Dr. Shadowing

Dr. shadowing is a must for any med school application. Most schools recommend about 25 hours with a physician. One reason they want you to shadow Dr's is so that you know what you are getting into. If you follow a Dr. around for a few hours and absolutely hate your life then I don't think med school is for you.

Med schools want to know that you really want to be a Dr. They want to know that you have done your research into the profession enough to really think you would be a great fit as a Dr. That is why Dr. shadowing is so important.

Tips: shadow as many different types of dr.'s as you can. Try to get different practice areas. For example go to your family Dr. Then try a surgeon at a hospital. Maybe an internist or an pediatrician. It is also helpful to consider shadowing both DO and MD Dr.'s. Especially if you plan on applying to DO schools.

Make sure when you shadow that you spend a good amount of time. I'm talking 4-6 hours with each dr. You may need to go two separate times.  Spencer shadowed about 6 different drs. Two of those he spent about 12 hours with each.

Also, make friends with those you are shadowing. Take the opportunity to ask them why they wanted to be a Dr. Ask about how they managed med school and family and such. Keep in mind that you may need a letter of recommendation from a Dr you've shadowed.

After you have completed the shadowing write Thank You notes. These relationships may come in handy in the future. For letters of recommendation, referrals or even advice down the road.

Below is a great site with advice for how to find dr's to shadow.
http://www.startmedicine.com/app/shadowing.asp

Good luck!