Shadowing

Most professional schools require that applicants complete shadowing or observation hours. Shadowing is an opportunity for you to find out if a career in the field you are interested in is a good fit for you. It also demonstrates a commitment to your chosen career.

Benefits of shadowing:

  • Develop your understanding of what a health provider’s typical day is like.
  • Determine your fit in the profession by observing the skills and attributes needed to succeed.
  • Explore different specialties and medical environments. 
  • Provides experiences to discuss in your application and interview. 
Pre-Health Advising
Shadowing Checklist and Guidelines

Shadowing Process

Prepare to Shadow

Shadowing requires pre-planning. When requesting a shadow, give providers ample time to respond to your request! 

Identify a provider to shadow: 

  • Start by asking a health professional that you know!
  • Ask family, teachers, professors, advisors, or Career Services for recommendations of health providers whom other students have shadowed in the past.
  • Talk with your peers about where they have completed positive shadowing experiences.
  • Contact hospitals or clinics directly to inquire whether they allow shadowing. 

Request to shadow: 

  • Reach out early - about one month in advance. It can take time to find someone who agrees to be shadowed and can fit you into their schedule.
  • Prepare a script to use when inquiring about shadowing.
    • Share where you go to school, your health-related experiences, and your career goals.
    • Express why you want to shadow.
      • Do you want to learn about a certain specialty area? Are you trying to determine which health field is right for you?
    • Ask if they are willing to host you to shadow in a clinical environment and when is convenient for them.
    • Attach your resume if you connect via email.
    • Remember - this is a professional communication! Proofread your script before contacting the provider.

Before you shadow: 

  • Ask the practitioner about what to expect, any ground rules, duration of the day, any special attire, etc.
  • Prepare questions about areas you want to learn more about.
Shadowing

You should arrive prepared for your shadowing experience. This is an opportunity to develop a professional connection, so you want to make a positive first impression! 

What to wear:

  • Dress professionally and comfortably.
  • Wear business casual clothing (dress pants, nice shirt).
  • Wear close-toed shoes. 

How to engage: 

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early and be respectful of everyone you meet.
  • Introduce yourself - lead with a handshake and introduce yourself.
  • Ask if there is a protocol you should follow if observing patients.
  • Bring a notebook to take notes about what you observe during the experience.
  • Ask questions when appropriate (not in front of patients).
  • Turn off your phone—or better yet, do not have it with you. No pictures—ever. 
After Shadowing

After completing your shadowing experience, there are still steps to take! 

  • Write a thank you note to the provider you shadowed, thanking them for their time.
  • Reflect on the experience, so you have notes to refer to:
    • Is this field what you expected it to be? How so?
    • What did you learn about being a professional in this field?
    • What did you enjoy most about the experience? What did you enjoy least?
    • How does this experience contribute to your understanding of this health field?
  • Track your observation hours! Some programs will request that you list this information on your application.