Where to Find Physicians
Best sources for physician contact info:
- Hospital and clinic websites: Most list physician profiles with department emails or contact forms.
- State medical society directories: Public and searchable; useful for cold outreach.
- PubMed author searches: Many physicians list institutional email in their publication metadata.
- Pre-health office at your college: Many maintain alumni physician networks.
- Your network: Parents, friends, professors often have physician contacts willing to host shadowers.
Family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics physicians historically respond at higher rates than competitive subspecialties. Start broad.
The Email Template
Under 150 words, specific, respectful. A working template:
Subject: Pre-med student requesting shadowing opportunity
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [Name] and I am a [year] at [University] studying [major]. I am pre-med and actively working to build clinical exposure across specialties before applying to medical school in [year].
I would be grateful for the opportunity to shadow you for [a half-day / one shift / a few afternoons over the coming month]. I am flexible on dates and would respect any restrictions on patient interaction. I have completed [HIPAA training, immunizations, etc., if applicable].
Thank you for considering. My resume is attached. I am happy to provide any other information that would be helpful.
Best, [Name + phone]
Follow-Up Cadence
Follow up exactly once, 5–7 days after the initial email. Keep it under 75 words. Example:
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
I wanted to follow up on the email I sent last week about a shadowing opportunity. I understand your schedule is full — please let me know if there is a better time of year to revisit this, or if a colleague might be open to hosting a pre-med student.
Thank you again, [Name]
After the second silence, move on. Forcing a third or fourth email reduces response rates and creates a negative impression if you do eventually meet.
What to Do After a Yes
- Respond within 24 hours with proposed specific dates
- Ask what to wear and what to bring
- Confirm HIPAA training and immunizations if not already done
- Send a brief thank-you note after each shadowing day
- After 20–30 hours, ask whether they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation
