Attire for interviewing for shadowing?

[KTownGT]

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Hey guys, I have an interview-- I believe --tomorrow to discuss shadowing a Thoracic Cardiovascular surgeon tomorrow afternoon.

I use the term, "I believe" simply because over the phone he and his secretory used the term to come in for a "visit" and then asked how long I'd like to shadow for. I naturally responded with, "As long as you are willing to allow me to shadow."

I was thinking maybe slacks, dress shoes, and just an ironed polo shirt. Does that sound alright or should I try and dig up a button up?

This seems like an obvious question, but I haven't had an interview since I was 17 and worked at Circuit City.

While we're at it, do y'all have any quick last minute tips? I've been looking over my sister's nursing books and my old bio notes about the cardiovascular system as refreshers.

 

[DitchDoc73]

Hey guys, I have an interview-- I believe --tomorrow to discuss shadowing a Thoracic Cardiovascular surgeon tomorrow afternoon.

I use the term, "I believe" simply because over the phone he and his secretory used the term to come in for a "visit" and then asked how long I'd like to shadow for. I naturally responded with, "As long as you are willing to allow me to shadow."

I was thinking maybe slacks, dress shoes, and just an ironed polo shirt. Does that sound alright or should I try and dig up a button up?

This seems like an obvious question, but I haven't had an interview since I was 17 and worked at Circuit City.

While we're at it, do y'all have any quick last minute tips? I've been looking over my sister's nursing books and my old bio notes about the cardiovascular system as refreshers.

You should wear dress slacks, a long sleeve button up dress shirt, and a tie. If you don't have one that is decent, go spend the money to buy a new one. You only have 1 chance to make a good first impression. If you are overdressed (but I doubt you will be), they will let you know!

As far as tips... Relax and be yourself. Avoid any off topic "hot button" questions / comments (i.e. politics, religion, etc) until you get to know the physician (and his staff) better. Try not to ask too many questions at first...Some physicians love to teach, while others can not stand it... And if he lets you sit in on patient exams, be quiet and attentive. Try not to look bored, and save your questions until after you leave the exam room. You should do just fine!

 

[KTownGT]

You should wear dress slacks, a long sleeve button up dress shirt, and a tie. If you don't have one that is decent, go spend the money to buy a new one. You only have 1 chance to make a good first impression. If you are overdressed (but I doubt you will be), they will let you know!

As far as tips... Relax and be yourself. Avoid any off topic "hot button" questions / comments (i.e. politics, religion, etc) until you get to know the physician (and his staff) better. Try not to ask too many questions at first...Some physicians love to teach, while others can not stand it... And if he lets you sit in on patient exams, be quiet and attentive. Try not to look bored, and save your questions until after you leave the exam room. You should do just fine!

Thanks man, just a few hours too late.

It was just me taking something too seriously. I wore khakis, dress shoes, and a nice clean polo. I didn't have any button ups, and I'm currently in the throws of throwing out old-worn out clothes and buying new stuff. It sucks how crappy two year old clothes look compared to new things.

The Doc didn't have a lot of time to discuss much, but he gave me two weeks to which I could shadow him in clinical/lab/surgery late June. He asked me a few basic questions, such as:
- Which specialties/areas interest you?
- Why surgery?
- Tell me what you know about xxx school and a DO degree.

I'm more than happy to get two weeks of shadowing, and am hoping I can get a LOR.

 

[DitchDoc73]

Thanks man, just a few hours too late.

It was just me taking something too seriously. I wore khakis, dress shoes, and a nice clean polo. I didn't have any button ups, and I'm currently in the throws of throwing out old-worn out clothes and buying new stuff. It sucks how crappy two year old clothes look compared to new things.

The Doc didn't have a lot of time to discuss much, but he gave me two weeks to which I could shadow him in clinical/lab/surgery late June. He asked me a few basic questions, such as:
- Which specialties/areas interest you?
- Why surgery?
- Tell me what you know about xxx school and a DO degree.

I'm more than happy to get two weeks of shadowing, and am hoping I can get a LOR.

I was afraid of that, but congrats! Good luck, and take advantage of the situation!

 

[aidama]

Thanks man, just a few hours too late.

It was just me taking something too seriously.

Eh, first impressions are always the most important. 😛 When you do shadow him though, wear business-casual. Nice black slacks and a button-up shirt (no tie). You want him to think "man, that guy sure dressed nice for those two weeks" when he's sitting down on his couch, exhausted from working, writing your amazing letter. 🙂

 

[DitchDoc73]

Eh, first impressions are always the most important. 😛 When you do shadow him though, wear business-casual. Nice black slacks and a button-up shirt (no tie). You want him to think "man, that guy sure dressed nice for those two weeks" when he's sitting down on his couch, exhausted from working, writing your amazing letter. 🙂

I'm still a firm believer in the shirt and tie approach. Worst case, if you are overdressed you can take the tie off.

 

[ManUnderFire]

...how about a shortsleeve button-up and tie? Or is that so yesterday?

 

[KTownGT]

I'll just wear an Armani tux... Haters will hate...

Thanks for the recs guys!

I just got accepted to shadow a Allergy/Immunology DO too starting in a week.

Quick question, knee length lab coat, or hip length? mhmmm

 

[aidama]

I'll just wear an Armani tux... Haters will hate...

Thanks for the recs guys!

I just got accepted to shadow a Allergy/Immunology DO too starting in a week.

Quick question, knee length lab coat, or hip length? mhmmm

He said you can wear a lab coat? I would not recommend wearing one. Professional business wear. Remember, you're not a doctor yet. 🙂

 

[KTownGT]

He said you can wear a lab coat? I would not recommend wearing one. Professional business wear. Remember, you're not a doctor yet. 🙂

The Cardiothoracic surgeon told me to get one.

I believe so I can jump in and hack up some pigs in the lab... Or join him in a heart transplant, either one.

I found a couple old-new pairs of khakis and black slacks from my salesman days. Worn once or twice than thrown in a closet for 3 years, phew.

I'll be picking up a few button ups, and a couple power ties.

 

[aidama]

The Cardiothoracic surgeon told me to get one.

I believe so I can jump in and hack up some pigs in the lab... Or join him in a heart transplant, either one.

I found a couple old-new pairs of khakis and black slacks from my salesman days. Worn once or twice than thrown in a closet for 3 years, phew.

I'll be picking up a few button ups, and a couple power ties.

If you're going to be working in a lab setting, longer coat. Don't wanna get your pretty new clothes dirty. 🙂

 

[DitchDoc73]

I'll just wear an Armani tux... Haters will hate...

Thanks for the recs guys!

I just got accepted to shadow a Allergy/Immunology DO too starting in a week.

Quick question, knee length lab coat, or hip length? mhmmm

knee length

 

[familyaerospace]

He said you can wear a lab coat? I would not recommend wearing one. Professional business wear. Remember, you're not a doctor yet. 🙂

I shadowed a nephrologist and he wanted me to wear a white coat and he said a longer one was fine, so yes some doctors do say (or INSIST) you can wear the white coat when shadowing.

 

[absolutdokta]

I'm still a firm believer in the shirt and tie approach. Worst case, if you are overdressed you can take the tie off.

Yes. A suit would probably be overkill, but a shirt and tie are perfect for shadowing.

 

[KTownGT]

If you're going to be working in a lab setting, longer coat. Don't wanna get your pretty new clothes dirty. 🙂

True... The hip legnth's look cooler though.. heh

I'm helping my sis move back to Baylor Nursing school tomorrow and will probably pick up a lab coat on the way back.

knee length

Yea, I'll end up with one of those simply because I'd rather get pig guts on my lab coat than kahkis/slacks.

I shadowed a nephrologist and he wanted me to wear a white coat and he said a longer one was fine, so yes some doctors do say (or INSIST) you can wear the white coat when shadowing.

The only real reason my Doc mentioned it was to help me look more official. 👍

Yes. A suit would probably be overkill, but a shirt and tie are perfect for shadowing.

That's what I was thinking too. Way too hot in Texas for a full suit.

 

[KTownGT]

If anyone needs any new dress shirts, Sam's Club has Kenneth Cole Reaction dress shirts(Blue, White, checkered, and purple(Which I did NOT buy)) for $17 a pop.

They are very nice shirts for the money. Fit great, look good, comfy, thick but they breathe well. 😀

 

[KTownGT]

Yes. A suit would probably be overkill, but a shirt and tie are perfect for shadowing.

The doc I'm shadowing mentioned today that when in doubt, err on the side of the tie.

😀

 

[IfeelYourPain]

this is why shadowing in the O.R./ E.R. is awesome... there's no wardrobe doubt involved with scrubs lol.

 

[whoop]

I always wear scrubs when I shadow. Scrubs are comfortable, plus you won't look like the doctor's malpractice lawyer 😀.