How to shadow a podiatrist?

[TimeIsNow]

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I am very sorry if this has been answered before but the closest thread I can find to it is "How many podiatrists shall I shadow". I really don't know how I would go about doing this. I know most of them must be busy so how do you get them to show you anything? Is it better to call their office or to email? How did you all go about this?

I know my stat says pre-medical but I had t put something, I am in my 2nd year of college so still have a lot of time. I am working on my volunteering/medical related experience part of the resume, though I have already done enough EC's I believe.

 

[air bud]

I think as far as schools go, one is fine, two is better. Beyond that, I would follow as many as possible to see as many different aspects of the field as possible so that you can make sure you are making the best decision for yourself. good luck

 

[stupperman]

If you are going to contact one by yourself then calling is probably the best option. I've found emails often end up in junk filters. Simply explain that your are a pre-medical student interested in shadowing. You would be surprised how willing some physicians are to help.

However, I've heard from other people that podiatry schools will often help you find podiatrist to shadow. I personally didn't go this route but it sounds like this may be something you should check into if you're having difficulties.

 

[janV88]

Check out the contact a mentor page -> http://www.aacpm.org/contactpod/default.asp

When you pick the state your in, it will give a huge list of podiatrists who have their phone number, email, etc. listed. I used this list and emailed all the podiatrists near my area. I waited a week and called any that did not respond via email. Luckily I got an email like the next day telling me to call and set up a time/date for me to come in with the podiatrists receptionist.

Good luck with shadowing.👍

 

[dyk343]

In addition to calling try writing a formal letter. I tried this approach and it worked for me.. Also if you try this route mention in your letter that you would like to shadow a surgery in the OR. Go to a kinkos and print the letter out on some nice paper and just drop it off at different offices.

Dr. XXX
111 1st ave
99999, USA USA

Your name
Your address

Where I attend school. Your major. Why im interested in podiatry. What i am hoping to learn. Can I shadow both in private practice setting and Operating room surgeries.? What times or days work best for you.

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae... email address/further contact info. Anything else you want to add.

End.

 

[catchburns]

I think that calling or walking in to an office is the best approach. It shows that you are willing to take some initiative. I don't know too many doctors who would respond to a random email. Likewise, a form letter seems a bit too impersonal to get into an office, especially one that you hope to get a recommendation letter from later. I'm glad this approach worked for some of you, but I'd stick with calling.

Most pods seemed pretty willing to accommodate me when I asked, unlike MDs and DOs, who did everything they could to avoid me. Good luck.

 

[Moose A Moose]

Like Janv88 said, the mentor page is great, the only downside is that there may not be many podiatrists listed in your area. I only have two or three in philadelphia [listed] that are willing to allow shadows.

I found my pod by walking into his office and inquiring. The receptionist ran right back to get him, and he seemed pretty enthused to give me an opportunity. Catchburns.. I empathize. I feel the same way when I walk into the MD/DO offices- have they forgotten what is was like when they were in our shoes?

 

[ckjets]

I called NYCPM and they asked me what was my particular interest, and I said sports medicine and surgery, and they hooked me up with the best podiatrists out there to shadow. I know Temple does the same thing. There is something about this profession that everyone is friendly to you, and will go out of there way to help you explore the profession. Just call a school and they will hook you up with pods anywhere in the country.