Shadowing Program

About The Program

We are proud to present our physician shadowing program in partnership with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). Consequently, we are able to offer a unique physicianship shadowing program that gives students the opportunity to observe the day to day clinical activities of doctors, residents and medical students across different medical specialities. 

By giving students first-hand insight on what a career in the health sector entails, the physician shadowing program is the perfect way for prospective medical students to learn not only about the favourable aspects of working in health care, but also about the psychological fortitude needed to manage the stresses of working in a medical environment. A glance through the testimonials of previous observers reveals that many students learn crucial lessons about life as a medical practitioner through our shadowing program. 

The preceptors who participate in the program are not only dedicated medical professionals, but also enthusiastic volunteers. They enjoy working with and teaching student observers about what to expect during a typical workday. In addition to providing the opportunity to watch medical procedures like CT scans and X-rays, preceptors also demonstrate the interpersonal skill that is required during interactions with patients as well as colleagues. 

As emphasized by the overwhelmingly positive reaction from both observer and physician testimonials, the MedSpecs Shadowing Program has been an outright success in the previous years. We are fully committed to further enriching the McGill community by expanding the shadowing program and the unique opportunities it provides. With a hassle-free application process and personalized scheduling, MedSpecs aims to accommodate all students that are excited about exploring the medical profession. Feel free to read the testimonials written by previous observers to get a glimpse of what the MedSpecs Shadowing Program has to offer you. 

Testimonials

My shadowing opportunity provided to me through MedSpecs was an enlightening experience into the life of a doctor reaching beyond the technical demands of the job. Nicholas Light

The elements of excellent patient care, the easing of suffering, stimulating and varied patient complaints, and a friendly team based approach to care were all present and those are the things I needed to see to verify my interest in medicine as a career. Galen Montesano

I already knew a lot about medicine due to most of my friends being in that field, but it was still interesting to discover that there exist a lot of obscure sub-specialties in medicine such as Immunodeficiency Internal Medicine. Boyang Chen

I never realized how flexible a doctor’s schedule might be. I thought it was a 9 to 5 job being stuck at this one place the whole day. In fact, we even had to drive to other clinics because he had patients waiting there. Anonymous

[Shadowing experience] has provided valuable insight into the day-to-day functions of a physician. It has also provided excellent exposure to the interactions a physician has with colleagues, other health care workers, and patients. Harleen Toor

It was a very interesting, engaging, interactive and rewarding experience. Pooja Vyas

This experience has consolidated my interests and hopes of entering a medical career. Albert Chang

Apply Now

Winter 2013 Shadowing: 
Winter 2013 Shadowing is now OPEN! If you're interested in shadowing please email your name and student ID number to medspecs.shadowing@gmail.com to register.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the shadowing coordinators at medspecs.shadowing@gmail.com. You can also check out our Shadowing FAQ for answers to general questions about the program!

Thanks,

MedSpecs Exec

Preceptors

Are you a health care professional or trainee? Share your passion for medicine or other aspects of health care by offering shadowing opportunities for McGill students! Introduce them to the multifaceted nature of your career – tell them about the relevant endeavors that you’re undertaking and current trends in the practice of medicine. Please have a look at the original testimonials from student who have shadowed in the past and how YOU can guide them through preceptorship! 

Click on the following names to download an interview article about the preceptor's experience with the MedSpecs Shadowing Program:
Dr. Allen Huang
Dr. Ning-Zi Sun
Dr. David Roberge 

For more information, please contact medspecs.shadowing@ssmu.mcgill.ca