<p>I want to go to a competitive bsmd program. However, im not sure what counts in relation to shadowing. Is it the number of hours you shadow or the number of doctors. What do you write on your application? The number of hours or the number of different doctors? Also, how do you prove that you shadowed? Do you need to provide paperwork or something?</p>
<p>You could break it down by specialty. Surgery- x hours, cardiology: y hours. You may be required to list the name and contact info of the doctors, but in general they don’t check if you are telling the truth. It isn’t worth lying though, because you are sunk if someone does check or catches you in a lie.</p>
<p>Alright. So how many doctors/hours would I need for a great program? The reason I’m asking is because I contacted the doctor I’m shadowing and he said it’s a one time thing so I’ll only be getting 8 hours from him. Should I do this to like 12 other doctors in order to accumulate a lot of hours?</p>
<p>It only matters what you have learned during shadowing. Hours does not matter. In addition, you should ask many more than one MD. In regard to “competitive bsmd program”, they are all very competitive, but some are more than others. They are usually much more competitive than their respective Med. Schools if you going regular route.</p>
<p>I understand the whole “what you learn matters the most” cliche. However, I need to know if we write the hours on the app or the number of doctors so I can do what i need to do. if we write the number of hours ill try to get 100+ hours. however if we write just the doctors with the words i shadowed him next to it then ill shadow like 10 doctors and get it over with. So which is it? The hours or the number of doctors that matters most?</p>
<p>Again, what you learn is important. It might come up in interview, your numbers will not matter at all (it has actually happened). You need to know why are you personally doing it, and if you pretend and give general answer it is no good. The numbers on applications might be different from school to school. Most people would say that 30 hrs vs 100 hrs is not as important as 30 hrs of enriching experience vs. 100 hrs of filing binders.</p>
<p>^okay, so now were getting somehwere thank you. I’m still confused though. If it is enriching experience (which it is bcuz i love medicine) how many hours should i have? Just as many as possible or 100+ or what? Bcuz i want to show my passion and this is one way to do that. WAIT if my numbers dont matter at all then should i even write shadowing and volunteering on my app??</p>
<p>^^Actually, your numbers matter to a certain point. You can’t shadow a doc for 8 hours and say you’ve had a meaningful experience (even 30 hours won’t give you the exposure you need to have an enriching experience). Don’t tell me that someone with 100+ hours of exposure is equivalent to someone with 30. There is a difference, although I agree it may be small.</p>
<p>OP, just do as many hours as you can. I personally suggest switching around so you can get as much exposure as possible.</p>
<p>And YES, you WILL be putting down hours on your app, I guarantee it. And of course, you need to add shadowing and volunteering when you apply. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>^THANK YOU! That’s exactly what I thought. So I’m just gonna call as many doctors and try to get 150+ hours of shadowing. Thanks for the help peeps!</p>
<p>Sure thing buddy! If you need any help just drop me a PM! I know the whole app process is tough…</p>
<p>Appreciate it greatly!</p>
<p>I’m doing research with a doctor in a lab this summer, so I don’t really have any time to shadow. I once watched my dad do surgery right next to him, but that’s it. So if I can’t really do shadowing… am I screwed for BA/MD programs?</p>
<p>^not really, i don’t think…</p>
<p>Nah, you’re not screwed as long as you have a reason you want to be a doctor.</p>
<p>cool. thanks.</p>
<p>What’s the difference between bamd and bsmd?</p>
<p>Bachelor of arts vs bachelor of science. AKA, no difference, seriously.</p>
<p>Anyone have tips on how to get shadowing experience? I’ve asked some doctors that my family is familiar with and the volunteering departments at two hospitals, and no one can help me…</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m actually having the same problem bro. What I’m doing at this point (out of desperation) is just like asking random doctors to let me shadow them. I’ll admit it’s kinda weird, but it’s getting the job done and that’s what matters.</p>
<p>Haha I guess I’m in the same group as both of you. I really would love to shadow doctors or get a medical/research internship but I have no idea where to start. Lemme know how you guys are doing in that pursuit and how everything works out.
@practical: are you just literally calling up random doctors and saying you want to shadow them orrr just your family doctors or what? Lemme know please and thank you!</p>