Don't know the protocols of shadowing.

[Symmetry11]

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So I am about to shadow an Ophthalmologist at a homeless shelter I volunteer at and I don't know the basics of shadowing. Such as what to wear, what kind of and when I should ask questions, along with all of the other questions that only experienced shadowers would know of.

I emphasized homeless shelter because I feel the standard responses might change because of the setting. Should I distance myself from our homeless clients (presumably) by wearing a button up and slacks or continue to wear jeans? Also, should I not discuss political and lifestyle issues of medicine? Also the Ophthalmologist I am going to shadow is 70-75 years of age! Who probably has much wisdom to impart but I want to show tact with my questions. Also, he comes to the shelter once a month, how should I ask him if I can continue to shadow him at the end?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

The only thing I would ask is what to wear. Sometimes they want nice clothes, sometimes nice clothes would look really stupid (ie in a homeless shelter). Sometimes they want you in scrubs. I would say a simple button up shirt and jeans is pretty much the easiest choice if you don't want to ask the doctor.

Just follow him and watch, and have a conversation with him when he has a moment. Mostly be totally silent when he is with patients, unless he introduces you (which most doctors will do when you come into the room) or asks if you have any questions for the patient etc. I have worked with homeless people before in medical environments, it definitely feels like a lot looser and less formal shadowing in a free clinic than it does when you shadow in some ritzy hospital suite.

 

[Axes]

Go with the flow

 

[chemist16]

1) Dress business casual. You shouldn't show up in a suit and tie, but you shouldn't show up in jeans with holes in them and a t-shirt. You should simply look professional.

2) You can discuss the politics/lifestyle of medicine with the doctor during breaks/time off, etc. You shouldn't do this when he/she is rushing to see a patient or when he/she is seeing the patient. I think the politics and bureaucracy of medicine are overlooked a lot nowadays and it's nice to know how things will be when you finally graduate med school and have to deal with it.

3) Don't talk when he's with a patient. The focus should be on the patient when he/she is in the exam room. You can ask questions later in his/her office or during breaks when you guys are alone.

4) Just ask him if you can shadow him again. It's a simple question and you ask it like how you'd ask any other question.

 

[Grace184]

Ask the doctor. In the hospital it would be business casual, but it's always best to verify how he wants you dressed, the time, etc. then, when you get there, he will explain what he'll be doing and what he'd like you to do. Since it is a homeless shelter, observe the doctor, but remember to be empathetic to the patients, as well. I used to do psych triage on skid row in LA and earning their trust wasn't easy. Follow the doctors lead... A kind smile can go a long way.

 

[vantheman]

In my opinion, unless told otherwise, you should wear slacks, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. But I agree with the above comment that it would probably be best to ask beforehand since it might be awkward looking so sharp in certain circumstances.

Be professional and interested in what is going on (especially in front of patients). Also, don't be shy and unconfident. That kinda makes things awkward.

If you truly want to get a lot out of your shadowing experience, try to do some research related to the field so you can have some sort of idea of what is going on. That way you aren't standing there awkwardly wondering what sort of questions you should ask haha. Instead, you can well thought out questions that makes both yours and the physicians time a bit more enjoyable.

Most importantly, try to pay attention to everything the physician does. This is your time to learn what physicians do. At least for me, I never realized how much charting, consulting, dealing with staff, etc doctors do until I shadowed and started working as a scribe.