Gaining experience

Shadow

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.
• it is also an option to ask teachers, professors, and premed advisors if they know any healthcare providers that other students have shadowed in the past.
• it is appropriate to contact hospitals through their volunteer office, or search online for local healthcare providers.
  • it is a good idea to call their office or email them at least a few weeks in advance.
•  it is always good practice to send thank you notes after participating in a shadowing experience.

Continue or begin gaining clinical experience in places such as:

Research experience

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:

• learn about research opportunities in the biology and chemistry departments
• approach instructors, both lab and lecture, about any research they might be involved in.
• express interests in research to academic or premed advisors.
• check the science department bulletin boards or web sites for opportunities to assist with faculty research projects.

Pipeline programs

Pipeline and outreach programs are designed to prepare and inspire students to pursue careers in medicine and medical research. Information for each state is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges website.

Volunteer

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, or True Blue Connects for ways to get involved. Also, consider volunteering at Flagstaff Medical Center or with Student Health Outreach for Wellness (SHOW).

Reflect

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 the AAMC Core Competencies.