Our Interview With Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein, Founder and CEO of Pre-Health Shadowing

Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein is the Founder and CEO of Pre-Health Shadowing, a non-profit organization focused on making opportunities readily accessible to pre-health students via an online platform.

‍

What makes your shadowing program a strong addition to a medical school application?

Pre-Health Shadowing (PHS) is a free, fully accessible virtual shadowing program designed to support all students, regardless of geographic location, socioeconomic background, or prior healthcare exposure. Our sessions provide students with insights into various medical specialties, allowing them to learn directly from healthcare professionals in a low-risk environment. Participants can engage in discussions, ask questions, and explore different career paths—all at no cost and with no barriers to entry.

We have been acknowledged by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and regularly attend their events, further solidifying our credibility as a valuable resource for pre-health students. Medical and health programs recognize our certificates as a meaningful way to demonstrate exposure to healthcare, initiative, and curiosity in the field.

How do PHS sessions work?

Our sessions are led by practicing healthcare professionals from a variety of specialties. Students can join live interactive sessions via Zoom, where they can hear professionals discuss their career journeys, patient care experiences, and challenges in medicine. These sessions often include case studies, Q&A opportunities, and insights into different medical paths.

For those who cannot attend live, all sessions are recorded and available asynchronously, ensuring accessibility for students worldwide. After watching a session, students can complete a short post-session quiz to verify their participation and earn a certificate of completion, which can be added to their applications, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles.

Are students able to shadow multiple specialties during this shadowing program? Is there a minimum number of shadowing hours required for participation?

Yes! Our program features professionals from a wide range of medical fields, including surgery, emergency medicine, primary care, public health, mental health, and more. There is no minimum required shadowing hours—students can participate in as many sessions as they’d like, making PHS a flexible and valuable resource.

Does PHS offer connections to in-person shadowing opportunities?

While PHS is a virtual program, we strongly encourage students to seek out in-person shadowing experiences, as virtual shadowing is an excellent supplement but does not replace the hands-on learning that comes with being in a clinical setting.

We have also helped students connect to in-person opportunities through our professional network. For example, a PHS student started remotely and relocated for a job. We continue to foster these connections and encourage students to actively seek in-person experiences in addition to their virtual learning.

What are some common mistakes students make during the shadowing experience?

Some common mistakes include:

• Not engaging with speakers by asking questions or participating in discussions.
• Failing to take notes or reflect on key takeaways.
• Not completing the post-session quiz, which is necessary to earn a certificate.
• Not seeking out in-person shadowing opportunities. Virtual shadowing is an excellent learning tool but should be complemented with hands-on experiences whenever possible.
• Not exploring multiple specialties to broaden their understanding of healthcare careers.

What are some specific examples of skills or qualities students can highlight from shadowing when preparing their applications for medical school?

Students can highlight:

• Active listening & communication skills – Understanding patient-provider interactions.
• Critical thinking – Analyzing case studies and ethical dilemmas discussed in sessions.
• Exposure to different specialties – Showing initiative in exploring multiple career paths.
• Professionalism & curiosity – Engaging with guest speakers and seeking mentorship.
• Adaptability & commitment – Taking advantage of virtual opportunities to learn despite limitations in in-person access.

What are the typical daily activities students can expect to observe?

Since our sessions are virtual, students observe:

• Professional insights on patient care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare systems.
• Case studies and real-world patient scenarios shared by medical professionals.
• Interactive Q&A sessions where students can ask about career paths, medical procedures, and experiences in healthcare.

What are some ways students can actively engage and get the most out of their time shadowing?

• Attending live sessions and asking thoughtful questions.
• Taking notes and reflecting on key insights after each session.
• Connecting with peers and professionals through our LinkedIn and networking opportunities.
• Completing post-session quizzes to solidify learning and earn certificates.
• Exploring different specialties to gain a well-rounded perspective.
• Seeking in-person shadowing experiences whenever possible to complement virtual learning.

Are there opportunities to connect with physicians or mentors beyond shadowing hours?

Yes! Many of our guest speakers provide contact information for students interested in mentorship. Additionally, we encourage students to connect with professionals via LinkedIn and participate in follow-up opportunities like research, volunteering, or networking events.

What are the expectations from students during your shadowing program?

• Participate actively by attending live or recorded sessions.
• Engage with professionals by asking questions and taking notes.
• Complete post-session quizzes to verify participation and earn certificates.
• Be professional and respectful during interactions with speakers and fellow students.
• Seek out additional hands-on experiences to enhance their learning beyond virtual sessions.

‍

Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein to help future physicians understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into medical school today.