FOR PRE-MED STUDENTS

Real clinical exposure for your med school application.

AMO connects pre-med students with U.S. physician shadowing experiences. Earn clinical hours, build relationships with physician mentors, and explore specialties before you commit to med school.

Clinical hours
For your AMCAS application
70+
Specialties to explore
U.S. physician
Mentors
LoEs
For your med school applications
WHY PRE-MEDS CHOOSE AMO

Strengthen your med school app where it counts.

Clinical hours that count

Real hours alongside U.S. physicians, documented and verifiable for your AMCAS “clinical experience” section. Admissions committees expect to see them.

Letters of evaluation

Letters from supervising U.S. physicians, written specifically for med school applications. Stronger than a generic professor recommendation.

Specialty exploration

Try cardiology, neurology, surgery, family medicine. Find out what medicine actually looks like before you spend 4 years and $300K finding out.

Mentor relationships

Build relationships with practicing physicians who can answer your real questions about the path — med school, residency, specialty choice, lifestyle.

SHADOWING FORMATS

In-person, virtual, or both.

IN-PERSON

On-site shadowing

Shadow physicians at U.S. hospitals and clinics. See real patient interactions, procedures, and clinical decision-making in person. Most weight for AMCAS clinical hours.

VIRTUAL

Virtual shadowing

Telehealth-based shadowing for students who can't travel. Observe consultations, discussions, and case reviews via secure video. Counts as clinical exposure for AMCAS.

FLEXIBLE

Mixed schedules

Stack a few weeks of in-person shadowing during summer with virtual sessions through the school year. Year-round availability means it fits your academic calendar.

HOW IT WORKS

Three steps to your first shadowing experience.

1

Search programs

Filter shadowing programs by specialty, location, and dates. Find the field you're curious about and the city you want to be in.

2

Apply & reserve

Submit your application. Once accepted, secure your spot with a reservation payment. AMO advisors are with you through the process.

3

Shadow

Show up, observe, ask questions. Walk away with documented clinical hours, a Letter of Evaluation, and a clearer picture of medicine.

AMCAS & MED SCHOOL PREP

Clinical hours admissions committees want to see.

Med school admissions look for two things in clinical experience: real exposure and documented hours. AMO shadowing programs are structured to give you both, with a paper trail you can cite on your AMCAS application.

Every shadowing experience includes a supervising physician's name and contact, documented clinical hours, and a Letter of Evaluation you can use when you apply.

Verified clinical hours
Named supervising physician
Letter of Evaluation
Specialty + setting details
QUESTION
How many clinical hours do I need?

Most successful med school applicants log 100–200+ hours. Competitive applicants log significantly more. The hours matter, but quality of exposure matters more.

Plan your hours with an advisor →
VISITOR REVIEWS

What pre-meds say about AMO.

“I came across AMOpportunities by chance. It's funny how a whole new experience was waiting for me, and it was just a click away.”
A
AkankshaIndia
“I am thankful to AMO for connecting me with such a great and unforgettable experience. My observership helped me live out my dream.”
B
BesmiraAlbania
“For those who still don't know if they should visit the U.S. for a clinical experience, I urge you not to waste any time.”
R
RafaelBrazil
COMMON QUESTIONS

The basics, answered.

Do AMO shadowing hours count toward AMCAS?

Yes. AMO shadowing programs are structured with documented clinical hours, supervising physician details, and Letters of Evaluation — the documentation AMCAS expects for the “clinical experience” section.

How many shadowing hours do I need before med school?

Most successful med school applicants have 100–200+ hours. Competitive applicants log significantly more. Quality of exposure (variety of specialties, depth of mentorship) matters as much as raw hours.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

No. AMO works with U.S. citizens, international students studying in the U.S., and international undergrads. Visa requirements depend on your situation — talk to an advisor about your specific case.

Can I do shadowing over the summer?

Yes. Summer is the most popular shadowing window for pre-meds. Apply 2–4 months ahead since slots fill up. Virtual shadowing is available year-round.

Will I get a Letter of Evaluation?

Yes. Every AMO shadowing experience includes a Letter of Evaluation from your supervising physician on completion. These letters are typically stronger than a generic professor recommendation for med school apps.

What if I'm not sure what specialty I want?

That's the point. Most pre-meds use AMO to explore 2–4 different specialties before committing. Try internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family practice — whatever you're curious about.

Build your med school application.

Browse shadowing programs across 70+ specialties, earn clinical hours, and get the letter of evaluation that puts your AMCAS in stronger shape.