Asking for shadowing with mailed-in handwritten notes

[RTC19]

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I have some time this summer between quitting one job and starting a new one and am looking to do some shadowing

I have essentially exhausted doctors that I know from one place or another and still don't have many hours (20), forcing me to ask doctors that I don't know.

I did cold calling a couple of years ago, and it worked after about the eighth place I tried. However, that method definitely had its pitfalls. I would ask to be forwarded to the office manager who was often not there at the time I called or did not know what shadowing was. A lot of the receptionists would also get confused and didn't know what shadowing was and would say 'no' to forwarding me to the office manager.

I am wondering if it might be better to mail in handwritten notes addressed to the doctor himself/herself telling them a little about myself, asking if I could come shadow one day and leaving my name/email/phone number.

Is this weird? I feel awkward doing this, but then again, I also felt weird about calling.

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

This seems like it might just take way longer than cold calling without any obvious benefit from writing the letters.

 

[maplecookie]

This seems like it might just take way longer than cold calling without any obvious benefit from writing the letters.

I agree with above

I would keep cold calling but also send out emails with what you mentioned you would write in handwritten notes plus maybe attach a resume.

 

[RTC19]

I agree with above

I would keep cold calling but also send out emails with what you mentioned you would write in handwritten notes plus maybe attach a resume.

I forgot to mention in my OP...I attempted emails (I agree emails would have been best!) but discovered that the hospitals around here don't publish their employees' emails on their website.

 

[RTC19]

Thanks guys for all of your responses. I will just call instead of doing this. 🙂

I realize what an odd duckling I sound like now!

 

[Oso]

Hi RTC, I agree with the previous posters. I don't quite see the benefit of handwritten letters and feel like they would most likely get thrown out. Plus you'd have the extra anxiety of waiting until you think they are delivered and possibly waiting for them to respond ...

Have you asked the doctors you've shadowed so far if they have any friends and/or colleagues you could shadow? Are you relatively close to any medical schools in the Chicago area?

 

[maplecookie]

I forgot to mention in my OP...I attempted emails (I agree emails would have been best!) but discovered that the hospitals around here don't publish their employees' emails on their website.

Oh that sucks 🙁
When you call the hospitals and you get directed to the floor manager or whoever isn't the doctor, I would suggest asking them for doctors' email contact that way if you haven't done this approach before.