I Am Going To Shadow Tomorrow...what Do I Do And Say??

[MedicineNutt]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This is my first time shadowing a doctor...i think hes an MD or DO...whatever he is, i just wanna know what to ask or what do i do??? i dont get it...any help i thank you!!!

 

[StritchMD2011]

This is my first time shadowing a doctor...i think hes an MD or DO...whatever he is, i just wanna know what to ask or what do i do??? i dont get it...any help i thank you!!!

I'd be sure to ask him beforehand if he minds you asking questions or if he'll explain what he's doing. What type of doctor is he? I'd try to keep mostly quiet while he's interacting with patients. One thing I like to do when I shadow is take a small notepad and write down terms or words you don't understand and then look them up afterwards. I've learned a ton by doing this when following around a transplant surgery team (1 or 2 surgeons and 1 or 2 internal med docs) when they're doing rounds.

 

[MedicineNutt]

He is a cardiologist...the name of the doc was referred to me by a friend...so i dont really know him much, but yea i told him that i would like to learn what i can w/o bothering you in your job stuff like that beforehand

 

[cadence]

gage your rapport with him throughout. You may begin to notice how comfortable he is with you and how much he does or does not want you ask him questions or talk to patients. I'd hold the door for him on the way in and out of exam rooms. If it seems appropriate, consider asking to hold a clipboard etc if he has his hands full and needs them free to do something else.

Also if he seems enjoyable and seemed to like you I would also try come back and shadow again. I remember shadowing in the ER for about the 3rd or 4th time with the same doc and it was waaaaaay full (small town - 15k, so only one doc on duty). We were swamped and he pointed to me and said "wait a minute, you have 1st aid certification right? Put on some gloves."

 

[nvshelat]

Wear comfortable shoes. Best piece of advice you'll get, I'm tellin ya.

 

[DaveinDallas]

I had already met the physician I shadowed in a social setting and
we had a basic rapport already established. We were on a first
name basis - he called me Dave and I called him Doctor. 😀

Anyway, enough levity - First, I wouldn't (and didn't) ask questions
in front of the patients in the treatment rooms. Wait until you're
outside and it's between you and the physician. Do NOT discuss
other patient's conditions where others can hear it (HIPPA).

Generally be respectful, keep your ears and eyes open and your
mouth shut. You can learn a lot that way.

Once it's all said and done, if you get the opportunity (say at lunch
or after the office closes) - say he sits down with you and asks you
the 'Well, what did you think?' type of question, then ask your questions.

Remember that shadowing is your chance to see if you REALLY want to be
in the ballgame. While no 'job' is perfect, medicine is more of a calling than
a job. Believe me, when things are going hot and heavy in basic sciences
and you don't think you can jam one more neuro pathway into your brain and
you really don't care about NaCl/H20 exchange in the kidneys you'll need
more than the 'wow, I just want to be a doctor and save the planet'
mentality to pull you through......

Have fun. I always do when I'm shadowing or on preceptorships.....

 

[xTinaBna]

i agree with wearing comfy shoes..that was my big mistake =) my advice is just be an observer. take notice of how your physician interacts with patients and staff at the hospital. after your doctor visits a patient, you can then ask any questions regarding various diseases or treatment options. you will definitely have questions as you shadow him throughout the day. you can also ask your physician about his/her experiences in medical school. most of all, enjoy your day shadowing...its a great experience!

 

[KeyLime]

My first shadowing experience was with a PA for two weeks and then an MD for two weeks. I rarely said anything in front of the patients, and I mostly just observed. I didn't wear comfortable shoes...which was a mistake. They work long days!
I thought that they might ease me into some of the procedures since it was my first shadowing experience, but I ended up seeing pelvic and rectal exams on my first day. Just thought that I would warn you.

 

[MedicineNutt]

WOW!!! what a day!!! cardiologists work like dogs around the clock...maybe that was because today was a busy day...cardiology is amazing esp when they check for blockages of arteries on heart patients...thanks for the advice!!! i made sure i had on some comfortable shoes and didnt say anything in front of patients (pretty easy)...The physician was really really friendly and answered my questions for an hour (asked him about med school and what he likes about his job--why cardiology, etc)...he didnt seem bothered in fact he wanted to chat longer, but he realized his day was over...he asked me to come again and shadow next time!! it was the best experience ive ever had...im definitely gonna shadow all through college...again, thanks for the help and God bless all ya'll!!