7 answers
Cherry
Student
Auburn, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How do I start shadowing?
Hello! I’m a freshman in high school and really interested in the medical field. I’m already planning to take health-related courses like sports- medicine and anatomy, and I also hope to earn certifications in the future. However, I want to start shadowing a doctor but have no idea where to start. Could anyone share their experience with shadowing? Thank you!
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7 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey there Cherry, you’re already killing it with your ambition, and I love that. Shadowing is such a game-changer, and while everyone dropped solid advice, let me throw in some fresh, next-level tips to get you ahead of the game:
1. Think Beyond Just Hospitals – Everyone scrambles for hospital shadowing, but private clinics, urgent care centers, sports medicine offices, and even research labs are so much easier to get into. Plus, smaller settings = more personal experience.
2. Leverage College Programs (Even If You’re Not in College Yet) – Some universities have high school outreach programs where students can shadow med students, sit in on lectures, or even get paired with mentors. Check out med schools near you—they sometimes let younger students tag along!
3. LinkedIn & Professional Groups = Your Secret Weapon – High schoolers sleep on this, but doctors love mentoring eager students. Make a LinkedIn (yes, even now), connect with doctors in your area, and shoot them a message. Professional groups like the American Medical Association or specialty societies sometimes have mentorship programs too!
4. Medical Conferences & Workshops – Some places host teen-friendly medical events where you can learn skills, meet professionals, and possibly find someone willing to let you shadow. Bonus: You’ll sound like a pro when you apply for opportunities later.
5. Pitch It Like a Pro – If you’re reaching out to doctors, don’t just ask to shadow—explain why you’re interested and what you hope to learn. Something like, “I’m a high school student passionate about medicine, especially [specific field]. I’d love to observe a day in your practice and learn from your expertise.” Keeps it personal and professional.
6. Get Involved in Medical Volunteering Abroad – Okay, this one’s more of a long-term plan, but some organizations take high schoolers for medical trips (like Global Brigades). It’s a mix of learning and volunteering, and it looks amazing on applications later.
7. Turn Rejections Into Opportunities – If a doctor or hospital says no to shadowing, ask if you can still volunteer or even interview them about their career. Making connections now means they might say yes later!
Bottom line? Be creative, be persistent, and don’t just follow the usual paths—go where others aren’t looking. Shadowing is just the beginning, and you’re already thinking like a future doc. Keep that energy up Cherry, all the best! Don't forget you are always welcome to hit me up if you got furthur questions! 😉🤗
1. Think Beyond Just Hospitals – Everyone scrambles for hospital shadowing, but private clinics, urgent care centers, sports medicine offices, and even research labs are so much easier to get into. Plus, smaller settings = more personal experience.
2. Leverage College Programs (Even If You’re Not in College Yet) – Some universities have high school outreach programs where students can shadow med students, sit in on lectures, or even get paired with mentors. Check out med schools near you—they sometimes let younger students tag along!
3. LinkedIn & Professional Groups = Your Secret Weapon – High schoolers sleep on this, but doctors love mentoring eager students. Make a LinkedIn (yes, even now), connect with doctors in your area, and shoot them a message. Professional groups like the American Medical Association or specialty societies sometimes have mentorship programs too!
4. Medical Conferences & Workshops – Some places host teen-friendly medical events where you can learn skills, meet professionals, and possibly find someone willing to let you shadow. Bonus: You’ll sound like a pro when you apply for opportunities later.
5. Pitch It Like a Pro – If you’re reaching out to doctors, don’t just ask to shadow—explain why you’re interested and what you hope to learn. Something like, “I’m a high school student passionate about medicine, especially [specific field]. I’d love to observe a day in your practice and learn from your expertise.” Keeps it personal and professional.
6. Get Involved in Medical Volunteering Abroad – Okay, this one’s more of a long-term plan, but some organizations take high schoolers for medical trips (like Global Brigades). It’s a mix of learning and volunteering, and it looks amazing on applications later.
7. Turn Rejections Into Opportunities – If a doctor or hospital says no to shadowing, ask if you can still volunteer or even interview them about their career. Making connections now means they might say yes later!
Bottom line? Be creative, be persistent, and don’t just follow the usual paths—go where others aren’t looking. Shadowing is just the beginning, and you’re already thinking like a future doc. Keep that energy up Cherry, all the best! Don't forget you are always welcome to hit me up if you got furthur questions! 😉🤗
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Cherry,
Khairat already gave you a lot of good ideas. I would like to add that Green River College in Auburn has a Nursing program.
They have monthly Open Days where you can go, get a tour, meet people and ask questions. You might also be able to shadow the aspiring nurses for a few days. Make contacts and ask if they can help you find a hospital placement for shadowing. You can even get some 3-months certifications for Phlebotomy or Nursing Assistant to get some hands-on experience. Extra benefit, you could use your certificate for a part-time job while you study.
There are a number of other colleges and universities around Auburn. I left you a link below. You can check what other programs might be of interest.
Multicare Auburn Medical Center has a volunteer program. It is expected that you make a commitment for 100 hours of volunteering. You need to complete 60 volunteer hours before you can apply for job shadowing (which is observational only).
There is a free summer camp for high-schoolers interested in healthcare:
https://www.multicare.org/about/community/mash-camp/
I hope this helps! All the best on your path!
KP
https://www.greenriver.edu/students/academics/degrees-programs/nursing/
https://www.franklin.edu/colleges-near/washington/auburn
https://www.multicare.org/location/auburn-medical-center/
https://www.multicare.org/volunteers/
https://www.multicare.org/volunteers/job-shadowing/
Khairat already gave you a lot of good ideas. I would like to add that Green River College in Auburn has a Nursing program.
They have monthly Open Days where you can go, get a tour, meet people and ask questions. You might also be able to shadow the aspiring nurses for a few days. Make contacts and ask if they can help you find a hospital placement for shadowing. You can even get some 3-months certifications for Phlebotomy or Nursing Assistant to get some hands-on experience. Extra benefit, you could use your certificate for a part-time job while you study.
There are a number of other colleges and universities around Auburn. I left you a link below. You can check what other programs might be of interest.
Multicare Auburn Medical Center has a volunteer program. It is expected that you make a commitment for 100 hours of volunteering. You need to complete 60 volunteer hours before you can apply for job shadowing (which is observational only).
There is a free summer camp for high-schoolers interested in healthcare:
https://www.multicare.org/about/community/mash-camp/
I hope this helps! All the best on your path!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Khairat Bello
Copywriter and content writer
5
Answers
Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
Khairat’s Answer
That's great to hear you're interested in the medical field! Shadowing is a fantastic way to get hands-on insight and make sure it's the right path for you. Here’s how you can start:
Talk to Your Teachers or School Counselor: Let your teachers or school counselor know about your interest in shadowing a doctor. They might have connections or resources to help you find opportunities. Some schools have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics.
Reach Out to Local Hospitals or Clinics: Call or email local hospitals or medical centers and ask if they offer shadowing programs for high school students. Some hospitals may have formal shadowing programs, while others might allow you to shadow a doctor if you inquire directly.
Contact Your Doctor or Family Doctor: If you have a family doctor or know any doctors personally, reach out to them! They might be willing to let you shadow them or know someone who would.
Join Pre-Health Organizations: Look for local or school-based pre-health or pre-med clubs. They often have networking opportunities or might even organize shadowing events with doctors.
Prepare for the Experience: When you find a shadowing opportunity, be ready to follow the doctor around and observe. You’ll likely have to sign some forms (like liability waivers), so make sure you’re prepared for that. Dress professionally, be on time, and take notes—doctors love students who are enthusiastic and eager to learn!
Ask Questions and Be Respectful: If you're allowed to ask questions, focus on things like how the doctor makes decisions, what challenges they face, and what a typical day looks like. But also, respect their time and space, and observe more than talk.
Network and Follow Up: After shadowing, be sure to send a thank-you note to the doctor. It’ll show that you appreciate the experience, and it could help you in future opportunities or networking.
Remember, it's all about being proactive and showing you're eager to learn! Shadowing can be competitive, but persistence will help you stand out. Good luck!
Talk to Your Teachers or School Counselor: Let your teachers or school counselor know about your interest in shadowing a doctor. They might have connections or resources to help you find opportunities. Some schools have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics.
Reach Out to Local Hospitals or Clinics: Call or email local hospitals or medical centers and ask if they offer shadowing programs for high school students. Some hospitals may have formal shadowing programs, while others might allow you to shadow a doctor if you inquire directly.
Contact Your Doctor or Family Doctor: If you have a family doctor or know any doctors personally, reach out to them! They might be willing to let you shadow them or know someone who would.
Join Pre-Health Organizations: Look for local or school-based pre-health or pre-med clubs. They often have networking opportunities or might even organize shadowing events with doctors.
Prepare for the Experience: When you find a shadowing opportunity, be ready to follow the doctor around and observe. You’ll likely have to sign some forms (like liability waivers), so make sure you’re prepared for that. Dress professionally, be on time, and take notes—doctors love students who are enthusiastic and eager to learn!
Ask Questions and Be Respectful: If you're allowed to ask questions, focus on things like how the doctor makes decisions, what challenges they face, and what a typical day looks like. But also, respect their time and space, and observe more than talk.
Network and Follow Up: After shadowing, be sure to send a thank-you note to the doctor. It’ll show that you appreciate the experience, and it could help you in future opportunities or networking.
Remember, it's all about being proactive and showing you're eager to learn! Shadowing can be competitive, but persistence will help you stand out. Good luck!
Ana Castillo, BSN, RN
Nurse
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ana’s Answer
Hi Cherry!
For me, the best way to get shadowing hours is to cold call and to ask your pediatrician/other doctors you've come into contact with. Cold calling might seem intimidating and you will get rejected the first couple of times but you'll eventually be able to find something!
For me, the best way to get shadowing hours is to cold call and to ask your pediatrician/other doctors you've come into contact with. Cold calling might seem intimidating and you will get rejected the first couple of times but you'll eventually be able to find something!
Nadine Maayah
Student (aspiring geneticist)
18
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Nadine’s Answer
1. Research local doctors and clinics: Reach out to family members are/know doctors or healthcare professionals. You can also look up clinics or hospitals in your area to inquire about shadowing opportunities.
2. Reach out to doctors: When contacting doctors or clinics, make sure to introduce yourself, explain your interest in medicine, and politely ask if they would allow you to shadow them. Be clear about your grade level, what you hope to learn, and why you are interested in shadowing. If you have a LinkedIn account, it is a great resource in approaching this.
3. Check with your school: Some high schools have partnerships with local healthcare providers for internships or shadowing programs. Ask your school counselor or health teacher if they can connect you with opportunities.
2. Reach out to doctors: When contacting doctors or clinics, make sure to introduce yourself, explain your interest in medicine, and politely ask if they would allow you to shadow them. Be clear about your grade level, what you hope to learn, and why you are interested in shadowing. If you have a LinkedIn account, it is a great resource in approaching this.
3. Check with your school: Some high schools have partnerships with local healthcare providers for internships or shadowing programs. Ask your school counselor or health teacher if they can connect you with opportunities.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Shadowing is an excellent way to gain experience and see what working in healthcare is like. To begin, you need to decide on the type of doctor you want to shadow, such as orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, or sports medicine physicians. Ask people you know, such as family and friends, your own doctor, or teachers and school counselors, to connect you with a doctor. Contact local hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers to see if they offer shadowing programs, as some hospitals have formal student volunteer or shadowing programs. If you find a doctor you want to shadow, send a polite email introducing yourself. Be prepared and professional, dressing in business casual or as instructed, bringing a notebook to jot down observations, asking thoughtful questions when appropriate, and always thanking the doctor for their time. Shadowing is an awesome way to learn, and if you need help drafting messages or finding more resources, feel free to ask. Good luck with your shadowing journey!
Thank you so much!!
Cherry
Daniela Velasquez
Assistant Manager
9
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Cherry,
I highly recommend visiting the nearest hospital and inquiring about volunteer opportunities. Starting as a volunteer can open doors to shadowing opportunities, as it allows you to build connections with doctors while demonstrating your enthusiasm for the medical field. Physicians are more likely to allow shadowing if they see your dedication and genuine interest in gaining experience. Volunteering is a crucial first step in immersing yourself in the healthcare environment and finding a doctor willing to mentor you.
If you're able to find a doctor nearby or have a relative who knows a doctor, you should definitely take advantage of that opportunity. However, if that’s not the case, I recommend trying this tip. I hope you find a great shadowing opportunity and enjoy observing how the medical field works!
Good luck! :)
I highly recommend visiting the nearest hospital and inquiring about volunteer opportunities. Starting as a volunteer can open doors to shadowing opportunities, as it allows you to build connections with doctors while demonstrating your enthusiasm for the medical field. Physicians are more likely to allow shadowing if they see your dedication and genuine interest in gaining experience. Volunteering is a crucial first step in immersing yourself in the healthcare environment and finding a doctor willing to mentor you.
If you're able to find a doctor nearby or have a relative who knows a doctor, you should definitely take advantage of that opportunity. However, if that’s not the case, I recommend trying this tip. I hope you find a great shadowing opportunity and enjoy observing how the medical field works!
Good luck! :)
Daniela, thank you!
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