Military Shadowing

[DrDwayneJohnson]

I'm not sure if this is more appropriate in this forum versus the military medicine forum (due to familiarity with the military system), so mods please move as you see fit.

I'm interested in shadowing a physician at the Army base in Ft. Leonard Wood, but I'm not sure how to pursue this. I'm not entirely sure it's allowed by the hospital. I have an active CAC so getting onto post won't be an issue, but I'm not sure who to contact. Should I start by calling the general phone number provided on the hospital's page?

Any input from those with experience in this type of situation would be greatly appreciated.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[ToXicity09]

I have shadowed military physicians at MTFs but doing so took a while to even set up an appointment. I think starting with the phone number would be a good idea. My experience personally required me to get local and national background checks and required me to register (and take the necessary training required) for the local Red Cross chapter. Hopefully it's smoother sailing for you but I thought you should just be aware of what might be required.

 

[Monkitty]

Do you already have contact with a physician you want to shadow? If so (or if not) contacting them directly might be faster, as they may know what channels to go through. Otherwise the main phone number is probably as good a place to start as any.

Also, what exactly are you trying to get out of the shadowing experience? What military medicine is like? If that's the case another option might be to find some physicians that have served but are now private practice/reserves. I think shadowing at the VA or a family practice clinic would also get you exposed to a similar population.

 

[DrDwayneJohnson]

Do you already have contact with a physician you want to shadow? If so (or if not) contacting them directly might be faster, as they may know what channels to go through. Otherwise the main phone number is probably as good a place to start as any.

Also, what exactly are you trying to get out of the shadowing experience? What military medicine is like? If that's the case another option might be to find some physicians that have served but are now private practice/reserves. I think shadowing at the VA or a family practice clinic would also get you exposed to a similar population.

I volunteer at a VA and shadowed a prior service doc, but I was hoping for more of the "real deal" since there's differences between VA and post hospitals. Also, things have probably changed since the prior service doctor was in during the height of the war.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I've done some shadowing, but I got it through my IDC. However, he literally just emailed her and asked. Are you active duty? Reserves? I would start by calling the MTF and asking about it. Alternatively, you can ask an officer recruiter if they have contacts in the MTF that they can hook you up with.