Asking random doctor to shadow?

[amar314]

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Hi! Well I'm hoping to start some shadowing this summer and don't know where to start. Is it okay if I just Google some specialties I'm interested in and call them to ask? If so, how would I do it? Also, how do people record the hours they've done? How long should I shadow?

Thank you!!

 

[familyaerospace]

I follow the link in my signature for shadowing information. I recorded things in an excel sheet. Total I have 400+ over 7 doctors.

 

[Catalystik]

1) I'm hoping to start some shadowing this summer and don't know where to start. Is it okay if I just Google some specialties I'm interested in and call them to ask?
2) If so, how would I do it?
3) Also, how do people record the hours they've done?
4) How long should I shadow?

1) Besides asking docs you meet while gaining clinical experience, you can also ask your own physician, those of family members or parents' of friends. Some will ask their premed advisor if there is a list of local docs willing to be shadowed. Cold calls are the most labor intensive, since those docs have no bond to you and are far more likely to make excuses for why they aren't available.
2) You will get the most mileage from shadowing a primary care physician, so focus your efforts in that direction. The first doc you shadow can then be imposed upon to give you a contact for doc #2, and so on. For cold calls, start by speaking to doctor's receptionist and ask if your physician of interest ever allows students to shadow them during office hours. Go from there, either leaving a message or asking for an email contact.
3) Keep your own records of time spent, physician contact information, location, specialty, interesting impressions, etc.
4) The average is about 50 hours total. I'd consider 40 hours the minimum to satisfy the expectations of a wide range of schools.

 

[Catalystik]

I follow the link in my signature for shadowing information. I recorded things in an excel sheet.

Family Aerospace's Suggestions on Medical School Personal Statements
Family Aerospace's Shadowing Tips

A nice resource. Thanks for typing it up.