Keeping track of shadowing hours

[tain]

Hi all, today I shadowed a PA in internal medicine, was an amazing experience, got some great insight into the job duties and how knowledgeable PA's really are. I was wondering though, I am a freshman in college and have a long way to go before applying to PA school (joining the Army as medic, finishing bachelors degree) Should I keep track of this hours starting now by writing them all down and having them signed and storing for application later?

 

Thanks, Tai

[beattie228]

PA shadowing hours aren't necessary to document for most programs. I just kept an Excel sheet with the date, name of PA, speciality (if any), and number of hours spent shadowing. I used the Excel sheet to fill out my CASPA application, but I wasn't ever asked to provide additional information about the PA's and Doc's I shadowed. PA shadowing is arguably the least important aspect of your application, and your plans to join the Army as a medic will more than fulfill the requirement of knowing what a PA is/does. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!

[marktheshark89]

I also created a spreadsheet with the above information, and made sure I did my best to keep in contact with each PA. When you go to apply to PA school, they may ask you for contact information to verify your shadowing or other hours. There's nothing worse then having them call a PA who you shadowed and have them forget that you even exist.