How to ask to shadow: in person or by email?

[akmedic]

I work EMS here for interfacility transfer company, and we do a lot of handoffs in the various units (ER, ICU, NICU, PEDS etc) mostly to nurses, but ive done quite a few to the actual doctor themselves. My question is, can I ask them in person about shadowing? Everything ive seen in here says to email, but is that just because they do not have an opportunity to ask in person, or is that the accepted way to do it?

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[mybluedog]

I work EMS here for interfacility transfer company, and we do a lot of handoffs in the various units (ER, ICU, NICU, PEDS etc) mostly to nurses, but ive done quite a few to the actual doctor themselves. My question is, can I ask them in person about shadowing? Everything ive seen in here says to email, but is that just because they do not have an opportunity to ask in person, or is that the accepted way to do it?

If you feel comfortable enough, I'd just ask in person and they usually ask you to email them so they can connect you with the right person to setup shadowing. Just introduce yourself and say you're pre-med, interested in shadowing and be prepared for no and yes.

 

[akmedic]

Thank you!

 

[Justice1071]

I work EMS here for interfacility transfer company, and we do a lot of handoffs in the various units (ER, ICU, NICU, PEDS etc) mostly to nurses, but ive done quite a few to the actual doctor themselves. My question is, can I ask them in person about shadowing? Everything ive seen in here says to email, but is that just because they do not have an opportunity to ask in person, or is that the accepted way to do it?

Yes ask in person. Honestly I've never had much luck emailing due to never getting responses back. When I had finally decided "It's time and I need to do this now." I began looking up local doctors offices, calling them, but the easiest to get shadowing is private practice since they don't have to refer you to the main headquarters to follow protocol.
Takeaway: If you ask in person and it doesn't work out, starting calling, avoid email, and I bet you'll end up with shadowing opportunities in one day!

 

[BuckStrickland]

Yes ask in person. Honestly I've never had much luck emailing due to never getting responses back. When I had finally decided "It's time and I need to do this now." I began looking up local doctors offices, calling them, but the easiest to get shadowing is private practice since they don't have to refer you to the main headquarters to follow protocol.
Takeaway: If you ask in person and it doesn't work out, starting calling, avoid email, and I bet you'll end up with shadowing opportunities in one day!

Do you folks recommend calling only attendings with their own practice? Or would residents and fellows usually be available too? (Interested in heme/onc)

 

[mybluedog]

Do you folks recommend calling only attendings with their own practice? Or would residents and fellows usually be available too? (Interested in heme/onc)

I know someone that shadowed a heme/onc fellow. Resident might be pushing it.

 

[naway]

I sent out emails to numerous doctors when I was seeking shadowing opportunities. Most either ignored me or responded with vague excuses about it not being a good time for them. Very few doctors actually want a premed following them around, and email makes it super easy for them to shoo you away and go about their lives.

 

[JohnJacobJungler]

Do you folks recommend calling only attendings with their own practice? Or would residents and fellows usually be available too? (Interested in heme/onc)

It would be great to call an attending who has his own residents. One of the best experiences I had while shadowing was following both residents/med students and the head trauma surgeon. Really allowed me to see the differences in what the responsibilities and roles of individuals at various levels of medical education.

But Attending>>>Resident as a general rule