PA shadowing

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 7:33 pm

As of now, I have shadowed over 6 different PAs. They have all lasted from 4 hours to 8 hours, ranging from orthopedics to peds, er, and onocolgy. But I've only shadowed them once. Would it look bad on my appilcation that I shadowed different PA's but only once. For me I want to learn from different PAs and see what there take on the PA profession is and what they do each and everyday. If i go to the same PA, I won't be able to see and learn about different PAs. This thought came to my mind when one of the PA mentioned they want quality not quantity in their appilcants. what should i do? Also how can I ask them if I can come back and shadow them more. Please help.
-rkgPA

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 7:35 pm

sorry its suppose to be under \"shadowing\"

Post by **PaulK** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 10:45 am

I doubt it matters too much either way. You\'ve shown that you have exposed yourself to the field. Now I suggest you spend time doing the kind of shadowing that interests you most, and if that\'s varied, then work with more than one. When you get to work experience, it will pay to stick with one or two jobs tops.

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 11:33 pm

thanks for the advice!

Ana · Post by **Ana** » Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:49 am

The school I am going to apply to says they don\'t require shadowing anymore (they used to) and they won\'t count shadowing hours either. Should I still shadow anyway? It sounds to me like they couldn\'t care less if you shadow, and they highly value volunteer experience. This is what is said in their website: \" Clinical Role Modeling Experiences are NO LONGER REQUIRED or tracked for individuals applying for the class entering in January 2011 or later.
It is recommended that you research the profession and talk about the PA profession with a Physician Assistant before interviewing. Your knowledge of the profession and your reasons for selecting this career are likely to play a role in the interview process.\"
What should I do?

Post by **PaulK** » Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:01 pm

You should shadow. Period. What better, easier way is there to learn about the profession from the inside? We call this site Inside PA Training because we\'ve always felt that it was hard to get in-the-trenches information on the profession. Shadowing is the best way we know (after reading the blog, of course!) to get that information. The only reason not to is so you can devote more time to working in medicine - and still I think it\'s a good idea anyway.

draquela · Post by **draquela** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 10:45 pm

How can we find more PA\'s to shadow? I am in the Bay Area, CA and have shadowed 2 so far.

rkgPA, how did you find 6?! Very jealous. Thanks for the help!

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 12:43 am

Hello draquela,
No need to be jealous, I just went to Google and typed in physician assistant in xxxxxx( the town I live in) and a list came up, from there I called and were told no and then sent them a LETTEr and majority to all said yes.
I think you should be able to find many PAs in bay area, I\'m currently located in so-cal. Also I was just searching IPAT and found Paul has posted few helpful links, one if them was for us to find PAs to shadow. I think its called PASO.( might be wrong) but just check it out.
From your other post it seems like your applying this up coming cycle, I am too.(well hope), few schools in CA. Good luck and let me know how it goes. If you want I can email the letter to you.
Rkgpa

draquela · Post by **draquela** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:49 pm

rkgPA, that sounds great! I would love to see the letter, my email is raquelcyu@gmail.com. Also, where can I find PASO? Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it!
~Raquel

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 7:05 pm

Hey
I will send the letter but for PASO, just go the main page on this site, inside pa training, and then go to links its on the right hand side. Click on the first option, and then just scroll all the way down. The last one is PASO, just click on their website.

Post by **PaulK** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 11:08 pm

Thanks for helping out, rkgPA!

buffchic · Post by **buffchic** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 9:34 am

rkgPA-
Regarding your thoughts about shadowing one PA or multiple and how to ask to do repeat shadowing with a PA you have followed...
I think Paul\'s advice about choosing either a specialty that intrigues you or a PA who you had an especially good rapport with to do more shadowing with is sound advice.

And a great way to ask them is when you write your \"thank you\" note or email to the PA you shadowed. Tell them how much you appreciated their time and trouble and that you would like to come back.

And when you go the next time to shadow, bring them a little \"thank you\" -- a cup of coffee, cookies, a treat or something. It may sound cornball, but everyone likes to be appreciated and this will help them remember you positively.

Post by **PaulK** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 5:50 pm

Yes, yes. I got a little flak from a reader long ago for suggesting that to thank your reference letter writers and shadowing PAs with a modest gift certificate for starbucks or something similar - the reader said that would be bribery or @ss kissing.

Needless to say, I don\'t agree. It\'s hardly the kind of gift that would \"buy\" anyone\'s loyalty. Just a token to show that you are genuinely appreciative. And yes, Buff, people love to know that you appreciate what they\'ve done for you.

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 5:59 pm

buffchic & pkubin-
after i shadow all my PAs i would thank them on the spot, and then write them a formal letter and usually buy them $10-15 itunes gift card.
I don\'t see why anyone would consider this bribery, they took there time out to help you and especially with me they sat down on their breaks to talk to me and answered my questions. The PAs always emailed me thanking for the kind gesture.

side track story, almost 2 weeks ago i shadowed one of the PAs (for the second time) and while having a casual conversation she asked me that she wanted to write me a LOR. I was so shocked, and this happen ten mins after i walked into to shadow her. one less thing to worry about

Post by **PaulK** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 12:09 am

Great going, rk! Now continue to treat her like gold - she's an asset, an ace in your pocket.

sorellana · Post by **sorellana** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 9:17 am

rkgPA,
I too would love to take a look at a letter you sent to a PA asking to shadow them. I am currently trying to figure out how to go about it. I\'d greatly appreciate your help!

sorellana · Post by **sorellana** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 9:18 am

My email to which you can send the letter if you are willing is s.orellana@ymail.com. Thanks again!

rkgPA · Post by **rkgPA** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:31 am

Hi sorellana,
I was sending the letter but keeps saying the email is incorrect. I don\'t want you to think I ignored your post.
Best wishes
-rkg

Dosanjh88 · Post by **Dosanjh88** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:45 pm

HI,

I was wondering if you can email the letter also. My email is joti.dosanjh@gmail.com. I having the hardest time locating a PA SHADOW. I have only shadowed one =(.

kmi244 · Post by **kmi244** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 10:06 pm

Hi RKGPA,

I was wondering if there was anyway you could also send me the letter? I have contacted numerous hospitals but because of patient confidentiality I have been having trouble and have only shadowed one PA. I really appreciate it! My email address is KMI4224@GMAIL.com
Thank you!

Inside PA Training Forum

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

PA shadowing

Re: PA shadowing

Re: PA shadowing