How to "shadow" a surgeon in a hospital?

[evescadeceus]

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I want to "shadow" a plastic surgeon in a hospital (as opposed to outpatient elective surgeries in private practice), and I've started to call the Med Ed dept at local hospitals. So far, I've been told by one hospital that student "shadowing" is no longer permitted due to the new patient/doc confidentiality rules, and I'm waiting for others to get back to me.

I had no problem arranging to "shadow" a repro endocrinologist in private practice (despite the fact that inseminations are definitely personal and confidential). I simply called one of two listings in our Yellow Pages, and set it up through the office Medical Coordinator.

Has anyone had any luck arranging to "shadow" a doc, preferrably a surgeon, in a hospital? I know it might be easier if I was volunteering at the hospital, but my current work and school schedules don't leave me time for a real volunteer commitment.

 

[aquaboy]

A great example of how HIPPA is going to change the face of medicine, especially as it pertains to shadowing. It seems like many institutions are no longer allowing interested premeds to "shadow" due to the way we have to rpotect patient health info. I got a lot of shadowing experience before HIPPA but I would say the best bet is to volunteer.

 

[Chorizo]

1. Find yourself a white coat, available at the nearest medical school bookstore. Lab coats work fine too.

2. Get one of those name tag stickers that say "Hi, my name is:" and write in "Dr. evescadeceus"

3. Hang around in the wards where the plastic surgery patients recover.

4. When a group of doctors walk by, start shadowing.

Some people may refer to this as "stalking" or even "fraud", but it's really just showing initiative. best of luck!

 

[lady bug]

You really need to approach the physician himself/herself. Usually they are much more understanding of these kinds of things than nurses or receptionists. If you know someone personally affiliated with them, it will be a big plus. The surgeon that I shadowed had an OR in his private practice, so it was really his discretion who he allowed to come in, and he had no problem with me watching. Make sure you are very cordial, and express you interest, but not overboard.....(asking too many questions in front of a patient is not appropriate).

 

[lady bug]

Originally posted by Chorizo
1. Find yourself a white coat, available at the nearest medical school bookstore. Lab coats work fine too.

2. Get one of those name tag stickers that say "Hi, my name is:" and write in "Dr. evescadeceus"

3. Hang around in the wards where the plastic surgery patients recover.

4. When a group of doctors walk by, start shadowing.

Some people may refer to this as "stalking" or even "fraud", but it's really just showing initiative. best of luck!

I should try this!

 

[evescadeceus]

I really enjoyed this, chorizo. But there's no way I could do that in this town. They'd remember me.

 

[Chorizo]

Being memorable is what it's all about. Just think, when the adcomm considers you, they'll say: There's the kid with initiative! She's got future doctor written all over her! Sign her up! stat!

Ok, maybe not.

 

[earthwhisper]

i am pre-med and currently work at shands hopital in the surgical intensive care unit as a unit clerk.....I kind of get to see open wounds, eyes taken out, trachs put in,et.c. But I would agree to talk to the doctor him/herself. Maybe send an email if you don't know them to approach them in the first place. Then maybe talk to them about their training and practice before asking to shadow or something like that. But from my experience most people like shadows...It makes them feel important and most like to share their work with inspired people. But do ask a doc. or resident, the volunteerinf may even be a problem now with HIPPA b/c the regulations have probably chnaged things for the volunteer offices too. As a volunteer I also had to sign for the HIPPA info. So it all comes down to the doc. If they say you are in, no one can really counter that unless someonelse makes it a major problem for you to be in the operating room and actually asks for justification in your being there. But try to ARRANGE A MEETING WITH THE DOC AND THEN ASK THEM IN PERSON. Good luck!

- earthwhisper

 

[dochoot]

I have continued shadowing even after the new enforcement or at least more substantive implemantation of HIPAA. Try to find a doc and see if they would be willing to let you sit in sometimes. Good luck!