I volunteer at a really great hospital and I am lucky to have a great position in a assignment where I'm surrounded by doctors and patients. I honestly can say I hated all the other volunteering assignments I've had except this one. I get to talk to patients, comfort them and listen to doctors, residents and nurses talk about surgeries and medicine all the time, which I love. The problem is, while the nurses are nice and are forward with talking to me, none of the doctors have. I don't want to sound conceded but usually people are forward with me and speak to me first but I guess it's not going to happen with these busy doctors. So my question is, I'm very shy and nervous to talk to them, but I would love to shadow one and get to know some of them, I just don't know how. I'm very quite and just stare and smile if they look at me, but I would be too scared to talk to them first. I just need some help and advice. I do not want to come off as a person who is just using them or something. I think they'd like it If I spoke to them about other things without the immediate intention that I want to shadow them or something. I'm willing to Wait a while before asking to shadow as asking immediately would be annoying, no? Anyways any advice is appreciated.
How do I talk to them ?
- Thread starter Maali
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I would be upfront and ask them if you can shadow them. Most of the physicians I have worked with tend to be very direct people, and appreciate directness in return. 🙂
I think it is natural to be intimidated, but if you just approach them as you are volunteer, tell them you are pre-med and interested in learning more about what being a physician in ____ field.. the worst they can say is no, and at that point you can try to find another physician.
I would approach them knowing your availability, and try to be as accommodating to their schedule as needed. Having students shadow them tends to slow down them down.. so be sure you do some of your own research on their field of medicine, listen to what they say, and come with questions you have about the practice, and really try to make the most out of the opportunity.
I think it is natural to be intimidated, but if you just approach them as you are volunteer, tell them you are pre-med and interested in learning more about what being a physician in ____ field.. the worst they can say is no, and at that point you can try to find another physician.
I would approach them knowing your availability, and try to be as accommodating to their schedule as needed. Having students shadow them tends to slow down them down.. so be sure you do some of your own research on their field of medicine, listen to what they say, and come with questions you have about the practice, and really try to make the most out of the opportunity.
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Just relax and talk to them. If you relax you'll at least have an answer. Mention about your interest in their field and what your plans are and if they could help you volunteer. If they're willing to help you they'll tell you and be upfront, if not they'll shoot you down and you can talk to another dr. sound familiar? it's like dating 😛
