5 Physician Shadowing Programs in Cincinnati

Physician Shadowing / By

Shadowing is critical in helping you decide on a career in healthcare. But finding programs near to you can sometimes prove difficult.

If you’re based in Seattle, WA, or the surrounding metro area, these physician shadowing programs could be a great fit for you.

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Looking for shadowing programs elsewhere? Check out other physician shadowing guides. We cover all major U.S. cities!

Physician Shadowing Programs in Cincinnati

1. Job Shadowing at Premier Health

For those interested in nursing, patient care tech, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and more, the job shadowing program at Premier Health could be for you.

Primarily designed for college students looking to learn about health care careers in both clinical and non-clinical settings, this program is open to individuals aged 14 and over (to shadow in the ER or in surgery you must be 16 or above).

The program is an observation-only experience based on availability. Preceptors are arranged on application.

Applications should be made at least 8 weeks prior to starting dates.

Opportunities are available across Southwest Ohio.

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2. University of Cincinnati Medical Center

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center has an observership program for high schoolers under their “UC Health Career Journeys Program”. 

The program provides opportunity to learn about medical care in a hospital and clinical setting, from observing one-on-one patient care to support services. 

Running from September to March, participants will be led by adult advisors (working clinicians at UC Health) and are expected to attend twice monthly meetings. There is also a virtual program that runs once a month within the same time period.

Application deadlines are set for the end of July.

In addition to the Health Career Journeys Program, UC also runs a VolunTeen Program running from June to mid-August that’s open to teens 15 years of age or older. Volunteers in this program, although not receiving the opportunity to shadow, can still get a taste of health careers via assignments to specific departments and participation in departmental orientations.

Adults volunteers interested in clerical work, assisting and escorting patients and visitors, are also welcome.

See the contact info for details of each of these programs.

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3. University of Cincinnati Neurosurgery Student Shadowing

Individuals over the age of 16 are welcome to apply for UC’s Department of Neurosurgery Student Shadowing program and get a glimpse into the subspecialty.

The opportunity offers the chance to experience the outpatient clinical setting, including observing the duties performed by the healthcare worker they shadow.

Each student is limited to shadow neurosurgery attending physicians for 1 day (maximum of 8 hours).

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4. TriHealth

TriHealth offers a learning opportunity through its physician shadowing program. The facility offers job shadowing for high school and college students aged 15 and upward. Students under the program can explore various career paths in healthcare. 

TriHealth wishes to specify that shadowing is not the same as clinical rotations that are a part of degrees and certifications and that they provide observation only. The facility does not allow participants to interact with patients or provide direct care.

TriHealth approves available opportunities for 8-16 hours, depending on the department and clinical unit. 

Willing participants must submit an application and the documentation requested. A review team from TriHealth will review all applications before approval is submitted. 

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5. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

The Job Shadow Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers experiential learning opportunities to help individuals learn about health career alternatives and the skills required by various occupations. 

The program provides a four-hour instruction and shadowing experience once a month to 20 individuals interested in learning about a particular field of health care. 

Participants in the program will be able to observe the workplace environment and the duties of the health care provider they are shadowing; however, they will not be permitted to provide hands-on patient care.

The program welcomes participants aged 16 and above.

Cincinnati Children’s provides this opportunity to give participants a hands-on experience of the academic, technical, and personal skills needed in healthcare. 

You can choose a shadowing program in the following areas:

  • Pharmacists
  • Audiology
  • Physician
  • Registered nurse
  • Radiology
  • Physician
  • Sports medicine
  • Speech Pathologist

Check out the video below for more on the shadowing opportunities offered at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center…

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Other Opportunities For Clinical Shadowing In Cincinnati

As well as applying to the organized shadowing programs listed above, it can be worth researching and enquiring about possible hospital volunteering programs in Cincinnati and the surrounding metropolitan area.

The Christ Hospital Family, based off of Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, has a rich and well-established volunteer program that could be useful.

Signing up to volunteer can help you build a network among physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare workers that could lead to important shadowing opportunities.

What About Private Shadowing?

It’s possible to set up private shadowing programs with physicians (and other healthcare workers) in Cincinnati.

Here are some important tips on how to secure further shadowing opportunities in the city and surrounding areas:

  • Contact your own personal care provider (PCP) and enquire about shadowing
  • Look up major hospitals in the area and check to see if doctors practicing there are alumni of your college (email them and explain the situation)
  • Try cold calling/emailing physicians listed on the faculty list of Seattles’ major medical schools (UC Health is a good place to start)
  • Consider applying for hospital scribing jobs in the city
  • Look into virtual shadowing opportunities

If you have contacts in Columbus, it might be worth looking at physician shadowing opportunities there also.

I Want To Shadow A Certain Specialty Doctor, What Can I Do?

If you’re looking to learn more about the various areas of medicine (and the differing roles) then shadowing can help.

Finding opportunities is generally the same across all areas of medicine and health. You’ll want to contact departments (and physicians) directly and see if they can put you in contact with specialist healthcare workers in areas you may be interested in.

Looking for tips on shadowing specific specialty doctors? Check out our guides here.

Final Thoughts

A physician or clinical-based shadowing program is important for any student interested in allied health careers. Not just future doctors but nurses, physician assistants, and anyone in between!

Hopefully, the programs above can help give you an introduction to what life in healthcare is all about.