Dornsife/Keck Shadowing Program

Our Shadowing Program is open to All USC Pre-Health Students. Inclusive across majors, class years, and backgrounds. However, first- and second-year students are typically better suited for the Explorers Program while upperclassmen will typically be admitted to the full Shadowing Program.

Our programs are designed to meet students where they are at, and we use a holistic admission process. 

The Explorers Program is designed for USC Pre-Health students in the early stages of their clinical journey. You’ll gain exposure to healthcare through didactics like workshops, guest speakers, and career exploration activities, plus a personalized goal-setting meeting with a Pre-Health Advisor. While it doesn’t include direct shadowing, the program builds the foundation, clarity, and confidence to pursue more advanced clinical experiences, like the full Shadowing Program, down the line.

Our program provides an opportunity to explore and affirm your interest in medicine and healthcare through physician shadowing, mentorship, and guided reflection. ​

• Close-up observation of clinical practice​
• Meaningful engagement with peers, mentors, & advisors​
• Deeper understanding of the physician’s role ​
• Build professional insight and diverse perspective in healthcare​
• Self-reflection on your readiness to pursue this career

General Application​

• Tell us about your academic and background, your starting point for the pathway.​

Short Essay​

• Share your motivation and goals, why shadowing matters in your journey.​

Self-Assessment Form​

• Reflect on your experiences and map them to key pre-health competencies.​

The application is open on July 17th, 2025. ​ Submission will be accepted through July 31st, 2025.

We look forward to receiving your application.

We currently partner with Keck Hospital to facilitate shadowing among faculty MDs/and DOs in a wide variety of clinical specialties. We anticipate this will expand to other health professions (Physician Assistants, Dentists, etc.) as we expand our partnerships with other clinical sites and health professional schools.

Helps us understand your readiness, reflect on your experiences, and guide placement. Your experiences are unique and may fit into one or more categories, choose the best fit category… If you have an experience that fits in more than one, choose the best fitting category.​

• Academic & Research Readiness​
• Clinical & Healthcare Exposure ​
• Service, Leadership, & Cultural Engagement ​
• *Other Impactful Experience (optional)