how to get past the receptionist...and on to the doctor...

[natureboy]

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I have been calling various places up about doing job shadows, but many of the receptionists just say that they don't let people shadow anymore because of the new regulations. I feel if I get a chance to talk to the doctors--esp surgeons, I think that I may have better luck. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this?

 

[klinzou]

Tell them you need to speak with the owner/practioner.

 

[Cydney Foote]

Start with your own or your family's physician. Schedule a regular checkup, and as soon as he or she is in the room explain that you want to shadow a doctor. Ask if he or she is available or know anyone that might be. Don't worry about offending them, if they went to med school in the past 20 years they had to shadow too and they know how it is. An inside word from one doc to another will get you right past the receptionist and to the doctor.

 

[meanderson]

I don't know that they "had" to shadow too. Plenty of people I know get accepeted without actually shadowing physicians, although I admit to not having any clue as how many premeds shadow vs how many don't.

 

[Cydney Foote]

You're absolutely right, shadowing is not a requirement. However, it's a great way to get exposure to the profession and confirm your decision to go to med school. All the faculty docs and fellows I've worked with had shadowed other physicians before applying, and as far as I know most of the residents had too. True, your family physician might be one who never shadowed, but he's at least familiar with it and might be able to help you get through the gauntlet.

Another way to get directly to the physician you want to shadow is to write a letter rather than calling. Unless there is someone screening mail, it's likely to be read by the right person. You could then call to follow up on your letter and the doctor, having heard your name already and knowing what you're calling about, is more likely to take the call.