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Shadowing Program
In collaboration with HCA Houston Healthcare
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Introduction
The AED Shadowing Program, in collaboration with HCA Houston Healthcare, provides pre-health students with meaningful clinical shadowing opportunities across three medical specialties. Participants observe physicians in a professional healthcare setting, gaining firsthand insight into patient care, clinical decision-making, and the daily responsibilities of healthcare providers.
Explore the Specialties
Hospital Medicine
Observe hospitalists as they care for hospitalized patients across the ICU and inpatient nursing floors, gaining insight into inpatient medicine and clinical decision-making.
Orthopedic Surgery
Explore the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions while observing orthopedic physicians in a clinical setting.
Neurosurgery
Gain insight into the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system.
Why Participate?
Clinical Exposure
Experience the clinical environment firsthand.
Physician Mentorship
Build relationships and learn from experienced physicians.
Explore Specialties
Discover different fields of medicine.
Professional Preparation
Strengthen your future application to health profes
How to Apply
To express interest in the program, first email aed.uofh@gmail.com with the subject line “Shadowing Program – Heer.” The AED Clinical Outreach Committee will then provide the application, next steps, and additional program information. After receiving the application, complete and submit all requested information for review. Once your application has been reviewed, our team will contact you with further details regarding your shadowing opportunity and scheduling.
Program Policies
Eligibility & Requirements
Be an active AED member or on track to being active.
Be available to commit to the scheduled shadowing hours for the entire semester.
Have reliable transportation to and from the assigned HCA Houston Healthcare facility.
Professionalism and Conduct
Participants are expected to demonstrate punctuality, professionalism, respect, and appropriate communication at all times. Business casual attire is required unless otherwise instructed, and all HCA Houston Healthcare policies must be followed.
Placement
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Assignments depend on physician availability, specialty capacity, hospital requirements, and student commitment.
Confidentiality and Training
Participants must complete all required HCA Houston Healthcare onboarding and HIPAA training before shadowing. All patient information must remain strictly confidential . Participants are expected to follow all confidentiality requirements.
Safety and Liability
Participants shadow at their own risk and must follow all HCA Houston Healthcare safety protocols and instructions from hospital staff, including infection control, identification, and visitor guidelines.
Observation Only
This is a shadowing-only program. Participants may not perform hands-on clinical tasks, provide patient care, or interfere with clinical operations.
Attendance and Communication
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. Any absence or schedule change must be communicated promptly to both the physician and the AED Clinical Outreach Committee. Professional and respectful communication with physicians, healthcare staff, and AED officers is expected at all times.