What does a typical day of shadowing look like?
A Clinical Shadowing Day
A typical day kicks off around 8:30 with breakfast at the hospital, followed by about five hours shadowing a doctor in a medical or surgical setting. Whether it’s rounds, surgeries, case discussions, or lab work—you’ll follow their lead and get a real feel for the rhythm of their day. Sometimes you’ll be solo, other times with a fellow student, depending on the department.
After your hospital shift, you’ll head back with your fellow students. If you’re enrolled in the for-credit program (4 or 5 weeks), afternoons include online classes or assignments—Arcadia University’s version includes 20 contact hours of teaching.
If you’re not doing the program for credit, your afternoons are free to explore the city solo or with your new friends—your centrally located housing makes it easy to get around.
Twice a week, you’ll join fun excursions or cultural activities planned by your city managers. Expect museum visits, cooking classes, tours, and, of course, lots of gelato. Evenings are perfect for discovering local restaurants before heading to bed early, ready to do it all again tomorrow!
tart your day with breakfast alongside your fellow students, then hop on a private bus to the animal rescue center where you’ll be shadowing.
Spend the morning following your veterinary mentor, learning about the animals, their stories, and how to care for them. You’ll assist caregivers with feeding, grooming, and treating various conditions, while shadowing vets in the field and discovering their different roles and specialties.
Since you’ll be outdoors for about five hours, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing!
After enjoying a delicious packed lunch at the rescue, you’ll take the private bus back home with your fellow students.
In the afternoon, your plans might include shadowing veterinary specialists at a clinic, joining a fun group activity or city excursion led by your on-site coordinators, or exploring the neighborhood with your new friends. Your central housing makes it easy to grab a coffee, enjoy some gelato, or snap a few photos to share with family and friends.
Twice a week, you’ll join exciting cultural outings like tours, museum visits, cooking classes, or, of course, plenty of gelato tasting—all guided by your city managers and coordinators.
After a day full of adventure, you’ll head out to dinner at one of the fantastic local restaurants—then probably call it an early night to be fresh and ready for another day of shadowing!
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