The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on all of us. It really is unfortunate to see the millions of people who get ill from the virus everyday. We have been held hostage in our own homes with all the health protocols and quarantine guidelines that we have no choice but to follow. Premeds have it especially tough with their activities being cut short. Trust me, I feel your pain and am living through it right now as I am writing this blog. While most in-person opportunities for shadowing and research are nonexistent at the moment, there are still countless ways to be involved and gain more clinical experience. Want to know how? Keep reading to find out.
Virtual Shadowing Opportunities
Nothing can stop our drive. Not even a pandemic. If you really believe in that and your passions as a pre med, then you should definitely consider virtual shadowing hours that are offered by countless student-based and professional organizations. I personally came across many of these organizations on instagram. Just a casual scroll through your social feed can really come a long way. Usual sessions range from 1-2 hours, where doctors talk about their paths towards their MDs and give invaluable advice that could greatly benefit you as a pre med. It also gives you a great opportunity to interact with them and ask direct questions that can help you get started. Additionally, case studies are a big part of what makes virtual shadowing. You can expect doctors to present power-points on them and introduce medical concepts that you are bound to encounter later on in your medical journey.
Don’t worry if some of these case studies and terms seem foreign to you. I was in the same boat. But the more sessions you attend the more knowledge you can build and use to think critically about different cases.
Here are a few links to some of the organizations that provide virtual shadowing opportunities:
The best part is that these sessions are all free! All you have to do is simply make an account, and then get started right away with the countless sessions that they offer. What can get better than this as a pre med.
Final Verdict
It’s cool to see so many organizations that are willing to help pre meds during this unfortunate time. Like many of you, I am also going through the same circumstances and personally it has been a great learning experience with getting to know the many physicians that offer their services and help. The main thing is to not be afraid to attend events or reach out to these organizations. They want you to participate and learn just as much as you guys want to learn. So next time you come across an ad for a virtual opportunity, don’t hesitate and just check it out. You’ll be surprised at how far this will take you.
- By Akash Sureshkumar
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