Anybody hoping to become a physician should have the experience of shadowing a doctor. Premed students can witness patient interactions, clinical decision-making, and the inner workings of a healthcare facility, providing them with firsthand exposure to a doctor’s daily life.
Finding and securing shadowing opportunities, however, can be difficult but don’t worry, we got you covered! In this article, we listed ways to find and secure shadowing opportunities, check them out below!
What is Shadowing?
Before anything else, you should first fully understand what shadowing is. Basically, it’s observing healthcare professionals in action while they carry out their regular duties is known as shadowing.
Even though you’re not actively taking part in medical procedures, you are still learning by observation. This helps you grasp the job description, the difficulties faced by doctors, and the soft skills required for effective communication with patients and coworkers.
Shadowing is a requirement for many medical schools and is also considered as medicine work experience, thus it’s critical to seek it early in your premedical career. Students typically strive for 40–100 hours of shadowing in various specialties to obtain an in-depth understanding of the medical sector.
1 – Start by Gaining Personal Connections in the Field
Using your personal network to get a shadowing opportunity is one of the simplest methods. Speak with relatives, family, or colleagues who are in the medical field if you would like advice or a possible introduction to a doctor who could let you shadow them. They may be able to put you in touch with a physician even if they are not one themselves.
Be specific about your objectives while reaching these contacts. Describe your goals for the experience and your motivation for wanting to shadow a doctor. It’s critical to project professionalism and a sincere interest in the medical area.
2 – Contact Local Hospitals and Clinics
Local clinics and hospitals are great places to start your search if you don’t already know someone in the medical sector. Shadowing programmes are organised by many healthcare facilities, particularly for premed students; nonetheless, they are frequently very competitive.
Start by looking for any official shadowing or internship programmes listed on the websites of local hospitals. Enquire about opportunities with the hospital’s volunteer services or human resources department by phone or email if there aren’t any specific programmes available.
Be brief and professional when communicating. Write a concise email or note outlining your goals, introducing yourself, and describing your interest in shadowing someone. If appropriate, enclose a résumé that highlights your relevant experience and educational background to demonstrate your seriousness as a candidate.
3 – Reach Out to Individual Physicians
Reaching out to local doctors directly is another useful strategy. Although it takes more work, this can have positive effects. Online directories, healthcare provider websites, or word-of-mouth referrals are good places to start looking for area physicians.
After you’ve chosen a physician, introduce yourself through email. Make sure your email is clear, polite, and shows that you are genuinely interested. Remember that doctors are sometimes busy, so you might not hear back right away. Sending a respectful follow-up email is okay if you don’t hear back after a few weeks.
4 – Take Advantage of Premed Organizations
Premed clubs and organisations often enjoy established connections with nearby medical facilities. Premed advisors at many schools can help students find shadowing opportunities. Make sure you attend pertinent events, engage in active group discussions, and build relationships with other students who may have finished their shadowing.
5 – Opt for Alternative Shadowing Methods
Some doctors now provide virtual shadowing experiences thanks to the development of virtual learning. Even though it lacks the same in-person clinical exposure, this can still be a worthwhile learning experience, particularly if opportunities for in-person shadowing are restricted by location.
Search online for virtual shadowing opportunities. These sometimes involve attending virtual rounds or seeing patient interactions during telemedicine appointments. Medical schools still value these experiences even though they are not as practical.
Take away
Getting shadowing opportunities takes determination, professionalism, and connections. With the aid of these five pointers, you can quickly find and secure shadowing opportunities, which will be an important step towards your future in the medical field.
