The Observational Experience
We are excited to introduce The Observational Experience, formerly Memorial Health System’s job shadow program. The Observational Experience offers observation-only experiences for individuals at least 16 years old who may have one or more of the following reasons to observe a health care professional:
- Requirement for a school program/class
- Hours for a school (med, PA, radiology, etc.) application
- Interest in a career change
- To learn more about the health care field
Memorial now offers two observation tracks: The Preceptor Track and the Career Shadow Track
The Career Shadow Track
Memorial Health System Summer Shadow Cohort
Memorial’s Summer Shadow Cohort is a program geared for high school students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. To be considered, the student must be aged 16 or older and entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in fall 2026.
During the 10-day program, shadow students will rotate through different clinical areas (including but not limited to nursing, radiology, OR, wound care) each day to gain insight into different careers in the healthcare field. In addition, participants will participate in hands-on activities with clinical educators in Memorial’s Organization Development & Excellence department.
Cohort dates & Times:
- Session 1 – June 8 to June 19
- Session 2 – July 6 to July 17
- Times – 8:00 to 4:00*
- *Participants are expected to attend the program in its entirety.
Requirements for consideration:
- Complete and return application.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from school personnel (teacher, counselor, etc.).
- Submit a school transcript or your most recent report card.
Please email the above documents to studentaccess@mhg.com by May 15.
Requirements if chosen for program:
- Immunization records
- Negative TB test within last 12 months
- Sign shadow cohort agreement (parent signature required if participant is under 18).
The Preceptor Track
Requirements:
a. The participant (you) must secure their own preceptor (person to shadow). You might start by asking someone you know at Memorial. Otherwise, look on the Locations tab of this website for provider and facility contact information.
b. Complete The Observational Experience application (once preceptor has been secured).
c. Upon completion of the application, you will receive an email with instructions and details on the following requirements:
- Observational Experience agreement (to be signed first by confirmed preceptor and then participant)
- Immunization record (including MMR, Varicella, Hep B, and current season flu vaccine, if vaxxed and if observing during flu season)
Additional Information:
- Once signed by the preceptor and participant, the observation agreement will be valid for 90 days. At the end of that period, if the participant still wishes to shadow, they must contact the student coordinator and request a new agreement to be signed by both the preceptor and participant.
- The participant is limited to no more than 8 observation hours per week.