If the attending or resident tell you that you can call him anytime. Does it really means that you can really call them as you like, of course, I am not saying calling them in the midnight or something like this.
Now, my dilemma is, if you don't call them, does it makes you seem less interested?
If the attending or resident tell you that you can call him anytime. Does it really means that you can really call them as you like, of course, I am not saying calling them in the midnight or something like this.
Now, my dilemma is, if you don't call them, does it makes you seem less interested?
I'm assuming you're talking about after you've interviewed for a residency position.
Well, I always meant it when I told applicants they could call me if they had any questions about anything. Few ever did, however, so it isn't likely to make you seem less interested. In fact, unless you had a good reason to call, it would probably do more harm than good. You don't want to come off as a stalker, either. 😉
I'm assuming you mean regarding a clincal question? Personal issue?
IMHO, "call me anytime" is the attending equivalent of "we should do lunch." They might mean it but they're probably just being polite. If its a clinical question, the general rule in this situation is to go through the chain of command. Ask the other students first, then the residents, then the fellow or chief. Then in the extremely unlikely chance that no one is around or have all ignored you, maybe consider it. If you think the potential danger of the situation outweights the far greater likelihood of annoying the person who grades you........ well I say kudos, brave soul.
Grain of salt disclaimer: I have experience with this. There is a surgery attending who doubtless has no memory of my countless hours furiously scribbling down vitals and holding retractors, but he sure as hell remembers that I asked him a question while he was eating a bagel and listening to Rush Limbaugh.
Anyway, use your judgment of what kind of attending this is, but I still say statements like are not to be taken at face value when uttered by superiors.
Good luck!
I am not talking about residency position. It is just my clinical rotation, haven seen the resident that I worked with for sometime, just want to call him up and ask how he is
This attending is someone I am working with in a research...He always asked me to call him anytime should I have any problems, and he said it many times....He is someone that is going to write me a letter.
It all depends on your relationship. If it was really superficial, I don't think I'd call just to say "Hi." I'm afraid it could come off a little odd.
In this case, I think it's worth keeping in touch. However, make sure there's a reason for your call. I don't think I'd call up just to chat about nothing.
Good luck!
What about asking the attending about his exam and how his father did after the surgery? Will that be considered too intrusive? Yet, I feel that if I don't ask, it may seem that i am callous.
I'm not sure what you mean...his prostate exam? 😉
Seriously, this is really just about plain ol' social skills. If you know the guy pretty well, you can talk about about personal stuff...otherwise, you'd better not. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. As the saying goes, if you have to ask...
Solution = leave a note with his secretary (or in his mailbox). No worries about taking up his time, and he'll contact you to chat further if he has the time and inclination.
Can't you just send an email? Then he can reply whenever he wants.
Hmmm, I was thinking about this when I was reading the OP's comments. I know a few phd's at my hospital who have said the same thing to me, come by my lab/call me/stop by anytime, etc. These are people who were also my professors. A few MD's have said the same thing.
I am an older student, and so some of these people I think, would sort of like to become friends. I mean, like the phd's, and one or two MD's that I can think of. So, I also sort of agree with the OP, that when you sort of start to get to know someone personally, and yet that person is also your superior in some way - well, it gets hard to figure out the social dynamics.
I know an MD, and like him personally and socially. I think he likes me too, and is well, sort of becoming a friend I guess. And yet, he is a very senior physician in his department. I will eventually have to rotate through his division, altho I elected to do the rotation at another hospital, because I felt the dynamics were complicated. We're just friends tho, and yet - I don't know. It's hard to sort it all out.
So, I agree with the OP, it's hard to know were "student" is separated from friend stuff. Just trust your instincts and be yourself is my recomendation.
