Best Way to Contact Podiatrists for Shadowing

[90watt]

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I looked at old threads regarding this and there seems to be a mixed bag of answers. So I'm just trying to gather some second opinions here- would you recommend email, phone, or show up in-person?

Personally I think email works the best because it's probably the most convenient for most podiatrists. You can get to them directly instead of having to go through a receptionist, and it's the least likely to be "bothersome" to them when they're busy. If I do email them, should I include a resume as well?

But yes, if you do not think email is the best way, then please also comment below.

 

[iVTECdailyy]

I called a Podiatrist today in my hometown and asked to shadow. He said sure, and proceeded to ask me if I plan to practice in town since he's looking to retire soon (hand down his office). 👍

call or email. podiatrists are generally cool and respond positively.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

So I'm just trying to gather some second opinions here- would you recommend email, phone, or show up in-person

You may never just "show up in-person."....

 

[CATSandKILOS]

I called a podiatrist in my area before I came home from school asking if I could shadow and he said yes. Left a message on his phone last week and he hasn't called back. Would it be too pushy to call him again?

 

[fbtmof]

I have shadowed two Podiatrists, and I called both times. They were both very willing and excited to have me around. Have fun! Its a great experience.

 

[fbtmof]

I called a podiatrist in my area before I came home from school asking if I could shadow and he said yes. Left a message on his phone last week and he hasn't called back. Would it be too pushy to call him again?

Kate2,
Personally, I do not think that it would be too pushy to call again. Most podiatrists have very busy schedules, and he simply might have just forgotten to return your call. Go ahead and try to reach him one more time 🙂

 

[SuperFeisty]

AACPM has local mentors in most towns that are there for this. I would recommend looking there if you haven't already.

 

[Dr MnM]

I just called and asked if they'd let me shadow. They're usually pretty cool about letting you com in for shadowing.

 

[stevenboi27]

When calling, you would most likely be talking to the receptionist first so is it better to explain to the receptionist that you are looking for a shadowing opportunity or ask to speak to the doctor directly. Sorry, I am new to this whole procedure and any advice is appreciated.

 

[EK18]

I was pretty shy my first time shadowing so I emailed the Pod. He responded with a yes and wanted to call me over the phone so that we could discuss me/my grades/MCAT and talk about Podiatry and stuff. He let me shadow him for a bunionectomy and a hammer toe procedure. It was pretty cool stuff. He lived far away from me though so he referred me to another Pod who lives half as far from me.

After shadowing that Pod 3-4 times I asked him for a letter and he said sure.

 

[rushrhees]

Just called a DPM that I had to visit 8 years ago, talked for 20min and have a session set up. Just give them a call and explain your self. I am sure you will do fine.

 

[daarango]

You may never just "show up in-person."....

Max you say not to never just walk in but I've done it twice and the pods were extremely accepting and helpful. They were actually impressed that I just walked into my local pod and asked to shadow

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Max you say not to never just walk in but I've done it twice and the pods were extremely accepting and helpful. They were actually impressed that I just walked into my local pod and asked to shadow

You got lucky, I guess. It is considered unprofessional in my opinion to show up announced expecting to shadow. Doctors might feel uncomfortable that someone just walked in off the street expecting to hang out with them. Again, you probably got a nice guy that was easy going, which is good. But I wouldn't assume all pods to be this easy going and it's far better policy to call ahead than to just assume they will let you walk in off the street and follow them around for the day, IMO.

 

[Cozell]

Max you say not to never just walk in but I've done it twice and the pods were extremely accepting and helpful. They were actually impressed that I just walked into my local pod and asked to shadow

I've thought about doing this to, but of course showing up well dressed (button up long sleeve tucked, dress shoes, tie, and slacks) maybe this is a prob IDK. If I did this I would just go in and ask if they would be so kind as to allow me to shadow some day at their convience, I will be contacting a Pod this week im still unsure how I should do it but one things for sure, Im going to do it. 👍

 

[Mangos18]

If you have a school which you're particularly fond of, call them and ask if they have Alum which allow students to shadow... that's what I did for the past two summers and it worked out great!