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There are so many reasons why shadowing a doctor is a great idea. You can find out whether or not a medical career is right for you, get a better insight on the life of a doctor, decipher the right path for yourself and gain great experience.
Before you contact a doctor for a shadowing position, keep these tips and tricks in mind.
1. Make a list of specialties that might interest you. This will narrow down your search field and keep you engaged throughout your placement.
2. Follow up with a thank you email no matter the outcome. Whether they deny your request or accept it, follow up with a thank you email that can preserve the relationship should you have a request for them later on.
3. Voice your request. Do not beat around the bush when asking for a position. Be clear about your intentions and what you hope to gain. You won’t know until you ask! (Check out the template below to help you out).
4. Make the most of your experience. Even though it could be a bit nerve wracking, enjoy everything that is offered to you! Absorb as much information as you can and enjoy this experience.
5. Don’t stop at one! Shadow as much as you can in various settings to really make the most of your time and pack your medical school applications.
There are few ways to go about landing a shadowing position.
1. TALK TO SOME DOCTORS YOU MAY KNOW. You or someone you know may have a relationship with a doctor who might be willing to give you a shadowing position. Talk to your teachers, professors, advisors, friends and family to see who knows someone accepting students. Leverage any relationship you may have and see who can help you out.
2. CONTACT HOSPITALS. You can reach out to nearby hospital volunteer offices and see what they might be able to offer and gain some volunteer hours in the process. Be clear about your intentions and what you are looking to see. Some hospitals have programs for students interested in a career in medicine.
3. SEARCH ONLINE. This one personally worked the best for me. Search for doctors with specialties that apply to your field of interest and email or call their office. Sending out cold emails maximizes the possibility of receiving a position. Be sure to introduce yourself and explain where you received their information from (Check below for an email template!).
Make sure you keep your email short and sweet. Doctors are busy people and everyone dreads reading long emails. Also keep your subject line in mind. I used "Student Interested in Shadowing Position" as mine.
Here is an example of what you could email a doctor regarding a shadowing position. Feel free to customize and make it your own! Share how it worked for you below!
Dear Doctor [Fill in Blank],
My name is [Fill in Blank] and I am a grade [Fill in Blank] student, preparing to obtain a degree in [Fill in Blank] this fall.
(My name is [Fill in Blank] and I am a [Fill in Blank] year student, currently obtaining a degree in [Fill in Blank].) Upon searching for surgeons in the [Fill in Blank], I came across your contact information on [Fill in Blank]. I am reaching out to you because I am very interested in surgery and medicine in general. I am currently in the process of seeking out opportunities for shadowing and informational interviewing to better understand what it is like to be a surgeon. If you are willing and able to, I would love and appreciate the opportunity to shadow you. I would welcome an opportunity to observe your work. I would also value the opportunity to have a short conversation over coffee or tea to hear more about your experiences and to get your advice on how to prepare for a career in medicine. I realize that you are busy and that your time is valuable. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me by e-mail or phone. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
[Fill in Blank]
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