How to shadow

[moemoekyun]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I just spoke with orthopedic group at my hospital and they said I can come in tomorrow to shadow. My question now, is how do I conduct myself with the physician? I tried searching the forums but found nothing. I know I'm not suppose to do anything but watch (no patient contact), but am I expected to be the physician's "shadow" and just follow him all day. I asked the group what they expect of me, but they only said to dress business casual, but I would like to know what I'm getting into. Thank you.

 

[mehc012]

I just spoke with orthopedic group at my hospital and they said I can come in tomorrow to shadow. My question now, is how do I conduct myself with the physician? I tried searching the forums but found nothing. I know I'm not suppose to do anything but watch (no patient contact), but am I expected to be the physician's "shadow" and just follow him all day. I asked the group what they expect of me, but they only said to dress business casual, but I would like to know what I'm getting into. Thank you.

Yes to the bolded.
When he is not with patients, and does not appear to be actively busy (I like walking time, personally), you can ask him questions, either about what you've seen or, if you get to know them, about what you're getting into in general.
The key point is to always be respectful, and to remember that the patient comes first. Do not interfere with their care or do anything that may make them feel uncomfortable, and you will be fine.

 

[Pasmal]

Try and learn a bit about the medicine too if you can. Ask questions about procedures, diagnoses, things you don't understand. It can be fun to get a taste of it early on while shadowing, and it may spark an interest that stays with you.

 

[Doctor Dream]

I just spoke with orthopedic group at my hospital and they said I can come in tomorrow to shadow. My question now, is how do I conduct myself with the physician? I tried searching the forums but found nothing. I know I'm not suppose to do anything but watch (no patient contact), but am I expected to be the physician's "shadow" and just follow him all day. I asked the group what they expect of me, but they only said to dress business casual, but I would like to know what I'm getting into. Thank you.

Yea like everyone has said, there isn't too much you have to do. You come in, meet the doc and observe and follow them around for the day, asking questions during down time. Conduct yourself in a professional manner, don't interfere with care, and you'll be fine. Your ultimate goal as a student should be to gain some understanding about what doctors do on a daily basis, and be able to answer the question "Why do you want to go in to medicine" based on what you've experienced.