Ways to find a P.A. to shadow

[chan]

You guys have any tips on how to do this? Should I just do an internet search?

Thanks, Chan

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Febrifuge]

Yes. Internet and phone book. And talk to people. I had to do this last fall, and I spoke with the RNs at my college's Student Health office. They were able to name like ten PA's working in the area... and tell me which ones were great and which to stay away from.

I wound up finding my best shadowing experience on my own. The urgent care clinic in my town uses PAs. I stopped in and spoke with the clinic manager, who checked with the hospital 50 miles away that their clinic is connected to. We did some HIPAA paperwork, I got some shots, and bang. I spent like 14 weeks hanging out with a PA. I should get a decent letter out of the deal, but more importantly I can say I know how day-to-day work goes for a PA in this setting.

Long story short, you need to do this yourself. Medical people are usually very receptive to someone who is interested and self-motivated. If you take the trouble to find them, you'll probably be well-received. Good luck to ya.

 

[melcal]

could also try contacting the physician assistant organization in your state. for example, in illinois -it's the illinois academy of physician assistants. try googling something like that for your state. you may find on there local pa's who give contact info for shadowing.

also contact the pa schools in your area and ask if they have alumni that are available for shadowing to prospective students.