Gimbernat
Surgical Association
Shadowing a surgeon
This program is specifically designed for 5th and 6th year medical students who are members of our surgical society. Shadowing a surgeon is a great way to find out if a career in a surgical specialty might be right for you. It'll give you a better understanding of what a surgeon's typical day (office, the operating room, outpatient clinic) is like, how a surgeon interacts and communicates with patients, and how a surgeon works with a health care team. Added benefits of shadowing are that it may help you decide in your final application for a surgical residency in Spain or abroad.
How do I find a surgeon to shadow?
You can ask your professors, surgical residents and former medical students now pursuing a surgical residency if they know any surgeons from the specialty that interests you. Express why you want to shadow this person specifically: The Gimbernat Surgical Association will contact the chosen surgeon regarding shadowing and arrange something that fits both the surgeon's schedule and your level of interest. In general you will spend one day with him or her. If you have the time in summer or over a break, you may ask to shadow full time or an entire week.
What to send to the surgeon?
When you contact the surgeon regarding shadowing, there are two main elements to share with him/her:
- Your resume
- A paragraph where you explain the reason why you are interested on shadowing that particular surgeon. Include the fact that you are a medical student studying the bachelor's degree in Medicine at UPF-UAB and you have aspirations of becoming a surgeon in that particular specialty.
Additional resources
- Guidelines for getting the most out of the doctor 'shadowing' experience by Laurence A. Savett M.D., of the University of St. Thomas.
- Shadowing Guidelines for Premedical Students, on the 2nd page of the "Premedical Student Tip Sheet", American Academy of Family Physicians, 2013.
- 5 Ways for Premed Students to Maximize Physician Shadowing by Ibrahim Busnaina, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and coauthor of "Examcrackers' How to Get Into Medical School".
- Guidelines for Clinical Shadowing Experiences for Pre-medical Students, established by the Association of American Medical College's (AAMC), Group on Students Affair's (GSA), Committee on Admissions (COA) in consultation.