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Shadowing

The Mallory-Wilson Center provides Miami University pre-healthcare students with significant, in-depth, firsthand experience by offering opportunities to shadow and work with a practicing physician.

Shadowing experiences include but are not limited to:

  • observation in treatment of patients
  • observation of office functions and management
  • observation of support staff functions
  • observation of diagnostic procedures and use of equipment
  • an expectation that the student may be shadowing the physician for 3 to 5 hours per day for a maximum of 2 weeks

Shadowing opportunities are offered at Mercy Fairfield Hospital.  Typically, placement occurs during fall and spring semesters.

Preceptorship opportunities are not limited to areas near Miami University. Participating physicians are located throughout the United States. Typically, placement occurs during winter or spring break, or during the 1st or 2nd week following the end of the academic year. 

Application, Requirements, and Obligations

To Apply

Deadlines for shadowing typically fall 8 weeks before each academic break. To apply, complete the Canvas shadowing module and application checklist, including:

  1. Submit a completed Mercy Health Shadowing Application Form
  2. Successfully complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training and Bloodborne Pathogen (BPP) training through Miami University
  3. View the preceptorship and shadowing training session
  4. Complete your required vaccinations

For more information about these preceptorships, please contact:

Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education
Miami University, 106 Pearson Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-3737
mallorywilsoncenter@MiamiOH.edu

Requirements

Academic Requirements

The student must have attended Miami University for at least one academic year. Participants must have achieved at least a 3.20 overall GPA and have completed at least one year of physical science and biological science requirements with at least a 3.0 GPA in the physical and biological sciences area.

Other Requirements

The student is expected to have a strong desire and intention of entering the healthcare profession; prior participation in extracurricular activities and some healthcare experiences are expected.

Student Obligations and Responsibilities

Students Must:

  • Submit results of a recent blood test if the shadowing experience requires it.
  • Maintain confidentially of patients and the physician's practice.
  • Adhere to the arranged schedule; do not disrupt the physician's schedule or routine.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
  • Only actively participate when invited by the physician to do so.
  • Ask questions when appropriate.
  • Maintain a daily written log of activities, due within 30 days after completion of the shadowing experience.
  • Submit a completed Student Evaluation Form within 30 days after completion of the shadowing experience. This form is emailed to you.
  • If possible, bring back 2 to 3 digital photos of you with the physician that can be used for publicity. Please send photos to the Mallory-Wilson Center (mallorywilsoncenter@MiamiOH.edu).

Expenses

The student is responsible for all of the expenses associated with the shadowing experience, including travel and meals.

Termination of Shadowing Experience

The physician may terminate a shadowing experience in progress for any appropriate reason, including unprofessional behavior on the part of the student or a sudden, unanticipated change in the physician's schedule which precludes completion of the experience.

Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education

106 Pearson Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-3737
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