Work = shadowing?

[grt398]

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So I'm a bit unsure if I could use my job as shadowing time, and given that I'm not taking summer classes, I'd like to be sure I get in the required shadowing time now. I've actually been fortunate enough to round with a number of different services but I never bothered to track any of it since it was really just for my own interest. I know that I'll need to document some "official" hours though so here goes:

Background: I work full time as a research assistant at an academic hospital. Due to the nature of the studies I work on, I often follow the physicians I work with as they meet / assess the patients and then perform the angiography/stenting etc. I'm often in the room while the procedure is being done and will go with the physician to talk to the patient and their family once the procedure is over. Would this be acceptable as shadowing time even though it's my full time job?

 

[NTF]

I don't know that I'd classify it as a separate activity from your job if it occurs as part of your workday. I'd definitely describe in detail the interactions you do have with doctors and patients when you write about it. If you have meaningful contact with patients in a clinical setting then your job will be viewed as both clinical exposure and research experience.

 

[MexicanDr]

If its paid is not shadowing, plus why not shadow something different? You ll be able to add your work plus the shadowing in X field/specialty.

 

[TrimtheChute]

I agree with NTF. I discussed my healthcare experience as it pertained to my job in my PS. It really helped me to convey my interest in medicine and to show that I had some understanding of the complexity of healthcare, i.e., this career change was not some whim, and I knew what I was getting myself into. Discussing it in my PS actually made the PS easier to write, plus it may make your PS a little unique and interesting to read.