How do I shadow a doctor?

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Many of our students approach us and ask how it's possible to get work experience at a hospital. Countless GP calls and emails with responses saying they don't accept shadowing by school students. So how exactly do you shadow a doctor?

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Our students have told us that approaching the admin team of a hospital is more beneficial as hospitals tend to have separate "work experience" pages on their website.

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Working as a part-time receptionist as a GP is also a way to get work experience in a primary healthcare setting.

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But the real answer to this question is that the vast majority of medical schools don’t even read your personal statement, so don’t feel like you have to include shadowing to have the ‘perfect’ statement that will get you into med school.

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What’s important is that you have experiences which you can discuss in depth at interview. Doesn’t matter whether it’s volunteering or playing rugby, as long as you can demonstrate the qualities necessary that’s all that matters.

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And I know this isn’t relevant to your post, but the single most important part of your application process will be your UCAT / BMAT scores. Good scores secure interviews which can secure offers.

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Best of luck!

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Isabella Jones - 1st Year Medical Student