How to Ask a Doctor to Shadow Them (With Email Template)

Why Shadowing a Doctor Is a Must for Pre-Med Students

Shadowing a physician is one of the most important steps on your path to medical school. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the profession, helps you build your clinical vocabulary, and shows admissions committees that you’ve tested your interest in medicine in real-world settings.

But for many students, the hardest part is knowing how to ask a doctor to shadow them—especially if you don’t have personal connections in healthcare.

This guide walks you through exactly how to reach out professionally, what to include in your request, and how to follow up. You’ll also get a ready-to-use email template to help you confidently take the first step.

> Explore Go-Elective Pre-Med, PA and Dental Internships Abroad

What Is Shadowing, and Why Do Medical Schools Expect It?

Shadowing involves observing a licensed physician as they interact with patients and carry out clinical duties. It gives you a front-row seat to:

Physician-patient communication
Ethical decision-making
Diagnosis and treatment planning
Team-based care dynamics

Medical schools want to see that you’ve experienced clinical medicine firsthand and understand what being a doctor entails. Most competitive applicants have 50–100 hours of shadowing across different specialties.

If you want to boost your clinical exposure even further, consider a Go Elective pre-med internship in Kenya or Tanzania, where you can shadow licensed physicians across a range of departments.

Who to Ask for Shadowing Opportunities

Here are some of the best places to start:

Your personal physician or pediatrician
Professors or alumni with healthcare ties
Local hospitals or clinics (ask for the volunteer coordinator or medical education office)
Community health centers or urgent care facilities
Family friends or relatives in medicine

If you don’t know any doctors personally, don’t worry. Cold emailing physicians—especially those in academic hospitals or community-based practices—is a completely acceptable and common approach.

Tips for Reaching Out to Doctors

Before you write your email, keep these best practices in mind:

Be professional

Use a clear subject line and proper email etiquette.

Keep it short

Doctors are busy; get to the point quickly.

Introduce yourself

Share your name, school, and academic level

Explain your goals

Be specific about your interest in medicine and why you want to shadow.

Make it easy to say yes

Offer flexible dates, be willing to follow procedures, and express gratitude.

Sample Email Template to Ask a Doctor to Shadow

Here’s a professional, customizable template you can use:

Subject: Shadowing Opportunity – Aspiring Medical Student

Dear Dr. Doe Jane

My name is John, and I’m a [Year] undergraduate student at XYZ University, currently pursuing a pre-medical track. I’m writing to respectfully inquire if you would be open to allowing me to shadow you for a few days to observe your work and gain deeper insight into the medical profession.

I’m especially interested in [mention their specialty or something specific about their work, if applicable], and I would greatly value the opportunity to learn from your clinical experience and interactions with patients.

I understand and will comply with all necessary protocols regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, and hospital policy. I’m flexible with scheduling and would be happy to work around your availability.

Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if there are any steps I should take or forms I need to complete in advance.

Warm regards,
John D
Johnd@yourmail.com
+1(234)567 890
XYZ University

> Pro Tip: Always proofread your email before sending. A polished, concise message goes a long way in making a good first impression.

How to Follow Up (Without Being Pushy)

If you don’t hear back after 7–10 days, it’s perfectly okay to send a polite follow-up. Here’s a quick sample:

Subject: Following Up – Shadowing Request

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to kindly follow up on my previous email regarding a potential shadowing opportunity. I understand you have a very busy schedule, but I remain very interested in the chance to observe and learn from your work.

Please let me know if you might have any availability in the coming weeks. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Don’t Forget These Essentials Before You Shadow

Once you’ve secured an opportunity, be sure to:

Confirm scheduling details in writing
Ask about dress code (usually business casual with a white coat)
Complete any required forms (HIPAA, confidentiality agreements, health records)
Bring a notebook to jot down observations
Be respectful and discreet—you're there to observe, not participate in medical procedures
Thank the physician afterward and consider sending a handwritten note

Want an Easier Way to Shadow Doctors—Without Cold Emails?

If you’re looking for a guaranteed, structured shadowing experience, Go Elective offers pre-med internships abroad in Kenya and Tanzania that include:

Daily hospital shadowing with licensed physicians
Supervised rotations in surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal medicine, and more
Patient interaction, ward rounds, and clinical case discussions
Accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and cultural excursions included

These programs are designed specifically for students with little or no healthcare experience and offer direct mentorship, global exposure, and competitive clinical hours—without the hassle of cold outreach or uncertain responses.

> Learn more about applying for a Go Elective internship and how it can strengthen your medical school application.

Final Thoughts

Asking a doctor to shadow them may feel intimidating, but with the right approach and a respectful email, many physicians are happy to mentor aspiring students. Start early, be polite, and stay professional.

And if you want a more structured and immersive shadowing experience, Go Elective is here to support you every step of the way—abroad and beyond. Write to us via hello@goelective.com or inquire here goelective.com/#inquiry