Can't find any doctors to shadow?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

Hi,
I am currently a high school junior who is looking to apply to direct medicals programs. Thus, I will be needing volunteer and shadowing experiences, not just to confirm that this is the correct career for me while helping out the community, but also to stay competitive and actually have a chance at acceptance in the process. Unfortunately, I have literally contacted every doctor that I have ever visited and all of them have said no besides one who works for a hospital near me and the hospital has like a 1 day shadowing program which I applied for and will likely get accepted because it pretty much accommodates everyone. Of course, 1 day is simply not enough. I was just wondering whether you guys have any tips of what I can do. I have already asked my parents and they are asking everyone in their network to help me. My dad and mom have submitted my resume to people in their respective offices that have a connection with a doctor in some way, but I am not sure how that will go. Any tips, advice, etc?

2

Liability and confidentiality issues, along with your minor age, are hindering your shadowing needs.

Insurance company policies in PPOs no likey it.

3

If there is a school of medicine nearby, I would suggest contacting them. They are accustomed to working with students and would be in a better position to accommodate your request.

4

  1. you don’t need to confirm during HS the choice of a career in medicine. This is a decision that can be made well into your college experience. For med school, you can be ANY major.

  2. shadowing experience will not factor into competitiveness for college admissions. In fact, many AdComms are turned off by premed drones.

5

I assume you are American. The advice above is good. But if you want to shadow, you might be barking up the wrong trees. Call the hospitals and ask to speak to the physician recruiters. They are eager to find prospects early. Admittedly, high school is maybe too early. You might ask to shadow physicians who don’t see patients (at least to a lesser degree) e.g. radiology or pathology. Some patients don’t like shadows, especially if they seem like kids. So the doctors don’t like the hassle.

6

@PrimeMeridian I’m applying to (direct medical programs) - not as premed.