Finally got a "yes"!

[Boidae]

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After months and months of calling various veterinary offices I FINALLY called one and they said, "Yes, we accept student shadows." I almost squealed with happiness but answered the questions asked, which was just where I'm going to school and if I can tolerate seeing blood and feces and vomit. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. She asked when I was available and I told her I could show up any time over winter break but she's going to try to fit me in to a day in two weeks! It's tough because it's a larger practice and they don't know how busy it will be.

Are these usually one-day things or can I request it become once a week or once a month? These are the first people to not tell me they were worried about liability so I'd really like to stay there as long as possible and maybe get a job or something. It's a regular clinic BUT they're linked with an after-hours emergency clinic! They have a lab, pharmacy, boarding, laser surgery... I'm so excited!!!!

 

[that redhead]

If, after your day of shadowing, you really enjoyed the experience (including the people), you could ask the office manager if they'd be open to having you shadow on a regular basis. She may want to get back to you, presumably to see if everyone else liked you and wouldn't mind having you around, but I don't see why this sort of thing couldn't become a more frequent thing.

 

[Boidae]

I'm hoping so! 🙂 I'm going to be as polite and out of the way as possible and make sure I ask questions and try not to flinch at the blood. That's still something I have to get over.

 

[pirateyoho]

Congratulations!

Just focus on making a good impression (I'm sure you will!) and I think they would be fine with having you shadow on a regular basis. One tip I have for making a good impression during a day of shadowing is to bring a small notebook and pencil with you. Take notes on what you see to show that you're engaged and interested in really learning something from the experience. Be sure to ask questions when appropriate, too. They'll likely be very impressed by your enthusiasm and professionalism. 🙂

 

[LetItSnow]

They'll likely be very impressed by your enthusiasm and professionalism. 🙂

Tiny little piece of advice: If you're meeting clients (i.e. if you're seeing appointments with the doc and not just hanging in the back area or surgery), don't sneak in and out of the room with doctor and never say anything (some people really get shy and/or like to be wallflowers ... that's my default mode of operation, too, but you have to get past it). Greet the client, greet their animal. Make sure you know the owner's name and animal's name before you go in. And then say good bye ("It was great to meet you!") on the way out. Offer to help carry that 40 lb bag of food if they're purchasing some. Whatever.

Showing the practice that you care about their clients is a good way to get yourself an open invitation to come back.

I wouldn't ask them to make it a once/weekly or once/monthly thing right away. I'd just ask if you can return for another day. Do that for a few times and if you still like it and want to return ... then ask. Or you might just find that it naturally becomes a regular thing without you really having to ask.