First Shadowing Experience Tomorrow : Radiation Oncologist

[matth87]

Hey guys, tomorrow I am going to be shadowing my very first doctor. He is a radiation oncologist. Can anyone tell me what to expect or what I should and shouldn't do? I am going to wear slacks and a nice shirt w/ a tie.

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[redlight]

id say bring a pen and paper (note pad or something) to write observations and questions as they arise.
id ask about standard stuff like job satisfaction, best and worst parts of job, etc. most interesting or memorable case, blah. light stuff.

 

[Mattabet]

Watch out for gamma rays 🙂

Just be polite, and don't go overboard with questions, especially if he's clearly occupied with something else. Shadowing is not hard. If you can interact with a human being (or at least stay quiet and keep up), then you should be fine.

 

[mvenus929]

My first shadowing experience was with a radonc too... the only female one in our town, actually. She not only brought me in patient exams, but also showed me the physics department where they make the molds for the patients undergoing radiation, and let me sit with the rad techs to see how they administered the radiation. Just be willing to ask questions and learn.

 

[WellWornLad]

Don't keep asking if him if he's "super double sure" that he actually put the radioactive seeds in the prostate...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/health/21radiation.html

But seriously, it's a topical news piece that might make for good conversation.

 

[PreMedHopeful]

alright so I was shadowing a doc, and the first week I was all excited with questions and enthusiasm, but the second week I was tired because of several reasons and the doctor is like, "can you show some interest, ask questions" so yeah I got dissed.

but he's a pedes doctor and its the same thing nonstop, all the kids have sniffles or sore throat...AND he had foreign patients so he kept talking to them in his language and I didn't wanna interrupt and sound rude...also he was rather busy

but yeah so my point is, how do you keep your interest when I gotta shadow him the rest of the summer....I mean he's a great pediatrician but like we have nothing in common to talk about....

 

[Mattabet]

Don't keep asking if him if he's "super double sure" that he actually put the radioactive seeds in the prostate...

"You're putting what kind of seeds where?! I'm sorry... I think I have to call the police... y'know just to be safe. This seems a little fishy..."

 

[ruzzel01]

Observe everything he does. Take notes of all the important procedures he's going to take. Ask questions if necessary, esp when there are some procedures you don't get and don't understand. Just be composed and do not let your nerves disturb you. Good luck!