[05:35] Most of Shadowing/Clinical Experience 6 Months Before Application. It does look bad if you do most of your shadowing or clinical experience in the 6 months before you apply. But what can you do at this point? You could delay your application for a year but you don't need to.

When should you shadow a doctor?

Do not wait until the last minute to reach out. Doctors are busy, and chances are they will not immediately respond to you. There may also be procedures they must follow if they allow you to shadow them. Plan to contact physicians at least three weeks before you wish to begin shadowing.

Can you shadow a doctor at 13?

You can shadow at most hospitals or clinics as long as you are at least 14 years of age. ... Patient confidentiality is very important as a medical professional, and is also the reason it can be challenging to find hospital shadowing opportunities.