Concern regarding shadowing PA or Physician

[rlaguddms123]

I'm currently having hard time with finding PA to shadow. Is it okay to shadow physician even though I want to be a PA?.. Or do I strictly have to shadow Physician Assistant. I'm not sure if PA school consider it or not.

[ToppDog]

I'd say keep looking for a PA to shadow.

[greenmood]

My general advice... if you want to be a doctor, shadow a doctor. If you want to be a PA, shadow a PA. Although I think shadowing is stupid, I won't go into that now.

 

When people say they're having difficulty finding a PA to shadow, it often means they haven't asked. Don't take offense: have you asked at your local hospital? Have you asked your own primary care physician if he/she knows or has worked with a PA? Have you asked your mother's PCP if he/she knows or has worked with a PA? Have you asked the nurse practitioner who gave your dad his flu shot at CVS if she's known or worked with a PA? All of these places/people could give you a lead.

 

When I realized I would have to put some nominal hours into shadowing so that I could say that I had shadowed a PA, I asked one of the physical therapists on the wound care team if she knew anyone who would tolerate my presence for a couple days. I got 4 offers. So add the PT who's helping your friend rehab that knee injury to your list of resources.

[IdahoPA]

Could you ask the physician you have in mind if he/she knows any PAs?

 

Also, I think in the student section of this forum, there is a thread about shadowing. That could be a resource to look into.

http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/303-Shadowing-Opportunities

 

 

[rev ronin]

Shadow as many different healthcare professions as you can, such that you can articulate the differences you've seen, and explain why you want to be a PA vs. physician vs. whatever else. I had DO, ED PA, ENT PA, and Paramedic shadowing on my CASPA app.

[foreveryoung]

Shadow who ever you can, and that hopefully, that will open some doors for you to shadow others. I shadowed a PA, who connected me with a second PA and a surgeon as well. I also shadowed the doctor who supervised my PA. It all helps prepare you for interviews, articulating why you want to be a PA etc....