there's a school in Florida that only expects 16 hours of shadowing. There are others that prefer 60-80 hours. Or none. The point is, that unless you know which is which, your goal is to have your application appeal to a range of schools. Shadowing is easy enough to do since it can be done in chunks of time over break, during evenings, or on weekends. Pick a few types of specialists, ideally, at least one in primary care, and get enough hours in to give yourself the best chance of consideration wherever you apply.

 

[rslancer]

oh ok i think i understand now 🙂 so shadowing's importance is dependent on the individual school whereas "clinical exposure" is necessary.
Do you know how I can out whether or not the school values shadowing? for example i was looking on stony brook med school's website and their requirements and they don't mention shadowing at all. Should I take that as they dun value it? Should I call individual schools i'm interested in to see the value they place on it?

thanks a lot.

 

[Catalystik]

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Do you know how I can out whether or not the school values shadowing?

The problem is that schools don't always share their expectations. I have seen it mentioned on websites, but it can be cloaked in oblique language, like "Demonstrates an understanding of the physician role in patient care." Calling might help, but even so, a school's policy isn't always going to answer the question. Sometimes it is the individual adcomm member evaluating your file who thinks you should have it.

 

[rslancer]

wow...that's kinda odd. as if the app process isn't complicated enough, they hide their expectations too? 🙁 i guess then findin gtime to shadow will have to be necessary.

 

[Catalystik]

wow...that's kinda odd. as if the app process isn't complicated enough, they hide their expectations too? 🙁 i guess then findin gtime to shadow will have to be necessary.

Good conclusion. You do what you have to do to play the game.

 

[rslancer]

well then would u recommend delaying my aamc app submission until after the shadowing? or could i submit the app first then sorta follow up with a letter saying i shadowed?

 

[Catalystik]

You could do either. If you could set up the shadowing for this week and get it done, I'd wait. If it will take a month, i would not wait, I'd submit the update letter later.

VioletB88, sorry for the thread hijack. We really should have taken this discussion elsewhere.

 

[rslancer]

erm sorry bout that. i didn't intend to hijack anything >.> just not familiar with forum ethics/regulations

 

[paperflowers15]

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[Catalystik]

Violetb, considering that you only have 8 hours of shadowing so far, I'd suggest you send in update with more shadowing hours as soon as possible after you send in the Secondary. If you truly can't squeeze it in anytime soon, then send the update in mid fall semester, mentioning other pertinent activities at the same time. I wouldn't wait for after interviews, in case the offer of an interview may hinge on the augmentation of your current application.