When should I start shadowing pre med?

It's best to start shadowing long before submitting your primary medical school application. Researching potential doctors and reaching out to them takes time, as does waiting for responses. To give yourself enough time, consider seeking shadowing opportunities during your sophomore year.

How far in advance should I ask to shadow?

Introduce yourself, explain your professional interests, and communicate what you hope to gain from a job shadow experience. Make your job shadow request several weeks in advance of when you hope to shadow so the person you are asking has time to add you to his or her schedule.

How many shadowing hours before medical school?

For shadowing experience alone, aim to have at least 100 or more hours. 100 to 200 hours will show you've taken the time to learn in a medical setting, especially if you also have a variety of other clinical experiences to discuss in the activities section of your application.

Do med schools care about shadowing?

Shadowing experience is often critical for getting into medical school—and for deciding whether that's the right path for you in the first place.

Can you get into med school with no shadowing experience?

Shadowing may not be absolutely necessary, but it will maximize your chances of being seriously considered at a broad range of medical schools. Remember that many schools will simply not consider your application if there is no evidence of shadowing. And it makes sense to appeal to as many medical schools as possible.

How to SHADOW a Doctor: EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Is 200 clinical hours enough for med school?

Many advising departments note that the average number of clinical hours needed is around 100. Keep in mind that in many cases, a specific number is not explicitly stated by med school admissions departments. Doing more than the minimum requirement can improve your chances of getting into med school.

Is 20 hours of shadowing good for medical school?

While clinical experiences, including shadowing, are a crucial part of an application, the number of hours each school expects can vary significantly. According to the most recent 2023 survey by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average shadowing expectation is around 80 hours.

Is 100 hours of shadowing enough for medical school?

If you want to put a number on it, around 100-120 hours is a good ideal range. Shadowing one doctor for one day will be approximately 10 hours, so if you can shadow multiple doctors for a total of 10 days spread over time, (even over a year or so if you start early), then you can easily hit your target.

What type of doctor should I shadow?

Don't assume that you need to shadow a primary care doctor or a surgeon or any other specialty. You don't need to prove to anybody that you're interested in everything. Go out and do what you enjoy. Build a relationship with the types of physicians that you enjoy being around.

What do you get a doctor after shadowing?

Write a thank you note to give the doctor on your last day that thanks them for their time. If you think it went well, ask for a letter of recommendation right away.

Does online shadowing count?

In general though, most schools have adjusted their admissions requirements to accept online shadowing hours. Remember that the goal isn't a certain number of hours to check off on your CV, but the experience you gain through shadowing.

How many clinical hours is good for med school?

We recommend that you check the respective admissions websites of your chosen schools to confirm their admissions requirements and recommendations. Generally speaking, having at least 100-150 hours of clinical experience, ideally completed in a consistent schedule over a few months, is considered competitive.

How do I track my shadowing hours?

Be sure to record the name of the professional you are shadowing, their preferred contact information, the date you started and completed the experience, how many hours you shadowed. Also write down what you observed, what you learned about the profession, patients and yourself.

How many doctors should I shadow for medical school?

If you want to put a number on it, around 100-120 hours is a good ideal range. Shadowing one doctor for one day will be approximately 10 hours, so if you can shadow multiple doctors for a total of 10 days spread over time, (even over a year or so if you start early), then you can easily hit your target.

Should I bring a notebook to shadow a doctor?

ALWAYS go to your shadowing experience with a small notebook in your pocket. Write down diagnoses, medicines, and symptoms that you hear about that day. When you get home, look up these things- you will learn so much, and it will really enhance your shadowing experience.

Should I ask the doctor or front desk if I want to shadow?

Leave a message with their receptionist advising you'd like to shadow the doctor and the reasons why. Naturally, be polite, pleasant and professional when you make contact. You can ask them to call you at their convenience or ask the receptionist when it would a good time to call back.

How do you ask a doctor you know to shadow them?

Finally, don't be afraid to cold-email doctors who you think would be a good fit for your interests and goals. Be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in shadowing them. You may also want to attach your resume or CV so they can get a sense of your background and qualifications.

How do you ask a doctor you know to shadow?

Politely ask if they are able to accommodate your shadowing request, how long they might be able to let you shadow (e.g., one day, three days in one week, one day per week for 4 weeks, etc., based on your own needs and goals), and if so, when it would be most convenient for them.

How do you thank a doctor for shadowing?

Dear Dr. Denison, I am so grateful for the opportunity to shadow you at the surgery center. I appreciate you allowing me to learn from your experience and expertise, and I look forward to meeting you.

How many volunteer hours do you need for med school?

There is no magic number of hours that will guarantee you admission to medical school. However, it is generally recommended that you aim to volunteer for at least 100-150 hours per year. This shows a sustained commitment to volunteerism over a long period of time.

Is scribing considered shadowing?

Shadowing a physician and scribing are two different ways to learn more about the healthcare industry, how it works, and if it's a career fit for you. They will both count as clinical experience and give you something to talk about during your med school interview.

How many hours do you need to shadow for Harvard medical school?

While Harvard doesn't state a shadowing requirement, you should aim for at least 100 shadowing hours to apply to medical school.

Is virtual shadowing okay for med school?

The majority of med schools acknowledge value in virtual shadowing, but relying on those experiences alone to boost your application may put you at an admissions disadvantage.

How do I prepare to shadow a doctor?

What counts as clinical hours for med school?

Clinical experience encompasses any medical-related activity you've participated in where you've interacted with patients and their care. Clinical experience can include volunteering at a hospital, working as an EMT, and many other roles where you work in a medical setting and interact with patients.