Blog Post Focus
This post will focus on getting a letter of recommendation from a physician you have been shadowing. It may be easier than you think.
Introduction – Importance of Shadowing and an Opportunity for a Letter of Recommendation
Shadowing a physician is a chance to see what medicine is really like for a medical provider. It can give one the sense of what the roles and responsibilities are for a physician. It can show how different providers interact with one another in different healthcare settings. Most importantly, it helps you see if you want to be a physician and is an opportunity to get a letter of recommendation from a physician who can speak to your character and champion your medical school application.
Two Situations
Obtaining a letter of recommendation from physicians you have been shadowing is reasonable in two situations: One, whenever a physician offers; and two, if you have spent an appropriate amount of time with the physician.
If a physician you are shadowing offers to write you a letter of recommendation you should accept it. They have in some way found you pleasant to be around and think you have the qualities to succeed in medical school. They will write so in their recommendation.
Make Intent Clear
If you plan to spend several days or weeks with a physician as a shadow make it clear that you want to better experience medicine and work toward a letter of recommendation. In this case, the physician will make it clear how long they will need to have you with them for that letter and what will be involved in obtaining that letter. Generally, it will just be some amount of time that they think is enough to speak on your behalf.
Importance of a Letter of Recommendation
Why is the letter of recommendation important? A physician is someone living the life you want to live. They are professionals in the specialty you desire. Having gone through the rigors of training they can speak on your behalf and state that you have what it takes to succeed in medical school. It can strengthen your application. No letter of recommendation from a physician may make a medical school committee wonder why you have not procured a letter, such as no one being willing to speak on your behalf.
Conclusion – Enjoy Shadowing and Good Luck with Getting a Letter of Recommendation
Enjoy the time shadowing. Get to know more about medicine. Form a relationship with a physician or several physicians. Work toward getting at least one letter of recommendation from a physician who can advocate for your admission to medical school.
I think the following link has good information for those interested in shadowing a doctor and etiquette related to it. See the following link for more information: https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/how-to-shadow-a-doctor/.
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