neonatalogy volunteering question

[schlrgirl]

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i am very interested in neonatalogy...and would like to learn more about it by volunteering/observing one in my area (i know of 4) can anyone offer me any advice about how to go about this?? i am not sure what is appropriate...i'm a just starting out pre-med and a little in the dark...HELP

 

[premyo2002]

Be bold. If you know of 4, go down there and ask them if they have volunteer programs, or what you should do.
Where is your area? I know of two programs in so cal

 

[DoctorWannaBe]

I know that the hospital associated with my university allows volunteers in the NICU to rock the babies (I don't know what else you get to do). I'm not sure if this is the kind of experience you are looking for. I am trying to become a volunteer in the NICU as I have been thinking of neonatology also. I'd like to hear what other people think of volunteering in the NICU if there's anyone out there.

 

[schlrgirl]

yeah sadly my college has me a little dissapointed with the premed program...so i am going to have to take things into my own hands...but neonatalogy is what i really want to do...i just want to observe (and holding some babies would be a nice bonus)

...i just am unsure what is appropriate...do u know what i mean?? like what do you say to the doctors...and will they even be willing??.....i'm a little lost, as i said my premed progam is a little lacking

ps... souther tier NY here....but thanks!

 

[oldbearprofessor]

Neonatologists love to have students follow them on rounds or night call. The best thing is to try to follow the same doctor over a period of once or twice a week for a month or so to learn what happens to the babies you've been seeing. As far as finding one, the simplest way is to call the hospital, ask for the neonatal ICU and then ask to talk to one of the neonatologist. Do this in the afternoon so they aren't on rounds.

If this seems too "forward" (believe me, they'll like it, not be upset), you could call up a pediatrician in town if you know one and they usually know the neonatologists and could help you.

If that is still too much to try (really, trust me, no one will mind...), then you could send a letter addressed to the "chief of neonatology" at the hospitals you are interested in and describe your interests, etc.

"oldbear" professor

 

[schlrgirl]

thank you sooo much...that is what i was most nervous about...being to forward or annoying them.....so a phone call is better than a letter?? i want to convey that i am serious...but at the same time i am unsure of the "etiquette" ( i want to be polite as well)

i feel like such a nerd...i have so many questions...but like i said premed advisor at EC is less than informative

 

[HiFi]

I'm an attending neonatologist.

PM me and I will send you some advice in terms of when, where , and how to contact a program to shadow the team. Some services encourage you to attend rounds. At many teaching programs, the attending is only in the unit during rounds which may take anywhere from 1 to 8+ hours. The rest of the time it's just fellows and residents, and the occasional med student.
Other NICU's are in a private practice setting usually with no resident or fellow, and the attending is busy the whole day.

I can also explain anything you need about the career either by Pm or e-mail

 

[schlrgirl]

thanks for your help all

i contacted one of the neonatology md's in my area and am waiting to hear back (cross your fingers)

thanks agian