Can you ask to be "pimped" when shadowing as a pre-med?

[Alakazam123]

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So I've been reading online about medical students who get "pimped" by attendings or residents, and are expected to know the answer.

Is there a way to ask a physician you are shadowing if you can be "quizzed" so that the shadowing process is more active and less passive. Has anyone done this?

For instance, if you are shadowing a neurosurgeon and they tell you they are doing a lumbar laminectomy the next day and you read up on the surgery, can you ask to be quizzed?

 

[Tenk]

You should totally try this and let us know the results. Bring plenty of lube.

 

[wanderingorion]

I'm sure they would LOVE that.

 

[Brawndo2016]

While you are at it, don’t forget to call the IRS and request an audit on yourself or to wear a sign that says “ask me about my rectal hidey hole” when you go through TSA screening.

 

[Medic741]

So I've been reading online about medical students who get "pimped" by attendings or residents, and are expected to know the answer.

Is there a way to ask a physician you are shadowing if you can be "quizzed" so that the shadowing process is more active and less passive. Has anyone done this?

For instance, if you are shadowing a neurosurgeon and they tell you they are doing a lumbar laminectomy the next day and you read up on the surgery, can you ask to be quizzed?

No. Chris this would be the most annoying possible thing you could do

 

[Alakazam123]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

 

[Alakazam123]

Wouldn't it be a good way to show that I'm paying attention to what is going on? Perhaps I may not know the details to the level of a resident or an M3. But if there is anything that I can answer, isn't that helpful?

 

[Keona]

Don’t ask this. They will ask you things anyways. Reading beforehand is always helpful so you’ve got some idea of what’s going on.

 

[Oso]

If you want it to be more active and less passive then try to do some background reading and ask a lot of questions.

What would be the point of pimping you? You don't know **** and that's expected

 

[deleted610572]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

Pimping isn’t simple questions. Until you’ve had that d***head resident come off a 24h and decide to **** down your throat in front of an attending for no reason then you haven’t been “pimped”. It’s called pimping for a reason. It’s not just simple quizzing so that you can look good. It’s hard questions to push your thought process or recall.

Ps: there is more than just the example as pimping but it’s certainly one that I’ve witnessed. I definitely wouldn’t ask for that willingly.

 

[MerYangBey]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

Being normal is definitely a plus if you want someone to write a letter. It’s painful to watch when people are trying way way too hard. Just be interested. Be professional and don’t overthink it.

 

[ortnakas]

That would be weird. Don’t do that. Plus, even if you read the night before, you’re not going to learn 2+ years’ of med school worth of information that you’d need to actually look good.

Reading about the surgery beforehand and asking questions about it would be a good idea.

 

[ciestar]

Don’t be weird. This is weird. Don’t be that guy.

 

[Brawndo2016]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

Where in the world is the fun in that?

 

[Alakazam123]

That would be weird. Don’t do that. Plus, even if you read the night before, you’re not going to learn 2+ years’ of med school worth of information that you’d need to actually look good.

Reading about the surgery beforehand and asking questions about it would be a good idea.

Thank you!!

 

[Tchotchke]

Pimpin aint easy

don't do this. it will make you look weird. You can ask questions, and write down terms or concepts for you to look up on your own time. That will show you are interested. But don't asked to be quizzed. I think I speak for all second years (except the gunners heh heh) when I say i'm not looking forward to being pimped during clerkship!

 

[ciestar]

Pimpin aint easy

don't do this. it will make you look weird. You can ask questions, and write down terms or concepts for you to look up on your own time. That will show you are interested. But don't asked to be quizzed. I think I speak for all second years (except the gunners heh heh) when I say i'm not looking forward to being pimped during clerkship!

Being pimped sucks lol
I’ve frozen on even the easy stuff because i’m intimidated lol

 

[JustaDO]

I now see why some physicians don't allow shadowing.

 

[Nucleophile1]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

Slightly off-topic but I would recommend getting letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your work ethic and accomplishments (professors, PI, a boss, etc.).

Unless the medical school explicitly requires a letter of recommendation from a physician (I know some DO schools do), I would recommend asking other people who will be able to write you a stronger letter than "Alakazam stood politely beside me for X amount of hours."

 

[Espressso]

This thread is funny.

 

[Osteosaur]

wasting someone's time so you can try to show off?

shut up and be quiet

 

[afib123]

No - just read up on whatever speciality the physician is in and come up with a few questions if you can. Don't ask a question just for the sake of asking it. It's a subtle art between looking like you're trying too hard vs looking like a fool without knowing anything.
Best way is to read a lot before going and if anything you saw in the clinic came up in your reading, you could ask.
Better always to stick to questions about traits of a physician, lifestyle of a physician, why they picked that field, what they enjoy the most etc

 

[Alakazam123]

No - just read up on whatever speciality the physician is in and come up with a few questions if you can. Don't ask a question just for the sake of asking it. It's a subtle art between looking like you're trying too hard vs looking like a fool without knowing anything.
Best way is to read a lot before going and if anything you saw in the clinic came up in your reading, you could ask.
Better always to stick to questions about traits of a physician, lifestyle of a physician, why they picked that field, what they enjoy the most etc

Thank you, I will follow this advice!!

 

[Podstar]

The best thing you can do when shadowing is show a genuine interest in being there without getting in the way. Follow this up with a few questions you have thought of throughout the day during an appropriate time.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Omg why is anyone like this?

 

[NicMouse64]

Unless you've already done all 23k cards in zanki and uworld while spending your life on uptodate you likely aren't gonna know anything that will impress them.

 

[Alakazam123]

The best thing you can do when shadowing is show a genuine interest in being there without getting in the way. Follow this up with a few questions you have thought of throughout the day during an appropriate time.

Thank you, I shall follow this advice.

 

[NicMouse64]

Thank you, I shall follow this advice.

Shadowing isn't to get you into medical school. It's to figure out if you think it's worth it. If you pay close attention many will probably discourage you. Shadowing doesn't impress anyone on an Adcom. It's just a requirement. Do it and then focus on literally everything else.

 

[FFH]

Don't ask an attending to do anything extra for you when your existence is already something extra that they have to deal with when caring for patients.

 

[Weirdy]

Yeesh, a simple no would've sufficed. I thought that if I get quizzed and I answer some basic questions correctly, that there'll be something they can write about on the letter of recommendation.

Wouldn't it be a good way to show that I'm paying attention to what is going on? Perhaps I may not know the details to the level of a resident or an M3. But if there is anything that I can answer, isn't that helpful?

I always end up clicking on your posts for fun.

They show a massive lack of self-awareness, social cues, and maturity.
They also usually beg for sympathy.

Please do not be the as*hole that tries to look good by sounding smart. Admit it, you are only feeding your own ego.

Shadow to see if you can do this for years down the line.

Shut up. Stay out of the way.
If you do not know what you are or are not allowed to do, ask them and follow their instructions explicitly.
Do not ask questions you can look up. If you do ask questions, only ask them if your attending has the time and mental energy for it.

 

[FFH]

Sounds like you genuinely don't have a clue about the application process, which is totally fine. Not everyone has a doctor in the family or someone to turn to for advice.
And you responded well when others giving you feedbacks, even when it's a bit harsh. I think you'll do just fine if you keep improving your understanding of the situation. Feel free to PM me in the future if you have questions about applying. I'll do my best to help.

 

[Black Coffee 24/7]

I always end up clicking on your posts for fun.

They show a massive lack of self-awareness, social cues, and maturity.
They also usually beg for sympathy.

Please do not be the as*hole that tries to look good by sounding smart. Admit it, you are only feeding your own ego.

Shadow to see if you can do this for years down the line.

Shut up. Stay out of the way.
If you do not know what you are or are not allowed to do, ask them and follow their instructions explicitly.
Do not ask questions you can look up. If you do ask questions, only ask them if your attending has the time and mental energy for it.

I believe that he's asking for opinions from fellow colleagues, not podiatrists.

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

I believe that he's asking for opinions from fellow colleagues, not podiatrists.

 

[Alakazam123]

I always end up clicking on your posts for fun.

They show a massive lack of self-awareness, social cues, and maturity.
They also usually beg for sympathy.

Please do not be the as*hole that tries to look good by sounding smart. Admit it, you are only feeding your own ego.

Shadow to see if you can do this for years down the line.

Shut up. Stay out of the way.
If you do not know what you are or are not allowed to do, ask them and follow their instructions explicitly.
Do not ask questions you can look up. If you do ask questions, only ask them if your attending has the time and mental energy for it.

Thank you, I will follow your advice.

 

[Weirdy]

I believe that he's asking for opinions from fellow colleagues, not podiatrists.

Allopathic or osteopathic?

I've heard worse. If putting other professions down lets you sleep better, hit me with another one.

Maybe you're having a bad night or you just feel like sticking it to me because my language was harsh.

If you need to vent, I'm here all night studying for a path exam.

 

[Alakazam123]

yknow what @Weirdy , you have a point. I am being kind of immature with these posts. My curiosity is often idle, and the time is probably better spent off the forum. I certainly wish you'd been nicer, but I cannot control what kind of behavior you choose to exhibit.

To those who gave me advice, thank you. I really will stop using this website for some time. Or at least, stop posting questions.

"When all say you are an a** it is time to bray."

I bray.

 

[PA_dud3]

I will be moving this thread to the pre-allopathic forum, as it is more on the topic of pre-med shadowing.

 

[allantois]

You got this all wrong.

You should pimp the neurosurgeon after the night of reading up on it!

 

[afib123]

yknow what @Weirdy , you have a point. I am being kind of immature with these posts. My curiosity is often idle, and the time is probably better spent off the forum. I certainly wish you'd been nicer, but I cannot control what kind of behavior you choose to exhibit.

To those who gave me advice, thank you. I really will stop using this website for some time. Or at least, stop posting questions.

"When all say you are an a** it is time to bray."

I bray.

I have not read your other posts and although this post really does come across as immature (just think about it once). But my free advice just based on this post and not your previous posts which I haven't read is, have some self-awareness and think about what your actions are.

I think your intention of trying to get a letter of recommendation, preparing before hand and reading about the surgery, wanting to look good are all fine and what you'd call being "proactive". But you crossed the line and thought about asking the physician to quiz you. I have never heard something like that. You wanting to show your knowledge and being prepared is good, but you have to do in a subtle way.

 

[dr_kateb]

Alakazam's threads never disappoint

 

[500miles]

This is premed thinking at its best.

 

[deleted938090]

Most of the time when I shadowed, the attendings are really busy and only talk to residents, nurses, and medical students.
Occasionally, when I talked to the residents, there was "friendly" pimping [is it even called pimping if they don't roast you?]: residents asked if I knew stuff related to my classes, etc but it wasn't in a toxic way, and it was only to help me understand their thinking. None of their questions were intentionally meant for you to get wrong, and if I didn't know the answer, they would just explain its significance.

Examples: How is inulin used to measure GFR? Mechanism of action for ketoconazole? What are AST/ALT, and why does their elevation mean liver damage? etc

Also IDK why you'd want to be asked to be pimped, because they're really busy most of the time...

 

[Melchizedek]

So I've been reading online about medical students who get "pimped" by attendings or residents, and are expected to know the answer.

Is there a way to ask a physician you are shadowing if you can be "quizzed" so that the shadowing process is more active and less passive. Has anyone done this?

For instance, if you are shadowing a neurosurgeon and they tell you they are doing a lumbar laminectomy the next day and you read up on the surgery, can you ask to be quizzed?

You already own a copy of First Aid don't you......

 

[Lucca]

Let's be nice. I think OP understands where the consensus lies.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Pimping isn’t simple questions. Until you’ve had that d***head resident come off a 24h and decide to **** down your throat in front of an attending for no reason then you haven’t been “pimped”. It’s called pimping for a reason. It’s not just simple quizzing so that you can look good. It’s hard questions to push your thought process or recall.

Ps: there is more than just the example as pimping but it’s certainly one that I’ve witnessed. I definitely wouldn’t ask for that willingly.

One time a urology resident corrected an attending during a case. Basically, the attending said something that was a little backwards, and the resident said something to the effect of: actually, it's this--that's a common error. It was so long ago, I don't remember the details.

Oh man. That attending DESTROYED that resident. It was extremely painful.

 

[AllBleedingStops]

can you ask to be quizzed?

Gunner.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Okay, I think the thread has run its course. OP has his answer. Closing.