Value of shadowing hours?

[mitch8017]

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So I have done roughly 40 hours of shadowing between 2 specialties I am interested in and I wonder if I need to make a big push to do more? I apply next cycle and I am wondering if it is that significant of a difference to have 100-150 shadowing hours vs like 60? Also would it benefit me more to look into different specialties (say add 3-4 more) or just stick to what I've seen so far? I am not necessarily interested in the other specialties but i am wondering if it is worth my time to "broaden my horizon" on those so to speak when I could be spending those hours doing other things? It may also be worth noting that I have worked nearly 1000 hours in a skilled nursing home with residents of varying mental and physical conditions.

 

[Goro]

I don't think you need 150 hours. If you can get in 10-20 with a Primary Care provider, I think you'll be fine.

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

I'd say that's fine since you have all the nursing home hours. I think above 60 is diminishing returns.

I had like 300 and I think it was overkill

 

[Appu97]

I did a total of 525 hours both shadowing a pediatrician and volunteering at a private practice. Is that a tad bit too much?

 

[starspells]

I did a total of 525 hours both shadowing a pediatrician and volunteering at a private practice. Is that a tad bit too much?

Yes but it's no big deal.