how long should i shadow?

[ocdoc]

how long should i shadow an MD if they're writing me a letter of recommendation? 2 months or < ??

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[ClockworkDoc]

Of course, the longer the better, but 8 hours worth should be enough to ask for one

 

[hamiltong]

I think I spent about two full days (6AM-3PMish) with the doc I shadowed. I did spend a lot more time in the OR with some surgeons (~100 hrs) but I didn't think I knew them well enough to ask for a letter, let alone ask questions during the procedure.

I personally think that the amount of time you shadow is really up to you. If you have an idea of what you'd like to specialize in, spend a couple hours there. I did that with anesthesiology and found out I definitely DO NOT want to do that for a living. You'll learning something from every experience and can/probably will use it in your interview.

 

[OsteoDoc2Be]

my pre-med advisor said about 30 hours total is good, and to be sure to shadow a variety of docs. it's not like they ask you on the interview, but it looks better if you say you've shadowed 5 different types of doctors instead of just one you know

 

[Pdiddy310]

With the HIPAA regulations, docs have to be careful nowadays with allowing students to shadow them and all.

 

[noshie]

I disagree with this above statement about HIPPA. I have worked in many heathcare settings, even before HIPPA was enforced. The only real thing you must do for HIPPA is sign a page saying that you will not give out SS# and names of patients. Really, why would you do this anyways. And in private practices, there is no HIPPA police. Do you actually think that just because a student is observing a Dr. they will lose their practice or something. Now, the Dr. must ask the patient if it is ok, and that is their choice whether or not you come in the room. Sometimes, they say no, and that is ok, I mean would you want a 20 yr old college student watching your pelvic exam? Most of the time the patient doesnt care, and actually want you to come in and get more experience. So just because your not getting paid, why should this be a HIPPA violation. Just sign the paper, or go get some HIPPA "training" (which is really just watch a movie about not giving out information, covering patients health forms when other patients are around etc, just common sense). I really think that drs are not really scared of this rule, they just dont want people shadowing and use it as an excuse. I can understand why you probably couldnt shadow in a hospital because they are just trying to cover their butts from being sued, and the depth of visiting with patients is greater. Honestly, I feel that the environment is virtually the same as before HIPPA.

 

[Testy McAterson]

if you're shadowing primarily for a letter (i.e. you've had a lot of exposure through volunteer work or research or whatever)--i'd think a couple days would be sufficient. if you really want to experience it--go as long as possible!

about hippa--i've heard mixed things from doctors. personally, i agree that it isn't hippa itself that makes it harder to shadow...sometimes i think it's just a good excuse for busy doctors who know that there's a 95% change you're going to ask them to write a letter when you're done

 

[cnortorious]

what is the best way to find a doctor to begin to shadow?

 

[Mobius1985]

A good place to start is in contacting your state Osteopathic Medicine Society either via the web or phone and asking for a local list of physicians. Here's a list of them.


Or, ask a doc you meet while gaining clinical experience, or your own physician, or the parent of a friend.

 

[udlax16]

I would just say shadow as often and as broadly as your schedule allows you. For me I shadowed a doctor the entire summer, in the OR and his practice, and got a really good letter from him. Just make the call on your own. If the doctor is really nice and he enjoys having you around and he knows a decent amount about you it never hurts to ask for a letter.

 

[bioman2006]

With the HIPAA regulations, docs have to be careful nowadays with allowing students to shadow them and all.

I disagree with this above statement about HIPPA. I have worked in many heathcare settings, even before HIPPA was enforced. The only real thing you must do for HIPPA is sign a page saying that you will not give out SS# and names of patients. Really, why would you do this anyways. And in private practices, there is no HIPPA police. Do you actually think that just because a student is observing a Dr. they will lose their practice or something. Now, the Dr. must ask the patient if it is ok, and that is their choice whether or not you come in the room. Sometimes, they say no, and that is ok, I mean would you want a 20 yr old college student watching your pelvic exam? Most of the time the patient doesnt care, and actually want you to come in and get more experience. So just because your not getting paid, why should this be a HIPPA violation. Just sign the paper, or go get some HIPPA "training" (which is really just watch a movie about not giving out information, covering patients health forms when other patients are around etc, just common sense). I really think that drs are not really scared of this rule, they just dont want people shadowing and use it as an excuse. I can understand why you probably couldnt shadow in a hospital because they are just trying to cover their butts from being sued, and the depth of visiting with patients is greater. Honestly, I feel that the environment is virtually the same as before HIPPA.

This can depend on the hospital or organization your physician works with. I shadowed one cardiologist whose hospital group required pre-med students to take their online course on patient privacy and HIPAA regulations, and it was a rather long process before I could start shadowing with that group. Other doctors just took me in and asked for their patients' permission before entering the room.

 

[willis06]

It depends....
Did you know the doc before shadowing or is this more of a 'cold call'.
the doctor you're shadowing knows why you're there, its no secret.
build a relationship with him/her....ask a lot of questions, be friendly and enthusiastic and it will work out.

 

[DannMann99]

how long should i shadow an MD if they're writing me a letter of recommendation? 2 months or < ??

Depends on how cute his nurses are. Its directly correlated.

 

[koojo]

I was in the DO's office three times. During the first visit I told him that I'd like a LOR, so he knew. The first two times were mainly so I could talk to him. The third time I observed him with his last few patients.

 

[MossPoh]

This can depend on the hospital or organization your physician works with. I shadowed one cardiologist whose hospital group required pre-med students to take their online course on patient privacy and HIPAA regulations, and it was a rather long process before I could start shadowing with that group. Other doctors just took me in and asked for their patients' permission before entering the room.

Generally speaking, the minimum is to sign some paperwork promising. You aren't actually part of the healthcare process with the patient. The test you have to take is long but it is common sense. I think it took me like an hour, but I was working with patients.

As far as how long to shadow? The more the better. There isn't a set time. I have 200+ non-father shadowing hours. (My dad is a doc, so if I counted that then I'd be way over a thousand). I think the best way to do it is to go every day for a week during some break. If you show up at the same time once a week for an hour, you just won't have a great picture of the profession. I honestly think the best shadowing experience is in the emergency department. The primary reason is that there is such a HUGE variety you get to see. You get the gist of a ton of specialities and what kind of stuff they may see. You should also hit up a variety. I'm on the upper end of shadowing having followed around a Urologist, Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, General/Vascular Surgeon, OBGYN, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Radiologist, Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Gastroenterologist, and an anesthesiologist. I also had a lot more freedom because of my dad, so I was able to wander down to the OR whenever the ED was slow.

 

[CardioPlus]

I shadowed a DO orthopedic surgeon for a week, and he wrote me a great letter. So I agree with the above, 3-5 days is plenty to gain experience in the desired field/specialty and to get a good letter.

 

[ThinkTooMuch]

if you're shadowing primarily for a letter (i.e. you've had a lot of exposure through volunteer work or research or whatever)--i'd think a couple days would be sufficient. if you really want to experience it--go as long as possible!

about hippa--i've heard mixed things from doctors. personally, i agree that it isn't hippa itself that makes it harder to shadow...sometimes i think it's just a good excuse for busy doctors who know that there's a 95% change you're going to ask them to write a letter when you're done

sorry but how can a doc be expected to write you a LOR after only knowing you for two days? are you guys just talking about a letter that states that yes in fact you shadowed him/her?

 

[Anita817]

I have 200+ non-father shadowing hours. (My dad is a doc, so if I counted that then I'd be way over a thousand).

I have shadowed my dad a ton too, as well as other docs. Do the times w/ dad count? I know I can't get a LOR from him, but I'd certainly like to mention the time spent.

 

[hamiltong]

I have shadowed my dad a ton too, as well as other docs. Do the times w/ dad count? I know I can't get a LOR from him, but I'd certainly like to mention the time spent.

Absolutely. You could write a very strong personal (emphasis on personal) statement about the experience with your father as well, unless that wasn't a big part of your decision to apply to medical school.