<p>When have most successful pre med applicants began working in a hospital setting? I may get the time to partake in some shadowing during the summer, but I may be juggling two buckets at a time and the shadowing may just be the last thing I want. Although I've been asking a specific surgeon for years for such an experience...but it seems that he travel A LOT for conferences during the sunny season. At the moment, I'm looking at pediatric surgery, and two other foci that have maintained my interest. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Advice: take whatever shadowing opportunities arise from whatever specialties you can find. It’s probably too early to really focus your efforts, and one of the major purposes of shadowing is “just” to learn about the lifestyle and career of physicians in general–you’re not expected to have a specific area in mind–so don’t let the lack of pediatric surgery shadowing opportunities prevent you from shadowing.</p>
<p>Timing: I got started winter of sophomore year, continued during sophomore, junior, and the beginning of senior year, with some shadowing (because I was researching with one of them) during the summer between junior and senior years. Informal poll reveals many friends did the same thing, but didn’t continue as long. Remember, if you’re applying during the summer after junior year, you’ll want to have finished most of your significant experiences by then!</p>
<p>As for the juggling: get used to it :)</p>
<p>Shadowing is taking soo few hours, why are you concern? Just grab opportunity while it lasts, it is not even worthwile to discuss. There were many that my D. did not get. It took her longer to seek them than actual shadowing. hospital volunteering is the same. It is very few hours/week. You are not talking 10 hrs/7 days a week deals, jsut say yes to everything that comes your way.</p>
<p>“jsut say yes to everything that comes your way”</p>
<p>Reminds me of the movie “Yes Man”</p>