If you’re a high school student hoping to get into pre-med, shadowing a doctor can help you learn about the medical field and get valuable insight that you can use for your future career choices.
Shadowing gives you a unique perspective into the daily realities of a medical professional. It’s also a great addition to your pre-med college application as it demonstrates your commitment, passion, and practical experience outside the classroom.
Keep reading to find out more about shadowing a doctor in high school.
Finding Shadowing Opportunities
Searching for shadowing opportunities in high school can be a bit challenging, but there are plenty of opportunities out there. Start by researching your options and networking early on.
Contact local hospitals, medical offices, universities, and other healthcare facilities for available positions or ask friends and family if they know any potential mentors. You can also check out the medical internship programs of organizations like International Medical Aid (IMA).
Once you’ve compiled your list of potential opportunities, contact the institutions directly through email or phone. Inquire about their program requirements and expectations. After narrowing down your options based on what works best for you, take the next step and apply.
Prerequisites for Shadowing a Doctor
Before you start shadowing a doctor, you must meet all the necessary prerequisites. To do this, you’ll need to determine what requirements the particular hospital or clinic has for high school students who want to shadow a physician. This information is usually found on their website.
You may also have to get permission from your parents or guardian before doing any actual shadowing. In some cases, the medical facility may provide a consent form that your parents need to sign.
Moreover, depending on where and how long you plan to shadow a doctor, safety training might be required as well—especially if there is a chance you could come into contact with patients or hazardous materials while you’re observing. Once these prerequisites are met and everything is in order, then you’re ready to begin.
Making the Most of Your Shadowing Experience
When shadowing a doctor, make the most of your experience. Pay attention and take notes while you’re witnessing any procedure or diagnosis. This will help build your knowledge base and give you a better understanding of medical concepts.
Engage with staff members, ask for their feedback on how you’re doing, and find out if there’s anything else that you can learn from them. Respect their time by arriving early and being prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies.
Most importantly, be curious. Observe everything around you, including the interactions between patients and doctors. Be open-minded when encountering new situations and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking thoughtful questions shows enthusiasm and dedication, which could lead to future opportunities.
Benefits of Shadowing a Doctor in High School
Here are some of the key benefits of shadowing a doctor while you’re in high school:
- Learning About Proper Bedside Manner: Shadowing a doctor allows you to expand your knowledge beyond what you’re taught in class. For instance, you’ll learn about proper bedside manner, which refers to how a doctor approaches their patients.
- Understanding the Realities of Medicine: Aside from bedside manners, you’ll develop a better understanding of the realities of medicine. A lot of patients expect miracles from their doctors. But, of course, there are things beyond a doctor’s abilities. As you observe how they work, you’ll learn how they present facts to their patients and how they help their patients understand diagnoses so as not to raise any false hopes.
- Receiving Hands-On Training and Advice: While working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll receive hands-on training and valuable advice. Doctors often share tips on how to succeed in the medical field and even mentor those who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. On top of that, they offer guidance about which classes or activities would benefit aspiring pre-med students or those considering careers related to healthcare.
- Gaining a Competitive Edge: Shadowing a doctor can help set you apart when applying for college since admissions committees take notice of extracurricular activities like this.
- Forging Meaning Connections: You’ll make meaningful connections with people already established in your desired profession.
All in all, these experiences and relationships will prove helpful later down the line if you decide to pursue a medical career.
Final Thoughts
Shadowing a doctor in high school is an incredible opportunity that can help you figure out whether a medical career is right for you. Even though the process may seem intimidating, grabbing this opportunity will lead to great rewards down the road. Plus, you’ll have the edge over other applicants when applying to college or medical school.
