Gaining Experience

Shadowing a healthcare provider is a great way to find out if a career in medicine is the right path.  It allows for better understanding of what a healthcare providers’ typical day is like and may provide good experience to present in applications and interviews for medical programs.

How to find a healthcare professional to shadow:

• If students have a relationship with any healthcare providers, we recommend to start by asking them.
• Ask teachers, professors, and premed advisors if they know any healthcare providers that other students have shadowed in the past.
• Contact hospitals through their volunteer office, or search online for local healthcare providers.
• Always send thank you notes or emails after participating in a shadowing experience.

Continue or begin gaining clinical experience in places such as:

Working in a lab setting will help make for a competitive applicant with scientific inquiry experience and help build a strong foundation for a continued science and medical education. It will also help to determine if medical research is the correct path for you.

Where to start:

• Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
• Learn about research opportunities in the Biology and Chemistry departments.
• Approach instructors, both lab and lecture, about any research they might be involved in.
• Check the science department bulletin boards or websites for opportunities to assist with faculty research projects.

Pipeline and post-bacc programs are designed to prepare and inspire students to pursue careers in medicine. These programs can also enhance an applicant’s competitiveness for admission. Information for each state is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges website.

Volunteering is a great opportunity for students to show personal interests and aspirations in the application. Getting involved on campus and joining clubs is a way to find community outreach experiences. Check out the Premed Clubs and student organizations on True Blue Connects and consider volunteering in your community.

When gaining experience it is important to reflect on what competencies are being gained and how they can apply to being a healthcare professional. Admissions committees evaluate applicants based on interpersonal skills such as the AAMC Core Competencies for students applying to medical school.