Advice on choosing the 'right' dermatologist to shadow?

[InspiredInsight]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been looking online but, I haven't seen any good advice on how to choose the right doctor to shadow. I will be entering my Sophmore year in college and I'm interested in Dermatology so I would like to choose a dermatologist of course. I've been thinking that choosing the right doctor to shadow could possibly make a difference in my shadowing experience. Now, I'm by no means looking for an easier way out but, a doctor that seems personable and is willing to have an extra body in the office watching every detail. Would it be better if I chose a younger doctor, as they would probably be more easier to cope with a younger student such as myself? Or would an older doctor (20 + in experience) be better in the long run? I also think I would like to have a female doctor to shadow as well to start off with...maybe because I'm a female too.

I'm not trying to be to picky, I just want someone that I can relate to, as I am also an aspiring female dermatologist, and I think that aspect will allow me to shadow easier with that in common.

Basically, How do you pick a great doctor to shadow? One that is experienced, but also willing to help an interested student?

 

[olemissbabydoc]

Pick one that will let you come. Seriously. normally (not always) if a doc will let you shadow, thwy are going to be a pretty decent teacher. And if it isn't a great experience, you can find another one for the next shadowing time
Good luck!

 

[nick_carraway]

Look for an academic derm in private practice since they may be more willing to help you out. That's what I did and it worked out great because you can see both aspects of clinical medicine. You'll probably get residents or fellows or attendings coming by to learn a thing or two.

I suggest calling up the office manager and setting up a meeting.

 

[BlueElmo]

I found it kind of hard to find a doctor to shadow. I think if one offers to let your shadow, you take the offer and don't worry about seniority of the doctor or anything like that.

 

[muhali3]

The right one is the one that lets you shadow him/her.

If they weren't personable and didn't want someone following them all day, then they wouldn't let you shadow. Age doesn't matter, I've shadowed a 65 year old doc and a 35 year old doc, no difference. When shadowing, you take what you get, you can't choose whoever you want.

 

[NickNaylor]

Agreed with everyone above - you're not really in a position to be picky. There isn't an endless supply of doctors that want to have students shadow them. Find one that's willing to take you and go with them.

 

[SportingMD54]

Look for an academic derm in private practice since they may be more willing to help you out. That's what I did and it worked out great because you can see both aspects of clinical medicine. You'll probably get residents or fellows or attendings coming by to learn a thing or two.

I suggest calling up the office manager and setting up a meeting.

The derm I work for is like this and loves to have people come shadow. Often, if he sees something interesting, he will pull me and the other pre-med into the exam room. It will definitely give you a doctor that is more likely to be excited about his job.

 

[InspiredInsight]

Thanks, i guess everyone is right. I can't be too picky. I hope I get doctor that is willing to help me learn as well. 🙂

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

if they say yes then they are good teachers/ thread

 

[dr seuss]

I say pick any one that will let you shadow. I only asked one dermatologist about shadowing but he said he only lets medical students shadow, and that if I was still interested then that I could.

 

[BlueElmo]

If you can't find a dermatologist, at this stage as a pre-med student, I would say shadowing any kind of doctor is fine.