First Time Shadowing

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usn_heavy

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Hello all,

I'm currently second year in pre-med and will be undergoing my first shadowing experience in June. I'm very fortunate to have a cousin-in-law who is a physician that will allow me to shadow him but I do not know what to expect. I expect to gain 90% of my shadowing experience when I shadow my cousin over the summer but before I do, what is to be expected of me as the "shadowee?"

I'm aware I should dress in semi-formal to formal attire (button-up shirt, slacks, nice dress shoes and maybe even a tie) unless otherwise to do so. I plan on bringing a notebook but if my cousin (a nephrologist) works strictly out of an office, I will bring both my laptop (Surface Pro 3) and my notebook and take notes meticulously.

I'm curious, however, is there any sort of insurance involved? I understand I will be under a doctor's watchful eye but are they held liable should something happen to me? If so, how do I go about registering for insurance?

Lastly, like I mentioned, I'm very fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity. I would just like to know what are some other ways to garner experience in shadowing. I've applied for programs at UC Davis and USC but they are not taking any more applicants as they are booked.

Thank you.

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Stay out of the physician's way and don't ask any questions in front of the patient pertaining to the patient's condition. Prepare a list of questions that you're genuinely interested to know (specialty lifestyle, hours spent doing paperwork, work-life balance). I always like to send a thank you note to the physician for taking the time out of their day to let me shadow them, it's a nice gesture.
 
Hello all,

I'm currently second year in pre-med and will be undergoing my first shadowing experience in June. I'm very fortunate to have a cousin-in-law who is a physician that will allow me to shadow him but I do not know what to expect. I expect to gain 90% of my shadowing experience when I shadow my cousin over the summer but before I do, what is to be expected of me as the "shadowee?"

I'm aware I should dress in semi-formal to formal attire (button-up shirt, slacks, nice dress shoes and maybe even a tie) unless otherwise to do so. I plan on bringing a notebook but if my cousin (a nephrologist) works strictly out of an office, I will bring both my laptop (Surface Pro 3) and my notebook and take notes meticulously.

I'm curious, however, is there any sort of insurance involved? I understand I will be under a doctor's watchful eye but are they held liable should something happen to me? If so, how do I go about registering for insurance?

Lastly, like I mentioned, I'm very fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity. I would just like to know what are some other ways to garner experience in shadowing. I've applied for programs at UC Davis and USC but they are not taking any more applicants as they are booked.

Thank you.


Ask your cousin! He (or she) will tell you what you need to know.

You don't need insurance but you might need an ID badge from the hospital. The doctor will go into the room first say they have a student with them and if it's ok for you to observe.
 
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Stay out of the physician's way and don't ask any questions in front of the patient pertaining to the patient's condition. Prepare a list of questions that you're genuinely interested to know (specialty lifestyle, hours spent doing paperwork, work-life balance). I always like to send a thank you note to the physician for taking the time out of their day to let me shadow them, it's a nice gesture.
Thank you for that! Is there anything I should enact upon with regards to insurance/shadowee liability?

Update: I posted this too soon, thanks all!
 
Hello all,

I'm currently second year in pre-med and will be undergoing my first shadowing experience in June. I'm very fortunate to have a cousin-in-law who is a physician that will allow me to shadow him but I do not know what to expect. I expect to gain 90% of my shadowing experience when I shadow my cousin over the summer but before I do, what is to be expected of me as the "shadowee?"

I'm aware I should dress in semi-formal to formal attire (button-up shirt, slacks, nice dress shoes and maybe even a tie) unless otherwise to do so. I plan on bringing a notebook but if my cousin (a nephrologist) works strictly out of an office, I will bring both my laptop (Surface Pro 3) and my notebook and take notes meticulously.

I'm curious, however, is there any sort of insurance involved? I understand I will be under a doctor's watchful eye but are they held liable should something happen to me? If so, how do I go about registering for insurance?

Lastly, like I mentioned, I'm very fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity. I would just like to know what are some other ways to garner experience in shadowing. I've applied for programs at UC Davis and USC but they are not taking any more applicants as they are booked.

Thank you.

Ask your cousin if he knows any docs that wouldn't mind letting you shadow them. That's an easy way to do it.
 
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What type of specialty does your cousin specialize in? Some patients are very picky about a student being in the room, much less someone with a Surface Pro + notebook/notes. Frankly surprised nobody told you about there being a potential HIPAA violation or a perceived HIPAA violation, both of which are equivalent risks for a hospital/practice to take when you're trying to not be much of a presence within the hospital. I've had certain patients who were very conscious about their diagnosis tell me to get out of the room after the doctor introduced me as being a shadowing student. Maybe endocrinology patients can be a bit more hormonal than others, but I made it a point to reduce as much attention I could before I figured out what I could do in order to help the practice as a thanks to the physician + practice.
 
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What type of specialty does your cousin specialize in? Some patient's are very picky about a student being in the room, much less someone with a Surface Pro + notebook/notes. Frankly surprised nobody told you about there being a potential HIPAA violation or a perceived HIPAA violation, both of which are equivalent risks for a hospital/practice to take when you're trying to not be much of a presence within the hospital.
Ahhh yes the HIPAA regulations! Thank you for mentioning this and of course I did not forget. During my time in the Navy (Personnel Specialist 2nd Class) I worked with a medical Corpsman very closely. He enforced these regulations very well... as far as the Surface Pro maybe I wouldn't bring it. It was just a thought in case he was working in his office but you're absolutely right, this isn't a right approach to shadowing. I'm glad you brought this up.. thank you.
 
A lot of hospitals will have paperwork that will cover HIPPAA and all of that good stuff. Also, I personally wouldn't worry too much about bringing a notebook and taking meticulous notes, at least not while in the room with a patient. I would more focus on enjoying the experience and observing the doctor as much as possible.
 
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A lot of hospitals will have paperwork that will cover HIPPAA and all of that good stuff. Also, I personally wouldn't worry too much about bringing a notebook and taking meticulous notes, at least not while in the room with a patient. I would more focus on enjoying the experience and observing the doctor as much as possible.
I personally think that if you're unaware of the internal politics going on within a site or a place of practice, then the best move is to come in as lean as possible with no baggage.
 
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Hello everyone! I didn't want to make a new thread so I'll just post this question right in here...

For logging hours, how should I go about this? Do I just make note of what times I shadowed or is there some official form that requires a sign-off of some sort?
 
Hello everyone! I didn't want to make a new thread so I'll just post this question right in here... For logging hours, how should I go about this? Do I just make note of what times I shadowed or is there some official form that requires a sign-off of some sort?

If you have a scheduling app that has a minor logging function attached it will help you with the AACOMAS application when it asks you to start logging in total hours, start of an experience, and end of experience. I never bothered applying MD so I'll let someone else field that area. However, I remember for AACOMAS it was important that you had everything organized before you finalized your submissions. You could always just guesstimate, but it's a good practice to get into sooner than later to balance all the events that life has to offer.
 
Keep your own logs of when you shadow. Take only yourself, snacks, and a small discreet notebook. Be quiet and stay out of the way when interacting with patients. Try to spend the first day or two observing and just writing down questions. After you understand the rhythm it will be easier to ask questions when it is appropriate.

Have a list of basic questions about a physicians life that you take with you on the first day though. The doctor may ask you what questions you have and so having a few ready about the job of a physician will help you make a good impression.

Also (I can't believe no one has said this) this SHOULD NOT be your primary shadowing experience. You need to learn from people you have no relation to. You need objective support and criticism. Take this opportunity to learn about this part of medicine, and shadowing in this environment. Then ask this doctor what specialty they would have gone into had they not chosen this specialty. Ask if they could recommend anyone in that field for you to shadow. Alternately just ask them if they have any other colleagues who might be willing to let you shadow.

Adcoms generally frown on people who only shadowed people they knew from life. You need to try putting yourself out there. GL and don't worry, this is fun!
 
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Thank you guys for the feedback! I honestly have never thought about a logging app but that sure will come in handy so I'll be checking around for good apps for my phone.

Also, italiancowgirl, thanks for your constructive feedback. You're absolutely right, but the only downside is I don't know much people in the medical field out here. I got back from the Navy 2 years ago and I was in Chicago for the time being but now I'm back in bay area and I didn't grow up here. Moved around a lot my whole life from being a military dependent child. I'm trying my best to look for shadowing opportunities and applying to premed programs but they're full for the year but I will keep looking!

This is definitely not my primary experience, I even asked my cousin if he could just kindly show me the ropes and from there I'll be a little more familiar with the shadowing experience. He might even know some people back here in CA also since he did his undergrad at UCSD. Also, thank you so much for the example questions I'll make a list of my medical career ponders sometime this weekend.

Anyway thanks again everyone!!
 
Thank you guys for the feedback! I honestly have never thought about a logging app but that sure will come in handy so I'll be checking around for good apps for my phone.

Also, italiancowgirl, thanks for your constructive feedback. You're absolutely right, but the only downside is I don't know much people in the medical field out here. I got back from the Navy 2 years ago and I was in Chicago for the time being but now I'm back in bay area and I didn't grow up here. Moved around a lot my whole life from being a military dependent child. I'm trying my best to look for shadowing opportunities and applying to premed programs but they're full for the year but I will keep looking!

This is definitely not my primary experience, I even asked my cousin if he could just kindly show me the ropes and from there I'll be a little more familiar with the shadowing experience. He might even know some people back here in CA also since he did his undergrad at UCSD. Also, thank you so much for the example questions I'll make a list of my medical career ponders sometime this weekend.

Anyway thanks again everyone!!
I moved twice during UG and managed to find shadowing without knowing a soul. It is perfectly possible it just takes more time and effort. The upside is they give you much better feedback. The good news is you have plenty of time. GL
 
I moved twice during UG and managed to find shadowing without knowing a soul. It is perfectly possible it just takes more time and effort. The upside is they give you much better feedback. The good news is you have plenty of time. GL
I've come to realize I'm not as proactive as I should be and your story is inspiring to say the least (in comparison to my situation). May I ask, how did you manage to observe physician's after you've moved?
 
I made a list out of the phone book/google of physicians in the area with private offices, and I dropped off a brief cover letter explaining that I wanted to shadow so I could learn more about medicine and different approaches to care. I would ask if the doctor was available and give it to them directly if possible, otherwise I would leave it with a front desk assistant or office manager.

I kept careful records of names, dates, locations. I would ask when a good time would be to call back in the next week and I would then call back to see if they had questions or if they would be able to accommodate me in their clinic. I would ask for 5 days of shadowing, but sometimes only got 2 or 3, and at least 60% of the time I would get no response or flat out no (for many reasons they are often more focused on patients than students).

I often had to go in early to sign release forms saying that I would not violate hipaa etc. It is a time intensive method but it worked well for me. I was lucky enough to have a whole summer "free" and spent 13 weeks shadowing physicians from many different fields. It was eye opening and those experiences still stick with me as I learn in medical school (I am an MS1) The best experiences take work to find.

You may not have big blocks of time, so start small. The point is to take some time seeing the good and bad so you know what you are getting into. Keep at it. Also, there are many other clinical and volunteer experiences that can helpyou understand more about medicine and serving others. Take time exploring those activities as well. It probably sounds like a lot but there is always more time than you think, so just do a little of one thing and a little of something else.
 
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