Best shadowing experience?

[MAP2]

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So I don't THINK that this type of thread has been posted before.
What were your best experiences shadowing? What did you learn? I just did some for the past two days and it was really cool. My favourite part was when I was talking to the doc about how to deal with "there's nothing more we can do" situations and his response was truly inspiring. He said there's rarely, if ever, absolutely nothing one can do. Even if you can't treat, you can counsel and give advice and improve the quality of life of the patient, and that in itself is pretty rewarding. And the fact that all the nurses and doctors were so friendly and helpful was great. I've seen my share of "high and mighty" doctors who talk down to you, and it was just really nice shadowing someone who talks at an equal level and works with the patient to help them feel better. Really cool! Definitely a necessary experience before applying I think. I'm definitely going to do some more and try to get a feel for what it's like to do the job everyday...

 

[kanyewest]

How did you find someone to shadow? I don't know any doctors IRL and I get the impression that one does not simply walk into their dr's office and begin following them around.

 

[flatearth22]

kidney transplant.

seeing it turn pink was a thing of beauty.

 

[AsianPersuasion]

I didn't have a really good experience that stood out the most. It was all a learning process to me and trying to understand the work and brain process that is put into medicine.

But one thing that was sad for me was the pediatric trauma that came in with the young boy ejected outta the car and died when he got to the bay. It's hard enough seeing an adult not make it, but when it comes to kids it's even harder and you can tell everybody's mood just change. It almost seems like the team feel the need to work even harder to revive him back.

 

[NightGod]

kidney transplant.

seeing it turn pink was a thing of beauty.

/very jealous

Watching the Hopkins documentary when they show a lung transplant and you get a nice shot of the new lung re-inflating and pinking up is one of the things that solidified my desire to become a doctor. I doubt I'll have the chance to see any transplants before med school/residency, but I'd jump at the chance in a heartbeat.

 

[MAP2]

I didn't have a really good experience that stood out the most. It was all a learning process to me and trying to understand the work and brain process that is put into medicine.

But one thing that was sad for me was the pediatric trauma that came in with the young boy ejected outta the car and died when he got to the bay. It's hard enough seeing an adult not make it, but when it comes to kids it's even harder and you can tell everybody's mood just change. It almost seems like the team feel the need to work even harder to revive him back.

Oh man, that's rough... I think kids get to everyone 🙁. I dunno if I could handle pediatrics.

@ Kanye

I guess I just got lucky. I searched around and e-mailed a few docs at one of the teaching hospitals around here. Try it out and see. You might be surprised by who actually does reply to your e-mails.

 

[postbacpremed87]

Watching the active re-warming process after a patient was chilled post-MI/cardiac arrest - Cardiology Grand Rounds...FUN!!!

 

[kts]

liposuction

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

every time I see opening of dura, I get a medical boner

 

[MAP2]

every time I see opening of dura, I get a medical boner

So I'm just going to assume that's like a regular boner. But, like, 56749687x better.

 

[HH Holmes]

Of all things, I watched the P&R surgeon perform an abdominoplasty while talking to his anesthesiologist. Nothing all too special, just enjoyed the nature of the OR and how quiet and serene it was. Just the sight of a surgeon working, the sounds of slicing, beeping and cauterizing and the oh-so-delicious smell of the bovie tearing up human flesh.