Kristen Moon
By Kristen Moon
For students interested in medicine, BS/MD programs, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, or other healthcare careers, shadowing is one of the best ways to see what working in healthcare is like. It allows students to observe healthcare professionals in their daily work and gain firsthand insight into patient care, communication, teamwork, and professionalism.
Why is Shadowing Important?
Shadowing helps students understand the realities of healthcare beyond what they learn in a classroom as well as helps students determine whether healthcare is truly the right career path for them. For students applying to competitive programs such as BS/MD programs, meaningful shadowing can demonstrate genuine interest in healthcare, initiative, and a willingness to explore the profession. The goal shouldn’t be to accumulate as many hours as possible, but to gain meaningful experiences and reflect on what you learn.
Where Can You Shadow?
Medical shadowing opportunities aren’t limited to large hospitals. Students may be able to shadow at physician offices, private practices, hospitals, dental or orthodontic offices, physical therapy clinics, and specialty practices.
You also don’t have to limit yourself to physicians. Shadowing a dentist, physical therapist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can provide valuable insight into different healthcare careers and the many professionals involved in patient care.
How to Find a Shadowing Opportunity
One of the easiest places to start is with your existing network. Ask family members, family friends, your physician, dentist, orthodontist, or physical therapist if they know of healthcare professionals who allow students to shadow. When reaching out, introduce yourself, explain your interest in healthcare, and maintain a professional tone.
If you don’t have a personal connection, contact local healthcare practices directly. Call or email to ask whether they allow high school students to shadow and be prepared to briefly explain who you are and why you’re interested. You can also research formal observation or volunteer programs offered by local hospitals and healthcare systems, keeping in mind that these may have application deadlines or other requirements.
Don’t be discouraged by a few “no” responses. Some practices have restrictions or limited availability, so persistence and respectful follow-up are important. LinkedIn can also be helpful for identifying healthcare professionals in your area. If you reach out, use your own account and keep your message professional, concise, and specific about why you’re interested in their work.
How to Prepare for Your First Shadowing Experience
Once you secure an opportunity, ask the physician or program coordinator what you should expect. Find out whether there is a dress code, whether you need to complete paperwork, what you should bring, and what time you should arrive.
If you aren’t given specific clothing instructions, business casual is generally a safe choice. You may also want to bring a small notebook and pen to record interesting observations, unfamiliar medical terms, or questions to research later.
You don’t need extensive medical knowledge before you begin. Spending some time learning about the specialty can help you understand what you observe, but remember that no healthcare professional expects a high school student to know everything.
Make the Most of Your Experience
During your shadowing experience, focus on being attentive, respectful, and curious. Arrive on time, follow instructions, and treat every member of the healthcare team professionally. Most importantly, respect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Pay attention to more than medical procedures. Observe how healthcare professionals communicate with patients, explain difficult information, work with colleagues, and handle challenges. These details can give you a better understanding of what a career in healthcare actually involves.
If you hear about a condition or treatment you don’t understand, write it down and research it later. You may even discover a topic that leads to a future research project or another area of interest.
Afterward, take time to reflect on the experience. What surprised you? What did you enjoy? What challenges did you notice? Did the experience strengthen your interest in healthcare?
How Many Shadowing Hours Do You Need?
There is no universal number of shadowing hours required for BS/MD programs. Rather than focusing on reaching a specific number, students should focus on gaining meaningful exposure to healthcare and being able to explain what they learned.
A thoughtful reflection on a meaningful experience can be much more valuable than simply listing a large number of hours on a college application.
Final Thoughts
Shadowing should be about exploring healthcare — not simply checking a box on a college application. Start by reaching out to people you know, contacting local practices, and researching formal programs in your area.
Once you secure an opportunity, approach it with curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn. Whether you shadow a physician, dentist, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional, each experience can help you better understand the profession and make more informed decisions about your future.
For students pursuing BS/MD and other competitive healthcare programs, shadowing is just one part of building a strong college application. What matters most is how you engage with your experiences and what you learn from them.
Kristen Moon is the founder of Moon Prep, an education consultancy brand with a focus on U.S. Medical programs. Contact: kristen@moonprep.com.
