Specialty Shadowing Application

Thank you for your interest in the Specialty Shadowing Program! Our partners include physician groups around the Buffalo area. Please understand that you will have to provide your own transportation and that you will be representing APMS and UB while there.

Shadowing appointments are typically made for 3-4 hours (shifts are 8am-12pm or 1pm-4pm unless specified as different in your confirmation email). Our partnered specialists do not have availability after 5pm. We expect punctuality and for you to stay for the full duration of the scheduled time slot. If a conflict arises after you schedule, then you must contact the shadowing coordinator as soon as possible so that our physician partners and APMS do not waste resources on no-shows.

There are several new requirements for this program because of increasing disrespectful behavior from some students including no-shows. No-shows reflect poorly on the club and the University.

  • You must have attended at least 2 APMS meetings prior to applying. We cannot provide a list of meetings for you to pick from.
  • You must consider yourself to be in pre-medicine. This means that your main intention is to attend medical school and you want a career as a physician. We cannot accept any other students because our physician partners have limited time.
  • You must at any time be able to prove that you are a full-time undergraduate UB student.
  • The Chief Shadowing Coordinator reserves the right to ban anyone from participating in this or any shadowing program if someone does not meet the requirements.

Questions concerning these or other requirements should be directed to the APMS Vice President.

Some of these opportunities are popular and can generate a wait-list depending on time of year. To speed up the process, please ensure that your immunizations are up to date including the annual flu vaccine during the flu season. A copy of these records may be required for you to shadow. To obtain a copy of your medical records please click on the link and log on to PatientLink.

Finally, please respond promptly to our coordinators so that we can schedule you without delay!

Please note that this program is not intended to set up a regularly occurring schedule for you to shadow. The intention of the program is to allow you to get a sneak peak at the work of different specialties. If you are interested in maintaining a regular shadowing schedule, this program is not for you. If you are interested in obtaining unique shadowing opportunities or if you have never shadowed before and need some place to get your foot in the door, then look no further! Apply below and the Chief Shadowing Coordinator will contact you shortly.

Specialty Observation Form

Use this form to apply to our shadowing program
  • This is required so that we can contact you in an emergency, only.
  • You must use your UB email to be eligible. If you do not have one, please contact an e-board member.
  • You MUST have attended 2 APMS meetings during the 2019-2020 school year prior to applying.
  • Please list your weekly schedule and be as specific as possible. Remember that these offices only operate between the hours of 8am-5pm depending on the specialty.
  • Please explain why you are interested in shadowing in 2-3 sentences.
  • Is there anything else you'd like us to know? Please include specific dates for the next 2-3 months that you will be unavailable (i.e. vacations, finals, etc.)
  • Statement of Understanding

    The Association for Pre-Medical Students currently provides club members (students) the opportunity to observe the regular conduct of business by professionals in their work places by shadowing physicians. This is a student activity, associated with our club, and not sponsored by the University at Buffalo. I am aware of the risks and hazards associated with this opportunity and voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage, or personal injury that may be sustained as a result of my participation. In addition, I understand that:

    • In this relationship and the professional’s work place, I am to conduct myself in a responsible and respectful manner. APMS is a professional organization and we expect our members who shadow to be appropriate and respectful when interacting with the physicians and our shadowing coordinators. Therefore, we expect proper email etiquette, being courteous to our coordinators, dressing appropriately when shadowing, and arriving on time. APMS coordinators will no longer respond to students who are rude or unprofessional in their correspondence.
    • I am obligated to respect the confidentiality of all the patients that I encounter during my shadowing experience.
    • I am responsible for my safety and security in the workplace and will report related concerns to the student club.

    Further, I understand the following excerpt from the Student Conduct Rules: “University jurisdiction and discipline shall pertain to conduct which occurs on University premises or off campus and which adversely affects the University community, including any of its members, and/or the pursuit of its objectives” and that I may be charged on campus with violations of Student Conduct Rules that may take place at the work site.

    As a representative of APMS and the University at Buffalo, you must agree to the above if you wish to participate.
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Please do not attempt to send more than once. Multiple submissions will delay your application.