When to Shadow

[TrippingBillies41]

Hi everyone, I was wondering when the best time to shadow a DO would be for a student in my situation. I am in the process of some post-bacc retakes, planning on 4 more over the next 2 semesters and have not yet taken the MCAT. I know I will not be applying for at least a year however I am looking forward to shadowing and checking things off my application check list. Should I wait until I am done with school and/or MCAT, or does it not matter? Thanks for the help.

 

[BlueSlurpee]

It all depends on you. Can you manage your time well where you wont stress out shadowing, studying MCAT, and school? If you can, do it as soon as possible. If it is difficult for you maybe use a gap year to shadow and volunteer.

 

[TrippingBillies41]

okay thanks, also how many hours / different doctors is normal?

 

[jwilliams1993]

Start to shadow as soon as you can handle to. One school told me ~20 hours was what they considered enough.