Dr. Aron Sousa



The MSU College of Human Medicine has designed this website as a career support resource guide for you as you navigate through important career decisions throughout medical school.

Observational Experiences (Shadowing)

(Please refer to your Student Block Handbook for details)

Observational shadowing of a physician is an excellent opportunity to get an idea of what work is like for physicians practicing in specialties that you have an interest in. The MSU College of Human Medicine preclinical students are encouraged to engage in the “shadowing experience” of observing a physician provide patient care. The shadowing experience opportunity is “by observation only”, meaning no “hands on” work is conducted by the student. However, students who have successfully completed HM 531(Clinical Skills One) may participate in unaccompanied patient interviewing. Students participating in an observational shadowing experience must also adhere to HIPAA patient confidentiality.

Students can participate in the following observational shadowing experiences:


Required-Mentor Program






External Mentor Group Experiences






Voluntary Observational Shadowing




Voluntary Structured Clinical Programs