Anesthesia Shadowing Opportunities
Find the Right Opportunity For You
Explore Student Programs at UVA Health
This portal will reopen on September 2, 2025 for the 25-26 academic cycle. These shadowing and observation experiences provided by our faculty are for educational benefits ONLY. We do not award any credit or provide letters of recommendation. We do not offer recurring shadowing experiences, unless a UVA health education program has prearranged approval from the SOM and department. We have a limited number of monthly slots to shadow and will be given on a first come first serve basis. ALL shadowers/observers MUST be 18 years of age at the time of application.
UVA offers other opportunities for non-medical students who are interested in gaining exposure to healthcare environments. These programs are ideal for undergraduates and/or those exploring careers in health-related fields or simply looking to broaden their understanding of the healthcare system through observation and engagement.
Please explore the following opportunities:
- Medical Training and Educational Opportunities – Student Health and Wellness
Medical Training and Educational Opportunities | Student Health and Wellness
- Student Programs at UVA Community Health
Explore Student Programs at UVA Community Health
These programs often welcome students from a variety of academic backgrounds who are curious about healthcare careers, even if they are not currently on a pre-med track. Be sure to review each program’s eligibility criteria and application process.
Shadowing and clinical observation is a critical component in preparing for a career in medicine. We would love the opportunity to introduce you to the world of anesthesiology prior to your third year Clerkship. Shadow dates are held Monday through Friday ONLY and you cannot schedule anything during a time you should be in class!
As a UVA Medical Student, please complete the availability form below to get on the schedule/waitlist:
UVA Anesthesiology Shadowing Interest Form
Please note we do not schedule shadowing in July or January during onboarding and orientation of new residents.
Shadowing and clinical observation is a critical component in preparing for a career in healthcare. We encourage all pre-health students to shadow clinicians in their prospective fields of interests. Shadowing can provide a realistic view of medicine, an understanding of the many ways one can participate in health care, and the skills and capabilities that are needed in a profession. Shadow dates are hosted by our faculty on Tuesday and Thursday only, and are not available in January, June, July, or August when we need to orient our new trainees and participate in other UVA health related sponsored programs. (Remember that you must be 18 or older to shadow in the operating rooms.)
This shadowing experience is not part of any formal education program. This is not a recurring experience. We schedule for a two hour block: 9-11am or 1-3pm ONE time per semester. UVA career center offers additional resources for pre-health students.
Step One: Complete Required Form for the UVA Undergraduate Shadowing Application
If this form is not completed prior to beginning your online application, the electronic application system will mark you ineligible. Please note UVA Health requires verification of a flu vaccine during the current academic year in order to observe.
Step Two: Complete the Online Application: As part of the application, please upload the completed UVA observer agreement, your valid state ID, and current influenza vaccination. All parts of the application must be submitted in order to schedule an observation date.
Begin Application
Explore Student Programs at UVA Health
Shadowing and clinical observation is a critical component in preparing for a career in healthcare. Shadowing can provide a realistic view of medicine, an understanding of the many ways one can participate in health care, and the skills and capabilities that are needed in a profession. Shadow dates are hosted by our faculty on Tuesday and Thursday only, and are not available in January, June, July, or August when we need to orient our new trainees and participate in other UVA health related sponsored programs. (Remember that you must be 18 or older to shadow in the operating rooms.)
This shadowing experience is not part of any formal education program. This is not a recurring experience. We schedule for a two-hour block: 9-11am or 1-3pm ONE time per semester.
Step One: Complete Required Forms for the Pre-Health Student (Non-UVA Undergraduate) Shadowing Application
If this form is not completed prior to beginning your online application, the electronic application system will mark you ineligible. Please note UVA Health requires verification of a flu vaccine during the current academic year in order to observe.
Step Two: Complete the Online Application: As part of the application, please upload the completed UVA observer agreement, your valid state ID, and current influenza vaccination. All parts of the application must be submitted in order to schedule an observation date.
Begin Application
CRNA Shadowing is available to licensed RNs who are in the process of applying or have already applied to a nurse anesthetist program. Shadow dates are held Monday through Friday Only. Shadowing is only permitted in areas where the CRNA is assigned active cases. We are excited that you have chosen us for your shadowing experience. (Remember that you must be 18 or older to shadow in the operating rooms.)
Step One: Complete Required Forms for the CRNA Shadowing Application
If the following form is not completed prior to beginning your online application, the electronic application system will mark you ineligible. Please note UVA Health requires verification of a flu vaccine during the current academic year in order to observe.
Step Two: Complete the Online Application (link below). As part of the application, please upload the completed UVA observer agreement, your valid state ID, and current influenza vaccination. All parts of the application must be submitted in order to schedule an observation date.
Dr. Zuo’s Lab began at the University of Virginia (UVA) in 2000. While Dr. Zhiyi Zuo, MD, PhD is the Principal Investigator, he recruits physician researchers from all over the world to come to UVA and collaborate as members of his lab. If you are interested in being a part of Dr. Zuo’s research team or want to learn more about the research he is doing, please click the button below.
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Learn more about other UVA Anesthesiology labs here.