Career Development: Job Shadowing Experience (4 points) - Class of 2028

 Shadowing scientists at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine over winter break provided valuable insight into research and clinical collaboration within a large academic medical center. Observing lab meetings and interdisciplinary project discussions allowed me to better understand how medical research functions beyond textbooks and lecture halls, particularly within environments where discovery, education, and patient care are deeply interconnected. This experience emphasized the importance of collaboration, precision, and adaptability in advancing scientific and medical knowledge.

One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was witnessing how physician-scientists balance scientific inquiry with clinical relevance. I observed how research questions were shaped by patient needs and how discoveries were translated into meaningful scientific projects. This reinforced the idea that effective medicine relies not only on technical expertise, but also on clear communication and the ability to bridge research with real-world application.

From a reflective standpoint, this experience challenged me to think more critically about my future role in medicine. It encouraged me to consider how I want to engage with both research and patients, collaborate within healthcare teams, and continue developing as a lifelong learner. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of mentorship and exposure in shaping professional identity, particularly within academic medical spaces.

This job shadowing experience strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career that integrates research and medicine and deepened my appreciation for academic medical centers as hubs of innovation and impact. Moving forward, I plan to continue seeking clinical and research exposure that complements my academic training, allowing me to enter medicine with both scientific rigor and a strong sense of responsibility to patients and communities.

By: Kandace N. Bryant