Follow up

[PADPM]

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I've read many posts asking questions about shadowing a doctor, etc., and have read comments regarding the right and wrong things to do.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a pod student who asked if he/she could spend some time in our office. I welcomed the student, had the student spend time in our office, introduced the students to a partner, took the student on rounds, etc. I also let the student know that he/she is welcome any time, and that I would be happy to help when it was residency time, since I'm fairly well connected.

One of my partners and I were a little surprised that we never received a call, note or email as a follow up thank you.

I highly recommend that whenever you spend time with any doctor, even if you were less than impressed, you follow up in some way with a thank you or acknowledgement. It's simply the right thing to do, in my opinion.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

I know this is aimed at current students that don't shadow regularly, but if there are somewhat regular shadows, how would you approach this situation.

I sent thank you cards after the first few times that were somewhat sporadic, but I felt it was insincere to keep sending cards/emails after a relationship had been built with the DPM. Do you agree?

 

[g squared 23]

I guess I have acted unprofessional in the past: to show my thanks, I always ended the day with a firm handshake, a smile and a sincere thank you.

I do think it's good advice though. Thanks for the input.

 

[PADPM]

I never said it was unprofessional to not follow through with some form of communication. I just think it is the right thing to do. A firm handshake and thank you is great. And I am a big believer in a firm handshake. Not a dead fish/wimpy handshake.......and try to obstain from a bone crusher.

But going that little extra step, by taking a minute or two of your time to write a note, send am email, call the doctor or whatever gesture you believe is appropriate, leaves a great, lasting impression.

As long as it is sincere, it will be well received. It doesn't have to be very formal, just a very quick acknowledgement.

If you've done this with a doctor once, there is no need to do it every time you visit. At that time a handshake and thank you is enough.

Remember, this is simply my opinion, but going that extra step will rarely, if ever, hurt you.

 

[ManUnderFire]

I've read many posts asking questions about shadowing a doctor, etc., and have read comments regarding the right and wrong things to do.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a pod student who asked if he/she could spend some time in our office. I welcomed the student, had the student spend time in our office, introduced the students to a partner, took the student on rounds, etc. I also let the student know that he/she is welcome any time, and that I would be happy to help when it was residency time, since I'm fairly well connected.

One of my partners and I were a little surprised that we never received a call, note or email as a follow up thank you.

I highly recommend that whenever you spend time with any doctor, even if you were less than impressed, you follow up in some way with a thank you or acknowledgement. It's simply the right thing to do, in my opinion.

on a related topic...would requesting to shadow a DPM as a student recently accepted (technically not even a first year yet) be appropriate, or even well received? Or is that a 👎 ?

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

on a related topic...would requesting to shadow a DPM as a student recently accepted (technically not even a first year yet) be appropriate, or even well received? Or is that a 👎 ?

It's all about connections. I don't know why any doc would feel any different between a pre-accepted pre-pod and a post-accepted pre-pod. Realistically, you probably bag better things to do in your life, but if you genuinely enjoy shadowing/want to make some connections (even though you don't know what's going on about anything yet) then go for it!

 

[PADPM]

on a related topic...would requesting to shadow a DPM as a student recently accepted (technically not even a first year yet) be appropriate, or even well received? Or is that a 👎 ?

I find it completely acceptable. Obviously a pre pod student won't have the knowledge of a student or resident, but if anyone at any point in training wants to shadow, my doors are always open.

 

[ManUnderFire]

I find it completely acceptable. Obviously a pre pod student won't have the knowledge of a student or resident, but if anyone at any point in training wants to shadow, my doors are always open.

good to know. Thanks! Would you say that your colleagues share a similar view?

 

[PADPM]

good to know. Thanks! Would you say that your colleagues share a similar view?

I'm confident that all the docs in our practice feel that way, but I can't speak for all my colleagues. I'm sure the majority do, but I'm sure there will always those who will be hesitant to open their doors.