Clinical Observer &
Shadowing Program

About the Opportunity

Endocrine & Diabetes Plus Clinic of Houston welcomes motivated pre-health students — including pre-med, PA, NP, nursing, and pharmacy students — to observe clinical care in a busy endocrinology and diabetes specialty practice. Observers will have the opportunity to witness a wide range of endocrine conditions including diabetes management, thyroid disorders, adrenal disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic conditions.

This is an unpaid observational experience. Observers are guests in the clinical setting and are expected to contribute positively to the clinic environment. Shadowing at our clinic is a privilege, not a guaranteed entitlement, and may be discontinued at any time if expectations are not met.

Please note: the clinic is closed on weekends. Shadowing takes place Monday through Friday during regular clinic hours only. When you email us to apply (see below), please tell us your availability — the days and times you are able to come to the clinic — so we can plan a schedule together.

Because much of what you will observe draws on coursework in biochemistry and physiology, this program is generally a better fit for university-level students — ideally those who have already completed a biochemistry course — than for high school students. Some of what happens clinically is difficult to follow without that background, which limits how much a less-prepared observer can get out of the experience.

What You Will Do

We expect observers to be proactive, not passive — pitch in and help clinic staff with routine, everyday tasks rather than simply standing back and watching. Some of the most valuable learning happens while helping out. Specifically, observers are expected to:

• Assist with patient intake — greeting patients, verifying information, escorting patients to exam rooms under staff supervision
• Observe patient-provider encounters with patient consent
• Assist with general clinic tasks as directed by staff — filing, stocking, room preparation
• Shadow multiple providers throughout the day when scheduling allows
• Engage professionally and ask appropriate questions outside of patient encounters
• Arrive punctually, dressed professionally, and prepared for the full scheduled shift

Requirements Before Starting

Professional Standards & Conduct

We operate a high-volume specialty clinic. We expect observers to uphold the same standards of professionalism we hold our entire team to:

• Be on time — arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled start time. Repeated tardiness results in removal from the program.
• Cell phones are for emergencies only during clinic hours — no personal use, texting, or social media while in clinical areas
• Maintain a respectful, courteous demeanor with patients, staff, and providers at all times
• Follow all instructions from clinical staff without argument — ask questions respectfully and at appropriate times
• Do not offer medical opinions or advice to patients at any time
• Do not perform any clinical tasks (blood pressure, phlebotomy, etc.) without explicit permission and supervision from a licensed provider
• Use downtime productively — review patient education materials, ask staff appropriate questions, or complete assigned readings
• Demonstrate genuine curiosity, initiative, and respect for the work being done

Required Reading — Patient Education Library

Observers are expected to read and understand the following articles from our patient education library before their first day. This is not optional — clinical exposure is meaningless without foundational knowledge of the conditions you will observe.

• Diabetes Overview — types, diagnosis, goals of treatment
• Type 2 Diabetes — insulin resistance, treatment approach
• Thyroid Overview — how the thyroid works, testing
• Hypothyroidism — causes, symptoms, levothyroxine
• Hyperthyroidism — Graves' disease, treatment options
• Diabetes Medications — all major drug classes
• GLP-1 Medications Guide — Ozempic, Mounjaro, and more
• PCOS — diagnosis and management
• Adrenal Disorders — Cushing's, Addison's, aldosteronism
• Osteoporosis — bone density, treatment
• Hypoglycemia — recognition and emergency response
• Why See an Endocrinologist? — scope of endocrinology practice

Letter of Recommendation Policy

We understand that many observers are building their application for medical school, PA school, nursing programs, or other health professional training. We are glad to support exceptional individuals.

However, we have a firm and transparent policy regarding letters of recommendation:

• Letters of recommendation are written only for observers who have demonstrated exceptional performance — consistent professionalism, preparedness, active engagement, and a positive contribution to the clinic
• A minimum of 40 hours of shadowing is required before a letter will be considered
• Observers with any HIPAA violation, attendance issues, or behavioral concerns will not receive a letter
• Observers who are passive, unprepared, or disengaged will not receive a letter — time and space in a busy clinic are valuable, and we expect commitment in return
• We will not write a letter for anyone who has been asked to leave the program for any reason
• If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask a staff member — we would rather have a direct conversation than have you be surprised