Clinical Shadowing at UC Davis Health

Shadowing with the UC Davis Department of Surgery is an opportunity for individuals who are interested in a career in general surgery, and its sub-specialties, to learn more about the field. Shadowing can be an excellent way to gain exposure to and become informed about the everyday practice of surgery, and its challenges and rewards. Shadowing also allows you to potentially build a relationship with a mentor in the field and ask questions, ultimately helping you to decide if this path is right for you. 

Shadowing experiences are available for up to 30 days with the following divisions in clinic or the operating room as indicated below:

Applicants older than 16 years who are undergraduate pre-medical students, and UC Davis medical students are welcome to apply. To apply, fill out the online application which requires a brief statement of interest and the following forms:

• Most recent resume/CV
• Confidentiality Agreement form - PDF
• Parent/Guardian Waives of liability form (for applicants aged 16 and 17 years old)

For non-UC Davis medical students interested in a fourth-year elective, please visit our webpage for Visiting Medical Students for more information. For UC Davis medical students interested in an elective, please visit our webpage on Department of Surgery UC Davis Medical Student Electives.

Once your completed online application is received, the Surgery Administrators of the indicated divisions will review your submission. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. After review, they will either approve or decline your request, and notify you as soon as possible. Once an application has been approved, you will be required to submit your immunization record before a shadowing date can be scheduled. 

Immunization records are needed for the following:

• Flu Shot: Proof of immunization during current or most recent flu season
• TB surveillance (provide one of the following):
  • Proof of 2-Step TB skin test within the last year
  • Quantiferon Gold TB test within the last year
  • If you have a history of positive TB skin test, provide documentation and radiology report of a chest x-ray within the past year
• Varicella (chicken pox; provide one of the following):
  • Proof of immunity (serologic titers or documentation of physician-diagnosed chicken pox)
  • Documentation of 2 doses varicella vaccine
• Rubeola (measles; provide one of the following):
  • Proof of immunity (serologic titers or documentation of physician-diagnosed measles)
  • Documentation of 2 doses of live measles vaccine on or after your first birthday 
• Mumps: Proof of immunity or documentation of vaccination
• Rubella: Proof of immunity or documentation of vaccination
• TDap (tetanus and pertussis): Proof of immunity or documentation of vaccination
• COVID-19: Proof of vaccination-Vaccination card

Please note, there is no guarantee of placement once the application process is complete. Shadowing is dependent on availability of faculty, as well as departmental and hospital approval of application.