The burden of shadowing and volunteering in medical school admissions: a hurdle, not a measure of commitment

KevinMD February 9, 2025
Myles Gart, MD

In recent years, the requirements for medical school admission have expanded far beyond academic excellence and personal statements. Shadowing physicians and accumulating volunteer hours are now seen as prerequisites for demonstrating commitment to the profession. However, these requirements, while well-intentioned, have become unnecessary hurdles rather than meaningful indicators of dedication or future success as a physician.

Unnecessary compared to other professions

Medical school applicants are asked to prove their commitment in ways that applicants to other demanding professions, such as engineering or music, are not. Engineering schools do not require students to shadow professional engineers, and music programs rarely mandate unpaid service hours in music-related fields. Instead, applicants are judged on their academic record, demonstrated talent, and passion for the...

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