It is not uncommon to feel in the dark throughout the physician assistant application process. With so many requirements and steps, one will encounter obstacles which leads to frustration. Instead of waiting for the illuminating light-bulb moment to arrive and bring clarity, I encourage you to read my blogs to help guide you throughout this journey.
What is Physician Assistant Shadowing?
In this article we will bring light to physician assistant shadowing. Simply stated, shadowing entails passively observing a physician assistant performing their daily duties. It is not volunteering or working in a medical environment where physician assistants are employed. Described as being a “fly-on-the-wall” or “test-driving”, it is an easy task with important benefits. None greater than providing the student with direct visualization of their potential future career. For most it will help solidify their choice, fuel their passion to become a physician assistant, and provide further information to a school that you have a solid understanding of the physician assistant role.
The Concept and Benefits of Shadowing
The concept of physician assistant shadowing is brilliant. The student finds a willing physician assistant, they connect, and together go about a typical workday in that physician assistant’s field of practice. Akin to clinical rotations, it has the possibility to provide a temporary glimpse of what future training looks like where you learn under the guidance of a licensed provider by observation and asking questions.
Importance of Choosing the Right Physician Assistant to Shadow
The benefit of the experience typically hinges on the physician assistant that has accepted your request. Expect the majority to be positive opportunities, however not all are the same therefore it is recommended to shadow multiple providers.
The Shadowing Experience: What to Expect and Ask
Once a relationship is established, the student should enhance the moment by inquiring more about the physician assistant profession. Not in regards to information that can be discovered elsewhere, but rather any concerns where personal input can be useful.
The Future Benefits of Shadowing
Chances are in your favor you made the correct decision as a physician assistant is a position that offers the challenges, financial compensation, and satisfaction that job seekers desire. Shadowing links you with others already in the field allowing your network to grow.
Meeting PA School Shadowing Requirements
It is easy to see why physician assistant schools highly recommend students to shadow. In fact, some even require it. I would suggest obtaining a minimum total of 50 hours by shadowing at least two different physician assistants, in two different specialties, and two different medical settings to meet both the school’s requirements as well as reap the aforementioned valuable benefits.
Documenting Your Shadowing Experience
It is wise to document all your hours, and although not necessary, have the physician assistant provider sign off on your achievement.
Finding Shadowing Opportunities
To get these opportunities, a candidate must be proactive. It is the student’s responsibility to make the initial correspondence. The good news is physician assistants are employed in multiple medical settings, from private health clinics to university hospitals, allowing an ample amount of prospective preceptors.
Preparing for Shadowing
To hasten the process, make it as easy as possible to shadow. This requires you are up to date on your immunizations, and have any necessary application or background check paperwork completed. Due to HIPPA regulations, signed forms respecting patient privacy and confidentiality are typically mandatory.
Making the Most of Your Shadowing Experience
Once any legal hurdles are cleared, a time to shadow should be arranged. Physician assistants can perform various tasks on different days, so establish a set number of hours that works best for them. Flexibility is essential, but try to maximize patient care rather than clerical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a passive learning experience where a student directly observes the interaction between a physician assistant and their patients in various medical settings.
Shadowing allows the student to acquire a first hand glimpse of a physician assistant performing their daily duties. It can deepen their understanding of the profession, solidify their career decision, fuel motivation, and aid in the application process by providing reflective writing points on the personal statement.
Physician assistant shadowing opportunities are everywhere and often, underused. Informal requests to shadow are easiest and rely on having the contact information of a physician assistant within your friend, school, work, or family network. Formal agreements are more difficult to obtain but possible by navigating through online resources, professional organizations, contacting medical facilities, inquiring via community groups, and word of mouth.
There are a few requirements in addition to arranging a shadowing opportunity. To clear legal and administrative requirements, many medical facilities will require paperwork addressing HIPAA confidentiality, application forms, a background check, and rarely a drug screen. Also, ensure your immunizations are up to date. Lastly, be courteous, on time, professional, and in the proper attire.
Like anything, the experience will amount to what you make of it. I highly recommend you express a strong interest, maintain focus, ask many questions, and record the encounter in a journal to reflect on it at a later time. Inquire about feedback and professional tips. It is an opportunity to address all your concerns and uncertainties, so utilize the physician assistant’s time to your benefit.
The major challenges revolve around finding a willing physician assistant and clearing the administrative obstacles to shadow at a facility. Do not get discouraged if you meet resistance or several denials. Stay persistent as the opportunities are there. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me for further advice.
The shadowing requirements vary depending on the school. Some require a set number of hours, while others do not have any specific criteria. Knowing this, it is highly recommended to attain at least 50 hours, with a 100 being ideal. Refer to the above blog for more guidance on how to accomplish this task.
Conclusion
Your goal is to gain a clearer understanding of a day in the life of a physician assistant. Once the shadowing is completed, you will most likely leave with a newfound appreciation for the profession. The newfound admiration could be the deciding factor in pursuing a rewarding career as a physician assistant.