Physician shadowing offers a firsthand look into a doctor’s daily life, from patient interactions and clinical procedures to administrative duties. This observational experience provides a realistic perspective that can affirm a student’s career aspirations. It also serves as a practical test of one’s commitment to the field and provides substantive experiences to discuss in medical school applications and interviews.
Prepare Your Materials
Before contacting physicians, assemble a set of professional documents to demonstrate your seriousness and respect for their time.
A one-page resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be tailored for a shadowing request. This document should concisely highlight your academic background, including your university, major, and relevant science coursework. Include any healthcare-related volunteer work, research experience, or certifications to show a proactive interest in the medical field.
Alongside your resume, draft a brief statement of purpose. This short paragraph should articulate why you are seeking a shadowing opportunity, what you hope to gain from the experience, and explain your interest in medicine. It is also wise to gather any documents a clinical environment might require, such as immunization records or a HIPAA training certificate.
Identify Potential Doctors
With your materials prepared, the next step is to find physicians open to hosting a student. The environment where a doctor works influences their process for accepting shadowers.
Smaller, private practices often have less bureaucracy, so a direct request may be sufficient. In contrast, large academic hospitals have structured shadowing programs with formal applications that, while more competitive, are well-equipped for student requests.
An effective method for finding physicians is through your university’s alumni network. Many doctors are willing to help students from their alma mater, and your school’s pre-med or career services office may facilitate these connections. Personal and family connections are also valuable, as a “warm” introduction through a mutual contact is more effective than a “cold” email because it establishes immediate trust.
Craft Your Outreach Message
The most common method for contacting physicians is through a professional email that is personalized, clear, and concise. A well-crafted message shows respect for the physician’s busy schedule and demonstrates your professionalism.
Your email’s subject line should be informative and direct, such as “Shadowing Inquiry from a [Your University] Pre-Med Student.” This clarity helps your message stand out in a crowded inbox and ensures it is opened by the right person.
Begin your message with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Dr. [Last Name].” In the opening sentence, introduce yourself by stating your name, university, and year of study. Immediately explain why you are writing to them specifically, mentioning your interest in their specialty or how you learned of their practice. This shows you have done your research.
Following the introduction, address the logistical aspects of the shadowing experience. State your general availability and emphasize your flexibility to work around their schedule. For example, you might mention being available on certain days of the week or during an academic break. This proactive approach makes it easier for the physician to envision how they might accommodate your request.
Conclude the email with a polite closing. Mention that you have attached your resume for their review and are happy to provide additional information. Thank the doctor for their time and consideration, and proofread your email for any errors before sending.
Follow Up Professionally
After sending your initial outreach, be patient, as physicians have demanding schedules. If you do not receive a response, a polite follow-up can serve as a reminder of your interest. The timing and tone are important for maintaining a professional impression.
It is appropriate to wait one to two weeks before sending a follow-up message. This interval shows persistence without appearing impatient or demanding. A single, concise follow-up email is sufficient, as multiple messages can be perceived as bothersome.
Your follow-up email should be brief and courteous. Reply to the same email thread to keep the context easily accessible for the doctor. A simple note such as, “Dear Dr. [Last Name], I am writing to politely follow up on my previous email regarding a potential shadowing opportunity,” is effective. Reiterate your enthusiasm and thank them again for their time.
Handle the Response
Your response to a physician’s reply, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism.
If a physician agrees to let you shadow, respond promptly and with enthusiasm. Thank them for the opportunity and begin to coordinate logistics. Ask about the next steps, including any required paperwork, the expected dress code, and how to schedule your first visit.
In the event of a negative response or no response after your follow-up, close the interaction gracefully. Send a brief email thanking the doctor for their time and consideration. This courteous gesture helps you maintain a positive reputation within the medical community, which may be beneficial for future opportunities.