Delaney PA-C
Your mentor for getting accepted into PA school and excelling as a provider!
Home ยป Everything You Need to Know about Shadowing a PA
Applications

Everything You Need to Know about Shadowing a PA

Why do I need to shadow?

Most schools require that you shadowed a PA (or a physician) before applying to their program. This is for a few reasons. First of all, it shows that you are confident that this is a field you really want to be a part of. You saw what it was like and it confirmed your interest!

Second, it allows you to understand the role a PA plays. A common question asked during interviews is “Why do you want to be a physician assistant rather than a physician?”.

Finally, most schools require a letter of recommendation from at least one PA or Physician so this is your time to show your interest and get that letter!

How can I find a PA to shadow?

Here are some ideas:

  1. Ask a professor in your university’s health care program if they know anyone who might be willing to let you shadow. They often have colleagues they can point you to!
  2. Ask your personal providers if they will let you shadow them or know anyone who will!
  3. Ask your university wellness center if they have a provider you may shadow
  4. If you are working in a healthcare setting, ask if you can shadow a colleague or if they know anyone you can shadow!

I personally shadowed 3 different PAs in different specialties and settings. One was a colleague, one I reached out to on my own, and one was a connection from the first two!

How should I ask?

Asking in person works great with professors and colleagues. If you need to broaden your search, try sending the following email!

Good Morning,

My name is (Your Name) and I am a senior at (Your University) looking to pursue a career as a physician assistant (or a ______ working to change career paths). I am looking for a provider to shadow and came across your information (or was given your information by _________ ). Would you be willing to allow me the opportunity to shadow you? If this is not something you are able to do, do you have any colleagues who might be willing?

Any information you can provide me would be greatly appreciated.

Best,

(Your name)

What Should I Be Doing When I Shadow?

  1. Show genuine interest and be inquisitive! Bring a notebook and jot down things you found interesting or had questions about so you have some talking points at the end of the day.
  2. Ask them your questions! What is your day to day like? Do you take work home with you? What school did you go to and do you have any advice for applying to schools?
  3. Ask them if you can shadow again! I think it’s a good idea to shadow a few times. This allows them to get to know you and write a more personal letter. I also asked if they would review my personal statement and got some great feedback!

Remember, you are trying to gain a better understanding of a PA’s role and hopefully get a letter of recommendation! You may even gain a mentor! Shadowing can be intimidating, but it is a great way to learn about being a PA and provides you an opportunity to ask questions about what to expect. Best of luck!