The Empowering Pacific Pre-Health through Shadowing (EPPS) Program provides support to Pacific pre-health undergraduate students who may not have all the resources needed to obtain health shadowing hours. Students will gain valuable experience to help them prepare for their future careers in healthcare and develop a deeper understanding of the health disparities and needs of the Stockton community.
Get started on your application
Due to the amount of applicants that apply each semester, we maintain a rigorous screening process for the student participants, including a comprehensive application and a virtual interview where the EPPS team assesses students’ professionalism, maturity, and fit.
A job shadow is an opportunity for students to observe first-hand a typical day on the job by accompanying healthcare professionals through their workday. The job shadow program provides a realistic view of the everyday aspects of the workplace and will help them understand what skills and attributes are necessary to work in healthcare industry.
Once applications have been reviewed on a rolling basis, students who have competitive applications will be invited for an interview with the EPPS Team. During the interview, the student’s will be assessed on the students’ professionalism, maturity, and fit.
Matches are made based on student availability and fit.
- HIPAA
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Professionalism
If the sites require any other training to be provided to students before the first day of shadowing, they will reach out to the EPPS Team.
Being matched with a site is a huge opportunity, and you will need to fully commit to the program.
This will involve:
- Representing Pacific well: This includes arriving on time, being present and approachable and presenting a good attitude while you are there
- Being present and asking questions: Think ahead of time about what you would like to know: things like networking and opportunities for growth
- Put away your phone
- Bring a notepad and pen to take notes
- Communicate with your site and the EPPS Team: You will be responsible for confirming your schedule and updating your site with any changes. Don’t worry—we’ll help you with this part during the orientation series.
| Total hours |
2 mandatory check ins | 2 |
Orientation series | 2 |
Necessary documents | 1 |
Trainings | 3 |
Shadowing shifts | 18+ hours |
Writing Prompts | 3+ hours |
By observing healthcare professionals in my experience, I was able to learn more about different specialties, procedures, and techniques, and develop a better understanding of the skills and qualities required for a successful healthcare career, including professional networking skills. I developed a greater understanding of the importance of access to healthcare and the role that healthcare professionals can play in improving health outcomes for all members of our community.
I am immensely grateful to the pharmacy I shadowed and Career Services' efforts for providing me with this invaluable opportunity. Through their support, I have been able to gain practical experience in a patient-centered environment, enhance my understanding of healthcare disparities, and develop essential skills in cultural competency and advocacy.
By investing in programs that promote experiential learning and community engagement, we can empower the next generation of healthcare professionals to drive positive change and improve healthcare outcomes for all individuals!
Evan Hersh is a third-year Pre-Pharmacy student who has completed the First-Year Honors Program and the Success Trio Program. As an active member of the Student Alliance for Disabilities, Pre-Pharmacy Society and Active Minds Club, he is passionate about making a positive impact on patient care and public health. Evan shadowed during Fall 2023.
I decided to join the EPPS program because I was eager to gain firsthand insight into the daily life of a physician. With no doctors in my immediate or extended family, this program presented a perfect opportunity for me to connect with a physician.
Throughout my shadowing experience, I gained an understanding of the diverse roles doctors undertake. I had completely underestimated the extensive behind-the-scenes work that doctors do to keep their operations running smoothly.
This experience confirmed that becoming a physician is the right career path for me.
I am deeply grateful to the EPPS program and everyone involved for making this experience possible. It was truly invaluable and has significantly contributed to my growth as a student, strengthening my determination to pursue a career in medicine.
Arshdeep Gill is a Punjabi-Sikh American first-generation college student whose parents are immigrants from Punjab, India. He is a second year biological science major and aspires to be the first in his family to become a physician. Arshdeep shadowed during Fall 2023.
Contact us
Mailyn Villamonte
Assistant Director for Career Services: Pre-Health
mvillamonte@pacific.edu
209.932.3615
Teresa Martinez
Associate Director for Career Services: Pre-Health
tmartinez@pacific.edu
209.932.2815
