shadowing help

[MisterDuck27]

I am looking into shadowing, but I don't really know how to go about it. How would I find a DO in my area and do I just ask the receptionist over the phone or should I go in? I'm sure its a lot easier than I think it is.

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[djtiesto14]

First, what kind of DO physician do you want to shadow? Once you figure that out, use google and type in DO [enter specialty here, i.e. DO Orthopedic Surgeon, etc]

I am sure you can come up with something just by doing this.

No, don't just ask the secretary over the phone. Ask to make an appointment with the doctor whenever he has time to discuss the possibility of shadowing. The doctor will want to hear a little about you, and your goals, and what you can and cannot do in his/her office.

Good luck. It's a great learning experience.

 

[dsoz]

Many physicians have an "office manager." Even the primary care solo practice DO that I shadowed had a receptionist/secretary and an office manager (part time, 3 days a week).

The office manager is the one to start talking to. He/she is the person that can break away from the desk to go talk with the physician about you. So when you call the office, ask to speak with the office manager.

Also, get in touch with the state Osteopathic Association (if there is one). They would be able to help you connect with physicians that are willing to take a shadow.

Good luck.
dsoz

 

[dutchie000]

I found a BUNCH of doctors through the iLearn mentor site...

http://cf.osteopathic.org/iLearn/index.cfm?pageid=ment_about

I emailed probably around 14 doctors and got back maybe 6 replies.

One of the hospitals near my school also have job shadowing programs where you fill out a form and they can set you up with the kind of doctor of your choice, so check out the websites of the hospitals and see if you can find something like that.

I don't know if you go to school near a DO school like I do, but if you do definitely take advantage of that. I've met a few doctors who are awesome that work at the school and will give me phone numbers and emails of other physicians who are in practice. If you volunteer at a hospital or are in a position where you can talk to doctors ask around and see if they know anyone. That's how I've found all my docs.

Good luck! I've learned a lot through shadowing.

 

[surgeryDO]

Glad to hear someone has had a good experience with the iLearn mentor site. I have emailed just about every doc on there in my area and I only got 1 reply.
I'm also in this pickle now of needing to find more docs to shadow.

I found a BUNCH of doctors through the iLearn mentor site...

http://cf.osteopathic.org/iLearn/index.cfm?pageid=ment_about

I emailed probably around 14 doctors and got back maybe 6 replies.

One of the hospitals near my school also have job shadowing programs where you fill out a form and they can set you up with the kind of doctor of your choice, so check out the websites of the hospitals and see if you can find something like that.

I don't know if you go to school near a DO school like I do, but if you do definitely take advantage of that. I've met a few doctors who are awesome that work at the school and will give me phone numbers and emails of other physicians who are in practice. If you volunteer at a hospital or are in a position where you can talk to doctors ask around and see if they know anyone. That's how I've found all my docs.

Good luck! I've learned a lot through shadowing.

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[abolt18]

Also this...

http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/find-a-do/Pages/default.aspx

 

[Gerbie]

I emailed the offices of several DOs in my area and they were all really receptive. Most had websites so it was easy to get their information and just send an inquiry

 

[surgeryDO]

If you don't mind me asking, what was the general template and verbage you used in your email? Also, I'm curious if you had better responses from primary care vs specialists?

I emailed the offices of several DOs in my area and they were all really receptive. Most had websites so it was easy to get their information and just send an inquiry

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[Gerbie]

I pretty much just explained that I was in the process of applying to medical school and would was really interested in getting the opportunity to shadow a physician before I submit my application. Keep it short and simple.

I received replies from everyone I emailed within a day....I found that the specialist I emailed were actually a lot more receptive than the primary care docs, but I think that has more to do with the person than what the did day to day.

 

[dutchie000]

I actually got a lot more responses from primary care physicians when I used the iLearn mentor site... actually only from primary care. Then again, more of them were primary care physicians. Did you check out the hospitals in your area to see if they have a job shadow program?

If you don't mind me asking, what was the general template and verbage you used in your email? Also, I'm curious if you had better responses from primary care vs specialists?





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