Shadowing A Doctor San Diego

Delivering such news is never easy; doctors must do so with strict professional decorum. So, observing this firsthand can be both difficult and valuable. Understanding how a doctor delivers news to their patients is one of the more challenging aspects of the job.

8 Physician Shadowing Programs in San Diego!

Shadowing is critical in helping you decide on a career in healthcare. But finding programs near to you can sometimes prove difficult.

If you’re based in San Diego, these physician shadowing programs could be a great fit for you.

Before we dive into the list of physician shadowing programs in San Diego, why don’t you check out our other physician shadowing guides? We cover all major U.S. cities!

List Of Physician Shadowing Programs In San Diego

UC San Diego Health Observership and Shadowing

UCSD welcomes individuals interested in observerships and shadowing in various departments across their School of Medicine.

U.S. residents must have a formal shadowing request sent on their behalf to the Office of Compliance and Privacy first. This must come from a representative of your desired department/program.

International residents are advised to reach out to Health Sciences International with enquiries: [email protected]

Research programs running through the institution include:

• Sports Medicine Summer Academy Online: a chance for incoming 11th and 12th grade students to learn more about musculoskeletal medicine via participating in lectures and virtual shadowing.
• Reproductive and Oncofertility Science Academy: a chance for incoming 11th and 12th grade students to learn more about fertility medicine in young cancer patients via participating in Saturday sessions throughout the summer led by Dr. Ericka Senegar-Mitchell.

DETAILS

• Name: UC San Diego
• Location: 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
• Phone: 858-657-7000
• Website: health.ucsd.edu/medinfo/training

Scripps Physician Shadowing

Scripps hospital group has several clinical shadowing placements across all of its hospital campuses, outpatient centers, and physician offices across the San Diego area.

• High School Exploration Internship Program: five-week internship bringing students from around the country to explore more about medical sciences.
• University City High School Collaboration: 12-week internship offering UC High School students work-site exposure, shadowing various health care professionals across three different departments.
• Young Leaders in Health Care Program: open to high school students in northern San Diego country to shadow side-by-side with Scripps ER physicians.
• Student Placements: onsite training for students interested in Nursing, Allied Health, Pharmacy, Physical/Occupational Therapy and more.
• Scripps Mercy Trauma Surgery Internship: unique program available for USD pre-medical students to participate in clinical rotations with trauma surgeons and staff. Contact Cassandra Gomez ([email protected]) for more details, or see the information sheet here.

Scripps hosts more than 2,000 students per year across their various shadowing programs.

DETAILS

• Name: Scripps Mercy Hospital
• Location: 10140 Campus Point Dr. San Diego, CA 92121
• Phone: 800-727-4777
• Website: careers.scripps.org/graduates-and-students

Palomar Health Pathmaker Internship

Palomar Health’s Pathmaker program is offered to high school and college-level students and places them alongside different health care professionals under their guidance and support.

The program runs across three hospital campuses (Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Palomar Medical Center Poway, and other outpatient facilities), and is structured by levels.

Level 1 is designed for current high school students aged 16-18 and is expected to be a 96 hour (6 months) commitment. Level 2 is for college/adults aged 18 or over and is a 240 hour (15-month) commitment. Level 3 is a Medical Interpreting Program offered to fluent Spanish-language speakers.

Interns are recruited every 3 months with interviews held throughout the year.

DETAILS

• Name: Palomar Health
• Location: 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029
• Phone: 442-281-5000
• Website: palomarhealth.org/pathmaker-internship-program

Other Opportunities For Clinical Shadowing In San Diego

As well as applying to the organized shadowing programs listed above, it can be worth researching and enquiring about possible hospital volunteering programs in San Diego and the surrounding area.

Signing up to volunteer can help you build a network among physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare workers that could lead to important shadowing opportunities.

Check out our list of opportunities for hospital volunteering in San Diego here.

PA Shadowing San Diego

• Katie Applegate, PA-C: Orthopedic Physician Assistant working in San Diego and alumni of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (2015)

What About Private Shadowing?

It’s possible to set up private shadowing programs with physicians (and other healthcare workers) in San Diego.

Here are some important tips on how to secure further shadowing opportunities in the city and surrounding areas:

• Contact your own personal care provider (PCP) and enquire about shadowing
• Look up major hospitals in the area and check to see if doctors practicing there are alumni of your college (email them and explain the situation)
• Try cold calling/emailing physicians listed on the facult list for different UCSD departments
• Check out volunteer opportunities in the city, get orientated and introduce yourselves to members of the medical team personally
• Consider applying for hospital scribing jobs in the city

I Want To Shadow A Certain Specialty Doctor, What Can I Do?

If you’re looking to learn more about the various areas of medicine (and the differing roles) then shadowing can help.

Finding opportunities is generally the same across all areas of medicine and health. You’ll want to contact departments (and physicians) directly and see if they can put you in contact with specialist healthcare workers in areas you may be interested in.

Final Thoughts

A physician or clinical-based shadowing program is important for any student interested in allied health careers. Not just future doctors but nurses, physician assistants, and anyone in between!

Hopefully, the programs above can help give you an introduction as to what life in healthcare is all about.

If you enjoyed this article you may find the following interesting:

How to Shadow a Doctor? Key Info, Strategies, and Tips

Medical shadowing is one of the most beneficial clinical experiences to have before applying to medical school. Admissions committees see shadowing as a demonstration of your commitment to medicine. Your participation also helps solidify your decision that becoming a physician is right for you.

While many students have heard of medical shadowing, many don’t fully understand its importance, let alone how to shadow a doctor. Our guide will help you understand the basics of medical shadowing, what to expect when shadowing a doctor, and how shadowing is advantageous when applying to the top medical schools in the U.S.

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Shadowing a Doctor: What is It Like?

When you shadow a doctor, you can expect to follow in a doctor’s footsteps as they go about their day-to-day responsibilities. You will witness your doctor interacting with and diagnosing patients, carrying out medical procedures, and exchanging information with other medical staff.

However, note that as you learn to shadow a doctor, you need to also behave like a shadow: still and silent. You should not interfere with the doctor’s duties or interrupt them as they are working unless called upon. Instead, you can watch, take notes, and think of questions to ask later.

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Why Shadow as a Pre-Med Student?

Medical shadowing is not mandatory; you can still get into medical school without it. But what do you gain from shadowing a doctor?

Physician shadowing is a valuable experience that allows you to gauge whether you want to pursue a medical career. There are numerous benefits of shadowing a doctor.

Indeed, the AAMC notes that shadowing a doctor is an excellent way “to find out if a career in medicine might be right for you,” as “it will give you a better understanding of what a doctor’s typical day is like, and give you good experience to talk about in your applications and interviews for medical school.”

Spending time under direct supervision in different specialties and medical environments is a great way to find which areas of medicine interest you and can lead you to potential specializations such as:

• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Dermatology
• Psychiatry
• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Urology
• And more

It also exposes you to the benefits and drawbacks of the job: what you gain from shadowing a physician is valuable. For example, you may shadow a doctor when they discover their patient has cancer. You’ll see how the physician concludes this based on the tests performed and informs the patient of this diagnosis.

Delivering such news is never easy; doctors must do so with strict professional decorum. So, observing this firsthand can be both difficult and valuable. Understanding how a doctor delivers news to their patients is one of the more challenging aspects of the job.

However, by learning how to shadow a physician as a pre-med student, you’ll understand what to expect as a doctor, which will help you determine if this is your career path. Shadowing a physician allows you to ask someone in your dream career questions. During breaks, you’ll likely have time to ask them about the area of specialty you are interested in.

For example, suppose you are interested in internal medicine. In that case, you may ask the doctor about the most challenging part of working in internal medicine or if they have any advice about entering the field. This is your chance to get real, firsthand answers from a practicing physician.

When Should You Start Medical Shadowing?

Start medical shadowing as early as possible. It’s best to start shadowing long before submitting your primary medical school application. Researching potential doctors and reaching out to them takes time, as does waiting for responses. To give yourself enough time, consider seeking shadowing opportunities during your sophomore year.

When researching shadowing opportunities, you must consider whether the doctor works at a private practice or a large hospital/medical center. U.S. News states that doctors in private practices may only require a request for a shadowing.

In contrast, doctors working in larger medical centers may have to submit additional paperwork to process your request. Therefore, seeking opportunities early better prepares you for any roadblocks. If you’re struggling to find openings, consult with a medical school admissions expert who can help you find opportunities.

How to Shadow a Doctor

Because this will be a defining period as a pre-med student, you want to ensure you choose the most beneficial opportunity for you and your career path. Follow these necessary steps to find a doctor to shadow.

Identify Areas/Specialities of Interest

Research areas of the medical field that interest you. There are numerous specializations, so understanding the different fields is a great start. Once you have ideas about what you’d like to learn more about, research doctors in that specialization. Shadowing these doctors gives you an inside look at what your career could look like.

For example, if you feel you might want to pursue oncology, find an oncologist who offers shadowing opportunities. You can shadow them to get a feel for the field, and if you realize it isn’t what you want, you can go back and search for other areas that interest you.

The point is to give yourself a chance to determine whether a career in medicine is right for you and direction when determining areas of interest.

Research Great Shadowing Opportunities

If you’re not sure which areas of medicine you’re interested in or how to find a doctor, start by looking at shadowing opportunities near you. Ask your current doctor(s) if you can shadow them or if they can recommend any physicians they know of who allow students to shadow them.

Ask professors or academic advisors if they’re aware of any opportunities as well. Research local medical centers and private practices to see if they offer the chance to shadow their physicians.

Reach Out to Doctors

Do not wait until the last minute to reach out. Doctors are busy, and chances are they will not immediately respond to you. There may also be a procedure they must follow for you to shadow them.

Plan to contact physicians at least three weeks before you wish to begin shadowing. You can send a letter, write an email, or contact them directly by phone.

Don’t just show up to their practice expecting them to have time to sit down and talk. Preparing a well-thought-out document requesting such an opportunity strengthens your chances of receiving a positive response.

How to Ask to Shadow Your Doctor

Learning how to ask your doctor if you can shadow them isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Whether you’re writing an email, a letter, or calling the doctor, you want to have an outline of what to include in your request to shadow. Be sure to include the following information:

• Your name
• The school you attend
• Your interest in going to medical school
• Your desire to shadow the doctor and how you came across their information
• Request to shadow the doctor
• When you are available to speak to them
• Your contact information

How to Ask a Doctor You Already Know to Shadow

Be sure that you are professional and respectful in your request to shadow, even if you are already familiar with your doctor. Make sure you demonstrate your interest in and respect for their field, as well as your desire to learn.

Here’s an example: Mary is considering applying to medical school and wants to shadow Dr. Peters, her nephew’s pediatrician, whom she knows fairly well. This is how she might phrase her request:

I hope this email finds you well. Since we last spoke, I have begun schooling at UCLA with a major in psychology and am considering applying to medical school to become a pediatrician.

I am hoping to shadow a doctor in order to get a better sense of the profession and the day-to-day responsibilities. I’m contacting you because I have appreciated your work in the past, and I admire your attitude and passion for the profession.

Would you allow me to shadow you sometime in the coming months? I would be happy to discuss any dates that are best for you.

I’m so grateful for your consideration, and I hope to speak to you soon!

How to Ask a Doctor You Don’t Know to Shadow

When asking a doctor you don’t already know to shadow, you’ll want to remain as professional and polite as possible.

For example, let’s say Susan is considering applying to medical school and wants to shadow Dr. Khan, a local pediatrician in her town whom she has never met. She finds an email where she can send her shadowing request. Here is how she should draft her email to Dr. Khan:

My name is Susan Sanderson, and I am a junior at San Diego State University majoring in Chemistry. I am writing to you because I am considering attending medical school to become a pediatrician and was hoping to shadow a doctor. I hope to get a better sense of the profession and be sure this is the path for me. I researched that you are one of the most recommended pediatricians in town, and I thought you would be a great person to contact.

Would you allow me to shadow you for a few days a week in the upcoming months? I would be grateful for the opportunity to observe you in your profession. If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to speak with you about them. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, and have a great day.

Not only has Susan stated her desire to pursue medicine, but she also creates an opportunity to establish a dialogue between herself and the doctor. Your request does not have to be long; keep it straightforward to get your point across immediately.

How to Ask to Shadow a Doctor Over the Phone

It’s likely that when cold-calling a doctor, you’ll have to leave a message for them to get back to you. Be sure to prepare and rehearse a short message before you dial.

Include details like your full name, your program, how you found this doctor’s contact information, and your own contact information for them to reach you. Remember to keep it brief, polite, and professional.

Here’s what Connor might say in his message to Dr. Adebayo, a local surgeon whom he has never met:

Hello, Dr. Adebayo. My name is Connor Campbell, and I’m a junior premed student at Duke University. I’m calling today because I’m looking to shadow a surgeon, and I was referred to you by my academic counselor, Lisa Andrews. I would love to speak with you about shadowing opportunities for next semester. If this sounds like something you’re open to, please give me a call back when you’re available at 098-765-4321. You can also find me through email at Connor dot Campbell — c-o-n-n-o-r dot c-a-m-p-b-e-l-l — at duke dot edu. Thank you so much, and I’m looking forward to speaking with you.

And here is how he might alter it if he knew Dr. Adebayo personally already:

Hi, Dr. Adebayo. This is Connor Campbell, your former patient. I’m calling because I’m studying premed at Duke University, and I’m wondering if you’d be willing to allow me to shadow you next semester. I feel there is a lot I can learn from you! Please give me a call when you can at 098-765-4321, or you can reach me at Connor dot Campbell — c-o-n-n-o-r dot c-a-m-p-b-e-l-l — at duke dot edu. Thanks so much! Looking forward to chatting.

Virtual Medical Shadowing

Virtual shadowing will never replace an ENT visit. However, it allows students to gain clinical experience if in-person shadowing is on hold.

Of course, physicians can only conduct limited physical examinations virtually. But, Dr. Punim Thakkar, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, believes virtual shadowing has been valuable for his patients and practice.

He notes, “It is worthwhile for students because they still have the ability to shadow attendings as we take a thorough history, and when appropriate, students themselves can interview patients while their attendings observe them.”

Many patient follow-ups are handled virtually so that students can experience the extra stage of follow-up care during virtual medical shadowing. Aside from being able to wear your comfy pink slippers, this also benefits you as it allows you to shadow physicians outside of your geographic location. Also, there are no commute times!

How to Shadow a Doctor Virtually

Both HEAL Clinical Education Network and Webshadowers provide free weekly virtual shadowing opportunities. HEAL even provides a certificate to help you document your completed hours. Webshadowers also provides DO shadowing opportunities.

About Physician Observerships

UCLA Health defines physician observerships as “an informal observational experience that enables participants to learn procedures, as well as to observe patient rounds and teaching conferences.”

Unlike shadowing, medical observerships offer students the opportunity to gain hands-off clinical experience in a clinical setting. As such, there is no direct patient care like physicals, histories, or access to confidential data involved.

Your duties during a medical observership are restricted to watching and listening to the following:

• Patient histories
• Physical examinations
• Procedures
• Surgeries
• Outpatient appointments
• Teaching rounds
• Educational conferences

But, unlike shadowing opportunities where you follow a physician’s day-to-day activities, observerships include active participation. This can include a question-answer session, case discussion sessions, or topic presentations.

Like medical shadowing, observerships can be fantastic opportunities to learn from practicing physicians. Attending clinical rounds and official meetings gives you a taste of what your future career entails.

Observerships are usually brief rotations that last between four and eight weeks. Crucially, you can get a medical school letter of recommendation (LOR) from the physician you’re observing.

While there’s no set standard of hours you should attain, aiming for around 100 shadowing hours for medical school is recommended.

A doctor’s shift is anywhere from eight to ten hours, so if you shadow them for ten shifts, you’ll have accumulated anywhere from 80 to 100 hours. An early start gives you a better chance of obtaining more hours to impress medical school admissions committees.

In total, you want at least 200 total hours of clinical experience, including:

• Shadowing
• Volunteering
• extracurricular activities
• Medical-related work experience

However, the number of shadowing hours you complete for medical school is your decision.

Remember that the required number of shadowing hours isn’t set in stone. Some students get into medical school with 100 hours of physician shadowing, while others have 400 hours. It’s about the quality and length of the work rather than the quantity.

If you’re particular about a specific area of medicine, reach out to doctors in that field to shadow. However, if you are unsure where to start, find doctors from different specialties to shadow.

Tips on How to Shadow a Doctor

When you begin shadowing a physician, you may want to absorb as much information and ask as many questions as possible. However, you must be aware of the etiquette to medical shadowing.

Here are some tips on how to shadow a doctor to get the most out of your experience and help you get into medical school.

Dress for Success

You want to make a good impression on the doctor and their patients. But do you know what to wear to shadow a doctor? Think about it this way: would you trust a doctor who comes to you dressed in shorts and flip-flops, or would their lack of professional attire deter you?

Dress professionally to be taken seriously, as if you were dressing for your medical school interview. Ask the doctor you’re shadowing whether the facility has a dress code. If you’re unsure, dress business casual, tie back long hair, and wear closed-toed shoes.

Be on Time

Tardiness does not translate well in the medical field; doctors don’t like to have their time wasted. If you show up late, they’ll assume you don’t take their time seriously and may no longer allow you to shadow them. Remember, these doctors are doing you a favor and don’t have to let you shadow them. Be respectful and show up early.

Don’t Use Your Phone

You want to show the doctor you’re shadowing that you’re committed to a career in medicine. Be present and engage with the physician.

Keep your phone off or on silent mode and out of sight. Don’t take pictures or post about patients on social media; this can lead to legal action against you by the doctor or healthcare facility.

Take Notes

You are there to learn, and you may forget a few things that were discussed. Have something handy to take notes on.

You can write down any questions and ask the doctor about them when they’re between patients or on break. Feel free to jot down any medical terminology or confusing topics to research later. Taking notes is also a great way to track moments or events you can discuss in your medical school application.

Remember, don’t write personal or confidential patient information in your notes.

Know When to Ask Questions

There is a right and wrong time to ask doctors questions when shadowing. Don’t ask questions in front of patients or while the doctor is with a patient. This comes off as disrespectful and unprofessional.

Ask questions in between patients or when the doctor asks you if you have questions. Be mindful of the time and place. There’s no rush to have your questions answered, so know when it’s appropriate.

Know Your Place when Shadowing a Doctor

Remember, you’re not the doctor. You’re shadowing to get an idea of a physician’s day-to-day life and determine whether that area of medicine is right for you.

If you’re wondering what to do while shadowing a doctor, the answer is simple: you’re meant to observe and only observe. You shouldn’t chime in and give your own prognosis of patients or assist the doctor (unless asked). You’re there to watch and learn.

Be Friendly and Respectful to Patients

When shadowing a doctor, you will interact with many patients and be introduced to them. Sometimes, students are left alone for a few minutes with a patient, or they may ask questions about their experience or schooling.

Some patients may not want a student in the room, so the doctor may ask you to step out. Don’t take this personally. Be friendly, respectful, and mindful of doctor-patient relationships.

What to Do After Shadowing a Doctor

Your shadowing experience doesn’t end on your last day in the office! Here are some steps you can take after your official time as a shadow is over.

Send a Thank-You Note

Doctors don’t have to allow you to shadow them. So, sending a thank-you letter for your shadowing experience is a nice gesture of appreciation.

Thank them for their time, and tell them you appreciated the opportunity to shadow them. This is a great way to establish a lasting relationship with them, and in the medical field, that goes a long way.

Use Your Network

During your time as a shadow, you likely will have encountered and made connections with other medical professionals. If you have discovered an interest in a certain medical specialty, now is a good time to pursue your connections and set up further shadowing opportunities.

Reflect on Your Experiences

Take some time to consider all that you learned during your time as a medical shadow. It may even be helpful to journal or take notes as you reflect. This will help you remember what you learned so that your experiences and memories don’t fade away

Medical Shadowing FAQs

Let’s take a look at several medical shadowing questions and answers.

1. Is There a Specific Type of Doctor I Should Shadow?

There is no specific type of doctor you should shadow. You want to find one who specializes in the area of medicine you are interested in. If you’re unsure, reach out to a few doctors in different specialties to get a better idea of which field you wish to pursue.

2. Does Medical Shadowing Count as Clinical Experience?

Yes, medical shadowing does count as clinical experience, but it should not be the only experience you pursue. You should also be involved in other extracurricular activities.

3. What If I Can’t Shadow As a Pre-Med Student?

If work or school makes it difficult for you to shadow, find a doctor who allows you to follow them virtually. It’s a similar experience to that of in-person shadowing.

You would sit in on the video conference between doctor and patient and observe as you would in person. This option allows for more flexibility with time and schedules as well.

4. Do Medical Schools Require Shadowing Experience?

Some medical schools do require shadowing experience, while others don’t. Research medical school admission requirements for the programs you’re interested in attending to see if they have a shadowing requirement. More prestigious universities like the Ivy League medical schools may have loftier requirements.

As previously mentioned, regardless of whether shadowing is required, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

5. How Much Shadowing Should I Do to Get an LOR?

That is contingent upon how much time you spend with them. If you have only shadowed the doctor once or twice, don’t ask them for a recommendation letter. Shadowing a doctor for a few days does not give them the basis of who you are.

However, if you have regularly shadowed a doctor for months, they better understand who you are and can provide a great letter of recommendation.

6. Can I Shadow a Doctor While in High School?

Yes, many healthcare facilities offer shadowing opportunities for high school students. Medical shadowing in high school is a great way to gain experience early and learn more about different medical fields.

Medical Shadowing: Worth All the Hard Work

Medical shadowing takes time and commitment. You spend hours researching and reaching out to doctors in the hopes they’ll allow you to observe them.

However, your dedication to shadowing emphasizes your passion for medicine — a quality medical schools love to see in applicants. With this guide, you’ll effectively obtain shadowing experience that will benefit you in the medical field.