Easier to shadow private practice physician?

[RexThornman]

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I have reached out to multiple doctors in different fields and different hospital systems regarding shadowing hours, but since the pandemic, a lot of the rules they have in place make it harder to find shadowing positions, as they are often reserved for medical students. I could not find anything regarding shadowing a private practice physician, and wonder if it would be easier to shadow a private practice physician? If not, is there a better way to look for shadowing opportunities?

 

[pedneuro6894]

PP physicians tend to be easier because there are less work arounds, but if it’s someone like a surgeon who has an association with a hospital, it will be the same. Ive had to do drug tests simply to shadow lol. Maybe talk to your PCP if you can? I got all of my shadowing opportunities by cold emailing, I just got lucky.

 

[bankedsynapse]

I agree with the above, I had a much easier time with private practice shadowing because there is often virtually no red tape compared to hospital systems (particularly those with academic affiliation). It's worth the cold email for sure. In my case one of the physicians I worked with at a hospital had a spouse who worked in private practice and they got me in the door at their practice very quickly, so it's also always worth asking anyone you're even vaguely friendly with!

 

[MrTruck]

Way easier. No annoying HR for them to deal with.