Insights • MappdCon

Rethinking Shadowing: How Pre-Health Shadowing Redefines Access to Healthcare Education

Practical guidance from Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein, Founder & CEO of Pre-Health Shadowing (PHS), on beginning shadowing, making each experience meaningful, and translating virtual exposure into in-person opportunities.

Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein headshot By Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein Founder & CEO, Pre-Health Shadowing Published: Oct 4, 2025 MappdCon

When in-person shadowing opportunities vanished during COVID-19, Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein founded Pre-Health Shadowing (PHS) to remove geographic and financial barriers for students. Today, PHS operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fully remote, with thousands of volunteers supporting virtual shadowing sessions and live Q&A — so students can learn from anywhere and earn certificates verifying participation.

At MappdCon, Bouzamondo-Bernstein led a session on how to begin shadowing, make each experience meaningful, and translate virtual exposure into in-person opportunities and stronger applications.

The Case for Shadowing

Shadowing reveals the full picture of healthcare — patient care, collaboration, and the unseen coordination behind every interaction.

“Being able to shadow allows you to understand the different things that they do… You’ll get to see the other duties like the paperwork… and the behind-the-scenes that our patients don’t necessarily get to see.”

From Idea to Innovation

PHS began during lockdown as a simple idea: if students couldn’t enter clinics, professionals could bring authentic insights to students virtually. The model proved scalable and equitable.

“Pre-Health Shadowing is 100% virtual. It started with an idea, then became an innovation.”

How Students Can Leverage PHS Now

  • Explore broadly: Hundreds of virtual sessions across MD, DO, PA, nursing, dentistry, and more.
  • Engage live: Join Q&A, ask questions, and connect with professionals.
  • Verify learning: Complete post-session assessments for certificates.
  • Follow up: Many speakers share contact information, leading to in-person shadowing opportunities.

Virtual + In-Person: A Sequenced Approach

Virtual shadowing builds confidence and understanding, preparing students for clinical experiences. It complements — not replaces — in-person hours.

“While virtual shadowing never will replace in-person shadowing… virtual shadowing is this first step into getting in-person opportunities.”

Quality Over Quantity

There’s no single “right” number of hours. Prioritize depth, reflection, and professional engagement.

About the Speaker

Nina Bouzamondo-Bernstein is the Founder & CEO of Pre-Health Shadowing (PHS), a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2020 to expand access to shadowing. PHS has served over 70,000 students worldwide, supported by volunteers who host live sessions, develop assessments, and sustain operations.

Get started today — build momentum the smart way

Join a live session to ask questions in real time, then work through on-demand sessions at your pace. Track virtual and in-person hours separately, and capture 2–3 takeaways per session to use in applications.

400+ hours of virtual shadowing across MD, DO, PA, nursing, and more
Certificates via post-session assessments to verify participation
Live Q&A with professionals; many share contact info for follow-ups
Explore PHS Visit MappdCon Watch the Session

Prefer a quick win? Start with one 45–60-minute session, write 5 bullet takeaways, and draft one outreach email to a local professional the same day.

“Virtual shadowing is the first step into getting in-person opportunities.”
Trusted by students nationwide 70,000+ students served