EMPPATHS:Empowering Pre-PA Students Through Healthcare Shadowing

EMPPATHS:

Empowering Pre-PA Students Through Healthcare Shadowing

Thank you for your interest in the EMPPATHS Program!

Application Requirements may be found on our website.

Please note,

Please submit your application below. Applications require a resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and immunization records. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Shadowing session will generally be scheduled in 4-8 hour blocks. Please note that weekend and evening shadowing hours are very limited.

If applicant does not have recent tuberculosis screening, you may still submit application and this can be completed prior to the start of the program through UChicago Occupational Medicine at no cost to you.

If accepted, applicants will be required to undergo a background check, urine drug screen, and the applicant must review educational materials (which may include topics such as HIPAA Privacy and Security, Safety, Fire Safety, and Infection Control)

Please note, opportunities are not available to B-1, B-2, H1-B and H-4 visa holders. Applicants with permanent resident cards must provide a copy of their card during the time of the interview

Applicant Information

Name*

Email:*

Phone Number*

Phone

Address*

Zip code*

Demographic Information

This section is used only to help us understand the demographics of our application pool. All are welcome to apply.

Are you a student that is underrepresented in medicine as defined by the AAMC?*

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) definition is:

"Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population"

Yes

I don't know

Please list

Gender

Male

Female

Prefer not to answer

Other

Emergency Contact*

Please indicate who we should contact in case of an emergency.

Contact Number*

Phone

Education and Training

Enter your level of training as of June 2025*

Select or enter value

Name of college/university

Please list your undergraduate degree

Are you currently enrolled in a graduate program?

Select or enter value

Name of graduate college/university

Program Requirements

The EMPPATHS program requires a minimum of 40 shadowing hours to be completed within 8 weeks.*

Shadowing session will generally be scheduled in 4-8 hour blocks. Please note that weekend and evening shadowing hours are very limited.

Are you able to complete 40 hours of shadowing between 6/9/25 and 8/4/25?

Select or enter value

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense other than minor traffic violation(s)? A "Yes" answer will not necessarily result in your disqualification.*

Select or enter value

Please describe

Personal Constraints*

Shadowing activities may involve considerable physical activities, such as prolonged walking and standing. Do you need any accommodations to meet these demands?

Select or enter value

Please provide accommodations needed

Immunization Requirements

Applicants must provide Proof of Vaccination as indicated below.

Illinois or Indiana residents may find their vaccination records online:

If applicant does not have recent tuberculosis screening, this can be completed prior to the start of the program through UChicago Occupational Medicine at no cost to you.

PROOF OF REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

The University of Chicago Medical Center requires proof of immunizations or immunity health from a health care provider or health care institution for all individuals participating in a shadowing experience. If proof cannot be provided, the shadowing individual must submit to health screening at UChicago Occupational Medicine. Immunization is required for the following:

Rubeola (measles) - Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed measles OR documentation of 2 doses of live measles (or MMR) vaccine on or after your first birthday.
Mumps - Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed mumps OR documentation of 2 doses of live mumps vaccine (or MMR) on or after your first birthday.
Rubella (German measles) - Proof of immunity OR documentation of one rubella vaccination (or MMR). Documentation of disease is NOT acceptable.
Varicella (chicken pox) - Proof of immunity (serologic titers) OR documentation of physician-diagnosed chicken pox OR documentation of 2 doses varicella vaccine.
Influenza - Must have proof of vaccination within past year
Covid-19 Vaccination
Tuberculosis Screening: you may submit application even if TB testing has never been done. If accepted to the program, you can complete this in Occupational Medicine at no cost to you)
NEGATIVE HISTORY: Documentation of TB skin tests is required. One must be within the past 12 months. QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test (QFT-G) is acceptable in lieu of TB skin testing. Must be within 3 months of the start date of the shadowing experience.
POSITIVE HISTORY: Documentation of + TB skin test and Chest X-ray done within 3 months of the start date of the shadowing experience. Please note: those with a history of BCG vaccination without + TB skin test documentation are not exempt from TB testing.

Note: all records not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Required Attachments

File Upload*

Please upload:

Personal Statement: Please include a personal statement describing either your interest in addressing health inequities and social determinants of health in underserved populations or why you wish to participate in this shadowing program. This essay should highlight your interest in the PA profession. (1000 words or less)
Letter of Recommendation
Resume
Immunization Records

The letter of recommendation should attest to your personal competence and ethical character and can be written by a someone such as professor or employer.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be processed, please ensure to submit all required attachments.

Drag and drop files here or

Disclaimer and Agreement*

By signing this application,

I request consideration for a shadowing experience at UChicago Medicine.
I understand that I will not be permitted to engage in patient care.
I understand that I will be expected to follow all UChicago Medicine policies and procedures, and I will be expected to undergo health screening and review safety education materials.
I understand that if I breach any UChicago Medicine policies or obligations, I will be asked to leave immediately.
I understand that UChicago Medicine will not provide me with any clinical training certification at the end of this shadowing experience.
I affirm that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that EMPPATHS applicants will undergo a criminal background check.
I consent to take the physical health screening and any such future screening(s) as may be required by the UChicago Medicine.
I understand that volunteers are not covered by Workers' Compensation and that I am responsible for maintaining my own health insurance.
I have a clear understanding there will be no monetary compensation and that this experience does not lead to employment.

Please sign by entering your full name below:

Send me a copy of my responses

Privacy Notice|Report Abuse

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.