Physician shadowing is one of the most valuable experiences you can have in high school. You observe a doctor during their workday, watch patient interactions, see procedures, and learn what the profession actually looks like beyond what you see on television. Here is exactly how to find, request, and make the most of shadowing opportunities.
Who to ask
Start with the people closest to you and work outward:
Your own doctor. Your pediatrician or family physician already knows you. Call the office and say: “I am a high school student interested in medicine. Would Dr. [name] be open to letting me shadow for a few hours?” Many say yes because they remember being in your position.
Family and community connections. Ask your parents, relatives, neighbors, and family friends if they know anyone in healthcare. You are not asking for a favor. You are asking for an educational opportunity that most physicians are happy to provide.
Your school counselor. Some schools have partnerships with local hospitals or medical practices for student shadowing. Ask if any exist.
Your local medical society. County and state medical societies sometimes maintain lists of physicians willing to host student observers. Search “[your county] medical society” and call their office.
Hospital volunteer coordinators. If you are already volunteering at a hospital, ask your volunteer coordinator if any physicians accept student shadows. Being a known volunteer gives you credibility.
The email template
If you need to reach out by email, here is a template you can customize:
Subject: High School Student Shadowing Request
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [grade] at [School Name]. I am interested in a career in medicine and am writing to ask if you would be willing to let me observe you in your practice for a few hours.
I understand that your time is valuable, and I would be happy to work around your schedule. I am available [list days/times]. I have completed my school’s shadowing permission process [if applicable] and can provide any required documentation.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
What to expect
A typical shadowing session lasts 2-4 hours. You may observe in a clinic (outpatient office visits), a hospital unit (rounds, consultations), a surgical suite (if the physician and hospital allow it), or an emergency department. You will likely stand or sit quietly while the physician works. Some doctors narrate what they are doing. Others are quiet and prefer that you ask questions afterward. Both are normal.
How to behave
Dress code: Business casual. Closed-toe shoes (required in clinical settings). No jeans, sneakers, or casual wear. If you are unsure, ask the office when confirming your visit.
Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring a small notebook and pen (not your phone) for notes.
Patient confidentiality: You will see and hear private medical information. Never discuss patient details outside the clinical setting. Never post about patients on social media. Never take photos. This is not optional. It is a legal requirement under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Phone off. Not on silent. Off. Or leave it in your car.
Ask questions at appropriate times. If the doctor is with a patient, wait until they step out. Good questions: “What made you choose this specialty?” “What does a typical day look like?” “What is the most challenging part of your work?” “What would you tell a high school student considering medicine?”
How to log your hours
Create a shadowing log with these columns: Date, Physician Name, Specialty, Location, Hours, and Key Observations. You will need this information for college and medical school applications. Write your key observations the same day while they are fresh. “Observed Dr. Smith perform a knee examination and explain treatment options to a patient with arthritis” is more useful than “Shadowed orthopedic surgeon for 3 hours.”
How many hours do you need?
There is no required number for high school. Aim for 20-40 hours across different specialties by the time you graduate. Variety matters: try to shadow at least two different specialties so you can compare and discuss the differences in your college essays.