Let's face it, finding a PA to shadow is no easy task.
When I first contemplated a career as a physician assistant, I was hard-pressed to find a PA to shadow.
I was dying to connect with a PA and pick their brain, hear about everything they did, and shadow for a day or two.
But the question remains: where do you start?
Almost every PA I know would love to be approached by a potential PA school applicant.
I have never met a PA who does not like to talk about their profession.
In fact, every time I hear one of my patients discuss their dream of a career in the medical profession (often as an MD), I make sure to mention, "Have you ever thought of going to PA school?"
Many people still believe that a physician assistant is just a stepping stone on a career path to becoming an MD. I make it my personal goal to educate them otherwise.
But we PAs are busy people, and as much as we love to share information about our jobs and bathe in your abounding joy of our successes, we have patients to see, phone calls to make, insurance companies to haggle, and a plethora of other daily tasks that require our attention.
So how do you overcome this obstacle and find a PA to shadow?
PA Shadowing quick tip: Find a physician assistant to shadow or sign up to precept at Physician Assistant Shadow Online
The Foolproof Guide to Finding a PA to Shadow
I've discovered that there's one thing (and only one thing) that seperates successful students from unsuccessful ones. The good ones show up and say, "teach me." - Seth Godin
1. Get a new wardrobe
Invest in some business casual. I would define this for you, but I have a horrible fashion sense - if you don't know, spend a couple of hours on Pinterest. And to the guys out there, don't ever use Axe body spray, that I do know!
2. Do your research
Jump online and look at local clinics that have PAs.
Approach smaller practices or rural practices where they might be more amenable to having someone shadow. You will have more luck at smaller clinics because large institutions often have HIPAA rules that preclude PAs from accepting students.
Contact your local, regional, or state PA chapter for insight and guidance (here is an interactive map I developed to help you). Ask to attend one of their meetings and personally seek out a PA to shadow.
Go to a local clinic, urgent care, or hospital. Search online for medical facilities in your region.
3. Always show up in person:
Whatever you do, always show up in person!
Don't leave a message on the answering machine, and don't send an email. An email, phone call, and voicemail are too easy to ignore. Trust me on this one; I do it all the time.
Here is a template for success when speaking to an office manager: "Hi, my name is Stephen (Mary, Bob, Joe Smith, etc.) and I am a pre-physician assistant student at the University of Georgia, and I am excited about becoming a PA. I read online that John Smith works here, and I saw that he is a PA. I was hoping that I could talk to him and see if I could set up some shadowing time or at least introduce myself and get to know him a bit."
- Rejection scenario 1: "James, the PA is busy right now and doesn't have time for you." You say: "I understand completely. When would be a good time to set up a time to talk?"
- Rejection scenario 2: "OK, just leave your info. I will give it to Jane the PA later." OK, do have a card with your info on it, but let them know that you will be back next week to follow up and ask when the best time would be to come back.
- Rejection scenario 3: "We don't take PAs to shadow." "That is OK; I would love to talk to Josephine, the PA, and see if she has any advice for me. When would be a good time to come back?"
Here is a template for success when speaking with a future mentor “Can I ask you a favor that I promise I will pay forward?” In almost every instance, someone is going to say yes. Then you ask, “Do you mind if I get your phone number and email address so that if I have any problems or struggles or I need some advice, I can reach out to you?”
If you already have their contact info, just ask if you can use it to contact them in the future.
4. Bring coffee
In a recent episode of the Audio PANCE and PANRE Board Review Podcast, we talked about how to be a better PA.
In this episode, we discuss the "doughnut effect" and how you can use it to your advantage when making friends with the hospital staff.
You can use a variation of the same principle here when trying to find a PA to shadow.
The goal is not to help relieve the stress of mind-blowing PA school student loan debt for your potential mentor by financing her nonfat decaf organic chocolate brownie iced vanilla double-shot gingerbread Frappuccino. The coffee is merely an olive branch you extend in hopes of getting to know a PA better. Thus, reassuring the PA you hope to shadow that you are indeed a "normal" person, just like her former self, interested in learning as much as you can about the PA profession.
A better (underutilized) approach would be to buy coffee for the receptionist and office staff in exchange for a few good words with the PA in mention to support your case. ?
5. Use your affiliations
If you are affiliated with the military, try to find a military PA to shadow. PAs are on staff at all military medical facilities.
6. Take a HIPPA training class
Go above and beyond and take an online HIPAA training class so you are "shadow ready."
If you really want to impress, sign up for an online HIPPA training course, and become HIPPA compliant. Now when you approach prospective shadowing sites, you can show your first concern is with patient privacy. Yes!
“You must first ask because the answer to the question you never ask is always “no.” - Nora RobertsClick To Tweet7. Take a job in a clinic where PAs work
Three front desk staff and two medical assistants at my current clinic have gone on to attend PA school. They shadowed me, I took them out to lunch, I helped them with their essays, and I wrote them reference letters.
You will be hard-pressed to find a better opportunity to get to know a PA "up close and personal" than working alongside them and becoming their patient care ally.
8. Volunteer
Volunteer to work in any and every capacity!
This could be in an office, emergency room, or wherever PAs are employed. In the course of your volunteer work, you might become acquainted with a PA who may be willing to let you shadow separate from your volunteer time.
What is your goal for all this PA shadowing?
Your goal should be to give a well-researched answer to this question: What does a PA do?
You may think you know the answer, but do you?
So, you want to be a physician assistant?
I recommend all Pre-PAs try to accumulate one hundred hours of shadowing across multiple specialties.
If you are thinking of a career as a physician assistant, the first step is to reach out and find one.
No matter what people say, it is not as hard as you think. In this case, the rewards will go to those who are most willing to put themselves out there.
Whether you are taking the roundabout way or the more direct, foolproof way, these paths will converge.
Don't hesitate to go all out; you will be met with big smiles from overly busy PAs and front desk staff who will (with a little coercion) be happy to take you under their wing and teach you everything they know.
Be ambitious and be confident in yourself. You want to be a PA, so be willing to take the necessary steps, even if that means feeding the coffee addictions of a sleep-deprived PA or an overworked and underpaid clinic front desk staff!
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C
More from the blog:
How to Get Shadowing Hours During a Global Pandemic
E. Sterr says
Is it possible that it’s difficult to find PAs to shadow because PAs don’t want to lose patients? While I’ve allowed shadows in the past, I’ve only done so to avoid disappointing my provider. However as a patient I’ve never gotten anything positive out of having some kid stare at me while I’m half-clothed and feeling awful or apprehensive. So no more. That some PAs don’t allow shadows is a plus in my book. They’ll get my business.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Great question, but I doubt anyone would turn down a student due to a fear of losing patients. It is customary to ask your patient’s permission always before bringing a shadow into the room. I have had patients politely decline, and everyone agrees that this is 100% acceptable and respectable. If you are not comfortable having a stranger in the room, kindly decline. When I was doing my clinical OBGYN rotation, I sat alone in the break room for 6 out of 8 hours every day for a week as a student because, understandably, no one wanted me in the room while they underwent a PAP smear and breast exam. I got it; I wasn’t offended, although I must admit, it didn’t help me hone my OBGYN skills.? If a provider does bring in a stranger without asking, please let them know this is not appropriate. Your comfort and confidentiality always come first!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
Eleanor says
Hi Stephen,
You say your present clinic will not allow PA shadowing, and PA hopefuls are constantly reporting no luck finding PAs to shadow. Why do you think it’s becoming more difficult?
Personally I suspect it’s because patients are beginning to realize it doesn’t benefit them to have a medically clueless stranger (not a medical student) present during a private visit they’re paying for. So they’re saying no.
It’s also possible hospitals and clinics are realizing that only 1/3 of PA applicants are actually accepted to PA programs. Thus they’re probably wasting their time on a lot of people who aren’t competitive, but instead are a time drag on practitioners.
I personally know PAs who are leery because there’s really no way to enforce HIPAA compliance. And I know people/patients who are leery of PAs who allow shadowing because they feel they’ll be subtly coerced into allowing their privacy to be compromised. They don’t like being put in a position where they feel they cannot be open with their PA.
You thoughts?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Eleanor! I love your comment!!
Personally, the County Health Department, where I work, makes it so complicated to bring on a student shadow that it is not usually worth it. The shadow has to go through a background screening, complete an application, and be accepted as a “volunteer” to shadow for even a couple of hours. I have asked several times to create a streamlined process, which is always met with resistance. Hospitals and clinics have little incentive to make this easier for providers. They see only the downside and make excuses about HIPPA compliance, although I doubt there has ever been a lawsuit against a shadow.
In my experience, patients welcome a shadow and usually enjoy their enthusiasm! I personally want to show everyone my profession. Just because 1/3 of applicants are accepted, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t remain optimistic and welcome everyone in with open arms. I think all PAs feel this way because we have all “been there.”
Time may be the biggest factor, and with our schedules packed to the brink of “no return,” adding a shadow into the mix can be a bit overwhelming, and I know this weighs on many PAs… I am not sure how to overcome this factor? We can open up a discussion here on how all this could be remedied? What are your thoughts?
Peter Le says
Hi Stephen, just wondering if you know any practicing PA on Long Island NY. Shoot me an email at [email protected]. Cheers
Chandni Patel says
Hi! I really want to shadow someone near me but I can’t seem to find any Physician Assistants near 5 miles of me that aren’t in a hospital setting. It’s hard to shadow someone when they work in a hospital due to HIPPA.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Chandri,
If you can’t find a PA within 5 miles then consider driving 100 miles. It’s not an easy task but with a little persistence and creativity you will be able to create a shadowing opportunity. I love referring people to this video from Kelly… Its a tried and true method: http://www.paflix.com/videos/how-to-find-a-physician-assistant-to-shadow/
Stephen
Grant Chastain says
Having issues finding a internship in atlanta ga.. Trying to start the path to get into EMORY in Atlanta Ga.
my email is [email protected]
any advice would be greatly appreciated
Zubair Mohammed says
I am having a really hard time finding a PA to shadow. I currently work for a hospital as a phlebotomist- I pretty much have the clinical hours. But our hospital policy is that they do not allow shadowing. Any help or resources would be much appreciated.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Zubair,
You are going to have to get creative. Here is some wonderful advice from other pre-pas: http://www.paflix.com/videoscategory/shadowing/
I really like this one by Kelly, it is the same approach I used: http://www.paflix.com/videos/how-to-find-a-physician-assistant-to-shadow/
I wish I had a magical formula for finding a PA to shadow, but it takes work and sometimes a bit of coffee (I would let anybody shadow for a cup of starbucks!)
Stephen
Natalie says
Hi Stephen! I’m an anthropology undergrad at Illinois State. I currently work as a patient roomer at a local hospital and clinics associated with it. I am also working closely with the lead ER physician at a hospital within the same network. At the time of application I will have about 2000-3000 hours of patient contact. I am wondering what it takes to get letters of recommendation from an MD/PA? It’s a little intimidating! I also don’t have the strongest GPA but I was hoping my experience/volunteer hours might counteract that? I had a few setbacks due to family deaths/health issues so it took away from my studies a little. Any other advice would be much appreciated!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Natalie,
It is usually as simple as building up good report and then just asking. I have even written letters of recommendation for patients of mine – they simply asked.. I have never said no. One thing you can do to help is make a document with all your experience and qualifications and also a sample letter of recommendation that you have either been given or that you write for yourself. I have never had anybody do this but boy would it make me excited to see a person so organized and it would make my job writing a helpful letter much easier – and I am sure it would result in an even better letter for yourself.
Hope that helps!
Best of luck, Stephen
Natalie says
Hi Stephen! I am an anthropology undergrad student at Illinois State University. I currently work as a patient roomer at a local hospital/clinics. I am also working closely with the lead ER physician with the same hospital organization in a neighboring town since I want to pursue emergency medicine. I’ll have close to 2000-3000 hours before applying in the spring. I was wondering what it takes to get a letter of recommendation from an MD/PA? I also don’t have the strongest GPA but I have tons of clinical experience/volunteer experience, do you think this has the potential to counteract that? I had a few family setbacks that took away from my studies a little bit. Any advice helps! I REALLY want to get into PA school so I can start my dream job and take trips to less fortunate countries to help there as well!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Natalie,
The best way to get a letter of recommendation is to simply ask. Once you have developed good rapport with someone they will be happy to write you a glowing recommendation. One thing I recommend is to provide them with a sample letter that you or someone else wrote along with a chronological list of your accomplishments. This could even be a CV/Resume. It helps so much to have this when writing a letter and then they can include these in your recommendation.
As far as setbacks, make sure to address any shortcomings in your personal statement (briefly) then show how you overcame them and how they have place your feet firmly on this path.
I wish you the very best on your journey!
Stephen
Darian Bauer says
Hi Stephen,
My name is Darian. I want to apply for PA school this spring and have been doing a lot of research on the field. I have had an internship in a local ER but only got 52 hours of hands-on experience. I currently work at a hospital in research for congenital heart defects. I don’t get direct patient care, however. Does research help at all for applying to PA school? I’ve look to shadow a PA on pashadowonline.com and somehow there are none in my area (Columbus, OH). I want to be a competitive applicant but feel my minor amount of experience will inhibit this. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Darian
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Darian,
You are going to have to take some steps to put yourself in the thick of things. Suffer with your patients, be there when they need a hand to hold, help them when they are feeling vulnerable. It is when we suffer with our patients that we ourselves become more human, it will also be through this suffering that you will find your path to healing. So do whatever you can to get this type of hands on experience. Along this path you will also come across a PA or two, take this opportunity to shadow. The more people you meet in the health care field from all backgrounds and professions the more ready you will be come interview time and when you sit down to write your essay.
Stephen
Andrea Seaton says
Hello, I noticed in your bio that you went to UW. I am a current student at the Seattle campus. Seattle is an awesome place to be interested in medicine and the health profession with so many opportunities available. It can also be really intense. What would be your suggestion for approaching PAs in this area? Where should I start (hospitals, clinics, urgent care, ect.)?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Andrea, go Dawgs 🙂
The Hall Health Student Health Center on campus provided me with many opportunities both for work and shadowing experience. I started working there as a student and this is what allowed me to get my foot in the door. The UW Hospital is big and fast paced but they have volunteer opportunities as does Harborview Medical Center. You will find that once you are working/volunteering in an institution it is much easier to approach people for shadowing opportunities. PAs get to know you and you can say hi and show interest in what they are doing. Tell them how much you really want to be a PA and open up that conversation. After a few friendly smiles and maybe a conversation or two, you can ask them if they would be willing to let you shadow them for a couple hours during a shift. When I was there there weren’t that many PAs working, now I assume there are PAs all over – probably in the campus center and in the hospital or Harborview ER. You can network at a local PA conference or even try walking into the MEDEX program (which used to be next to the Roosevelt Clinic) and ask them what they would suggest. The take home point is to just get out there and get yourself in the mix in any way you can. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone, this is where the opportunities are! And there are so many opportunities at the UW because it is a teaching hospital!
Best of luck – I truly miss that amazing view of Mt. Renier and the Spring cherry blossoms!!
– Stephen
Ryan says
Hi, I am weighing the pros & cons of PA school and Med School. I currently work with 8 pediatricians, but don’t have access to a PA that works in primary care Peds. Could you answer some questions, or help me find someone to discuss this with?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Sure Ryan message me through my Facebook page and we can set up a time to talk.
-Stephen
AI says
Hi Stephen, I love reading posts like these, it really give me the push of hope that I need every now and then. I have shadowed two P.A already with a total of 40 hours, and I applied to CASPA but I didn’t get in to any programs. So idk if its that i need more hours of shadowing, but I def have more patient care experience now than I did before. So my question is, do you think joining an organization like GapMedics, would give my application that extra push it needs? Or should I just stick to getting more patient contact and shadow experience?
Thanks
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Al,
Thanks for the lead, I actually hadn’t heard of GapMedics but it is certainly an intriguing prospect. Of course, all medical experience will add fuel to your fire, something international such as this would be an invaluable experience that may move you in ways well beyond your CASPA application. Do I think it would increase your likelihood of admissions? Well it should, since all medical experience will give you life experience and everything you can list that you have done since the last application cycle will help. There are so many options, from coursework to shadowing to international work (such as this) and volunteer work! The cost seems reasonable enough. What do you really want to do? If you have the time and finances then go for it, it would probably be really fun. If the cost is very prohibitive there are other options that may be just as good. This is something that I would have been very interested in because I love international medicine. Maybe the question isn’t “should I just stick to getting more patient contact and shadow experience?” but is it possible to do both?
– Stephen
Tammara Mitchell says
I am looking for a PA to shadow in the Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to find one that works evenings, as I work M-F 8-4.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Tamera, I have been working on a new project and found these two videos on finding a PA to shadow. I think they are spot on and similar to the advice I would give in this situation. It is all about the “hustle” (which I am horrible at BTW). 🙂 The way to get over this is accepting the fact that “Sometimes you feel foolish, even look foolish, but you do the thing anyway.” This is a key to success, and it is the same thing in PA school!
Here is the link to video: http://www.paflix.com/videoscategory/shadowing/
Cheers,
Stephen
Cathy says
Hi Stephen! I came across your blog recently as I’m applying to PA school this spring & have gotten some valuable information and inspiration from your articles. I’m getting worried though as I have had no luck finding a PA to shadow yet. I’ve tried contacting community health clinics and hospitals but have been turned down or just given the runaround. I wanted to see if you had any suggestions about what else to try at this point. I’ve shadowed MDs in the past but I would really like to shadow at least one PA before I apply. Thank YOU and go Huskies!!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Cathy,
I was just having a discussion about this in my Facebook group, shadowing opportunities have become more scarce and it is getting nearly impossible to find someone to shadow. The clinic where I work no longer allows it which is demoralizing. That being said, have you checked out http://pashadowonline.com/
– Stephen
Cathy says
Thanks for the tip Stephen! I checked out the website but looks like they don’t have any opportunities in Washington right now. Good news is I was finally able to find a PA to shadow through some connections. The downside is I have to go to DC to shadow them, but I think it’ll be worth the trip. I’ve noticed some schools are no longer requiring shadowing as a prereq so maybe this will become the trend as it seems to be getting harder to do. I don’t think I’ll be able to rack up that many hours of PA shadowing, but hopefully a little will still help my application.
Sophia says
HI CATHY,
My name is Sophia and I am a rising senior at GWU also interested in finding a pa to shadow. You said you’ve had some luck in DC. Do you mind giving me the name of that PA/hospital/clinic? I would definitely appreciate it since i have been looking but have not had any luck! Thanks!
ieshia says
hello Stephen! I am in need of major assistance as I need to have 50 shadow hours by January the 151th, 2015 I am applying for a P.A. program and I have tried to search many places, no luck so far.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Ieshia I wish I could help, my current workplace does not allow students to shadow PAs or I would say come my way. We have been working to get this changed but have had no luck. Where do you live? Who have you contacted so far? 50 hours is quite a lot, does this have to be PAs or can you shadow an MD as well?
– Stephen
Pat says
I’m interested in the p.a program. I’m actually a registered nurse with BSN degree. For the past couple of years I’ve been contemplating going back to school . However, I don’t know of any pa person to shadow. Please help if interested in helping.
Stephen says
Pat, just a quick question, with a BSN why would you choose PA over NP? I am just curious to hear your reasons. That being said I would definitely start snooping around your local area and try to find a PA to link up with. This may be as simple as a Google Search. Make a list of the PA’s who work locally and then I would contact them either in person or drop them a line and offer to buy them a cup of coffee in exchange for a meetup to discuss their career and get some advice. This could then lead to a shadowing opportunity. Just emailing someone ad asking if you can shadow usually doesn’t work that well. But if you have a chance to meet in person this will greatly increase your odds! Let me know how it goes, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, the worst that can happen is that they will say no and then you are just on to the next on the list.
– Stephen