This is a one-semester hour course that is graded as pass/fail. The following are the guidelines and course requirements.

A student who wishes to “shadow” a medical professional (MD, DDS, OD) may enroll for Chemistry 297 (Directed Studies) or Biology 397 (Advanced Directed Readings) for the 1 credit using the appropriate call number under the following circumstances:

• The student has at least a 3.0 GPA;

   

• The student has been meeting on a regular basis with the pre-health coordinator (Linda Luck) to ensure that the most advantageous planning is underway for their path to professional school;

   

• The student has previous clinical experience and is, then, recommended by the pre-health coordinator for the course; and
• Students must have their registration form for the course signed by the pre-health coordinator.

Course requirements

• The student is responsible for making contact with a health professional, explaining the benefits of the shadowing experience, the course and their willingness to be responsible and dependable in a professional setting.

   

• The student is responsible for making the initial contact with Dr. Jackie Nikles (934-8130, nikles@uab.edu) or Dr. Anne Cusic (934-9686, acusic@uab.edu) about the orientation meeting for the course.

   

• Weekly commitment in the clinic or surgery is 3-4 hours per week.

   

• A journal is to be kept by the student that will be explained at the orientation meeting.

   

• A scholarly paper is to be written and submitted during the last week of the semester. The paper should be in language that is understandable to the non-expert and any technical terms must be explained. Students may write in the first person, as this is not a paper for publication. The paper is to be about five pages typed in 12 point Times New Roman or similar font with default margins and should include the following.

   

  An introduction that explains the experience or motivation of the student for choosing the specific topic. The topic should not be broad but should be an issue, treatment, or condition associated with their clinical experience that is of interest to the student.

   

  A body of the paper that provides information that addresses the topic.

   

  A closing section that answers the “so what?” question, explaining the meaning or implications of the information.

   

  A list of references that should include recent references in the primary literature.  Examples of primary literature include research articles and research monographs.

   

• The student will meet at least a total of three times during the semester with Dr. Nikles or Dr. Cusic or with both and the group of other students enrolled in Clinical Observation. These dates will be set at the beginning of the semester.

   

• During about the 12th week of the semester the student will meet with the pre-health coordinator to ensure that the form for evaluation is sent to the professional “shadowing” mentor.

   

• It is important that the professional mentor receive a thoughtful “thank you” note at the close of the course as this is envisioned to be a very important and meaningful experience!