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While you’re shadowing a doctor, ask the 10 questions below to get the most out of your experience. You’ll be able to use the insight from the physician’s answers to bolster your med school application and better prepare for medical school and a future medical career.
Below, I’ve listed the best 10 sample questions to ask when shadowing a doctor, as well as how to look at each question through the lens of your goals and gaps in knowledge.
For example, if your main drawback for committing to medical school is financing, focus on questions about salary, debt, and loan repayment. Or, if your concern hinges on the fulfillment or enjoyability of the career, ask questions that reflect your desire for a rewarding career path.
So, bring a notebook to the clinic, stay professional, and send a thank-you note to the physician after the shadowing opportunity is over, if possible. Let’s dive into this list of questions, and you’ll be empowered to get the most out of shadowing.
#1 – What is the biggest challenge of being a doctor?
Being a physician is a lucrative career — and many people consider it based on dollar signs — but it’s also demanding. Make sure you’ll be able to handle the challenges of a career in medicine, and practice making your commitment to healthcare clear. AdComs don’t want students who just want the money.
Need help making your med school application stand out? Work 1-on-1 with a Physician Advisor and a professional writer to fill gaps in your resume, craft application essays, and prep for interviews.
#2 – Do you enjoy your job?
This may seem like an obvious question, but many physicians work full-time (usually overtime), well into their mid-sixties. Having a job that you enjoy will enrich your life as opposed to making your life miserable.
Ask if the doctor you’re shadowing is satisfied with their work/life balance and what is typical within their specialty.
Learn More: Steps to Becoming a Doctor
#3 – What qualities does a good doctor need?
Getting the inside scoop on the kind of person that does well in medicine is invaluable. You’ll be able to compare your own qualities, personality traits, and skills to the ones the doctor lists to see if you’re a natural fit.
Many skills and qualities can be developed over time, but knowing if you have a natural aptitude is a great place to start when you’re unsure about your career choice.
Read Next: How to Be a Standout Med School Applicant
#4 – How did you choose your medical school?
Choosing medical schools to apply to is a critical step in the process of becoming a doctor. You have to look at finances, acceptance rates, location, and so much more — just like when you chose your current college or university.
The doctor you’re shadowing can give you insight about their personal journey. If you have the time, these are helpful related questions to ask:
- Would you change anything about your decision to go to med school?
- What qualities are the most important in a medical school?
#5 – How did you choose your specialty?
Maybe you know you want to work as a healthcare professional, but you’re unsure of what to specialize in. Understanding how the doctor you’re shadowing chose their specialty can help you make your own decisions about what discipline is best for you. You won’t really choose a specialty until your later years in med school, but it’s a great time to start considering your preferences.
If you’re job shadowing someone in a discipline you’d already like to be in, ask how they feel about that discipline specifically. Ask what qualities are required to be a successful physician of different specialties.
The percentage of healthcare providers who regret their career choice, as well as those who experience burnout, vary by specialty. According to JAMA research, 32.7% of those training in pathology and 20.6% of those training in anesthesiology said they regretted their career choice, compared with 7.4% of those training in plastic surgery and 8.9% of those in family medicine.
#6 – What is a typical day in the life of a doctor?
Inquire about their daily routine inside and outside the hospital. When you ask this question about a doctor’s day-to-day, keep in mind what your own goals are in terms of hours worked, hobbies you participate in, and how much time you’d like to spend with friends and family.
As an example, an OB/GYN who works primarily in the maternity ward may have erratic hours, because newborn babies don’t follow an orderly, 9-to-5 schedule.
You may also want to consider that many doctors like pediatricians and internal medicine physicians may rotate through an on-call schedule within their office — whereas a dermatologist or psychiatrist is rarely called upon for emergency patient care and can hold fairly standard office hours.
Try our Virtual Clinical Education series to shadow over 20 physicians from various specialties online for FREE. Includes a certificate for your hours so you can add them to your application!
#7 – What is the hardest part of medical school? What is the most fun or most rewarding?
Up to this point, many of the questions have been about being a doctor. However, before you reach that goal, you’ll have to conquer medical school. Getting insight from a physician about what to expect as a medical student can prepare you for the next chapter of your life.
Naturally, medical school is stressful. However, many students who become doctors enjoy their education.
Learn More: Find the Best Med School for You!
#8 – What do you wish you knew before you went to medical school? Before residency? Before becoming a doctor?
Shadowing is an extracurricular experience that can provide loads of insight into the things you can’t research. You’ve got a doctor who’s been through a lot of what you’re trying to go through.
For example, many students underestimate the importance of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, in the medical field. You must be able to communicate with patients, but you’ll also work alongside other doctors and nurses, as well as the people who run the hospital or clinic.
#9 – Did you have a “lightbulb moment” where you realized being a doctor was the right choice?
Understanding what led someone else to make the decision you’re currently trying to figure out is highly insightful. But the best part of this question is hearing a personal story about life as a doctor.
Read Next: Top Reasons to Be a Doctor
If there wasn’t a lightbulb moment, ask to hear memories about times when the doctor felt truly rewarded and fulfilled. Hearing stories is a great way to wrap your head around the highs and lows of a career in medicine, and it’s also an authentic way to connect with the doctor you’re shadowing.
Don’t be callous, but remember that this doctor may write a great letter of recommendation for you, or their connection with you might inspire your personal statement.
#10 – If you had to start over as a pre-med student, would you do anything differently?
Finally, learn about mistakes the doctor would avoid, as well as things they should have done but didn’t. Without violating HIPAA, see if they have any firsthand advice about patient interaction.
If the answer is an honest “no,” you’re probably looking at a fantastic example of someone who’s happy and successful in the profession. Read: someone you can model your own medical journey after.
Looking for pre-med extracurricular opportunities? Apply to dozens of volunteering and clinical positions using our free Pre-Med Extracurricular Portal.
Boost Your Shadowing Hours Online with MedSchoolCoach
This article has prepared you to have a successful shadowing experience with someone in medicine. If you’re looking for a unique experience outside of a hospital or medical office, check out our virtual shadowing opportunities to help prepare you for in-person experiences.
How should I ask a doctor if I can shadow them in the first place? You can reach out with a professional email to a doctor and ask graciously if you can shadow them. It helps if you have a connection or referral. If you see this person on a regular basis, you can also ask in person. Your pre-health advisor is another great resource that is likely to have connections with local physicians.
Ready to get started on your medical school application? MedSchoolCoach offers professional admissions advising services to help you become a strong applicant and double your odds of acceptance. We’ve helped thousands of students get into medical school and achieve their dreams of becoming a physician.
2x your odds of med school acceptance by working with a MedSchoolCoach Physician Advisor. Our 1-on-1 guidance can help you get accepted at your dream medical school.
Renee Marinelli, MD
Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.
