Nervous about Shadowing

[tennisgrlcc]

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Starting Monday I will be shadowing a PICU doctor for a week. I'm extremely nervous!😱 I've never met this doc before, we've only talked through email. So I don't know what she looks like. I was told to be at the hospital at 7am in the Pediatric ICU and I can leave around 2pm or stay until she leaves, what ever I want to do. Well one thing that is freaking me out is I don't know how to pronounce part of her name, and that sounds stupid. Every time I ask someone how you pronounce it they give me different answers or they tell me they don't know. Would it be ok if I just skip the word I don't know? What it looks like is she just kept her maiden name and just added her marriage last name. So could I just skip the maiden part (part i don't know how to pronounce)? So do I just go to the PICU in the morning go to the nurses desk and say "I'm looking for Dr. So and So"? I think I'm totally over thinking this, but I seem to be good at over thinking things. I'm not even worried about the whole actual following her around seeing sick kids part, just the whole actually going there and finding her and how I might say something stupid. Another thing that I'm worried about is that I'm short. like 4ft 10in short, like I still get asked if I want kids menus at restaurants short. So the doctor just isn't going to automatically assume I'm her shadow. Can anyone answer my questions? Any advice/tips?

 

[harrypottermeds]

Hey, I just started shadowing a doctor a couple of weeks and I started shadowing a new one today, both in Pediatrics. Generally there will be a receptionist or secretary on the unit right when you enter the double doors. Just introduce yourself to him or her by saying something like "Hello, good morning, my name is ___, I'm here to shadow Doctor ___. Do you know where I can find her?" If the receptionist is friendly she'll escort you to the doctor herself or at least give some directions on where to find her. Otherwise, you'll have to explore a little bit and find her and just make sure her ID badge shows that she's the doctor you're supposed to shadow. Then just introduce yourself again and thank her for allowing you to shadow her today and she'll direct you from there. Shake her hand if her hands are free! Just smile, be polite, and willing to ask questions. Stand up straight and tall and be confident in what you say, but humble in your reception. Coming from someone who is in college and still wears braces, I can empathize with you on feeling too young haha!

Just a word of advice--the physicians that allow you to shadow them are really awesome and won't try to talk down to you or anything. Just make sure you don't get in their personal space all the time. When they're talking to colleagues try to give them a little space and hang out by the corner until they make a move again to another room. Also, try to put a little space in between you and them with the patient so they have room to maneuver around and aren't facing an obstruction from you. Try not to ask questions while you're with the patient in case the doctor doesn't know the answer immediately or if the answer is something scary that it would be better for the patient not to hear, especially when it's something serious in the PICU where you have little kids and families who are already REALLY worried. Ask the questions when you're with the doctor in her office or out of sight of the patient. Ask questions when the physician is free and isn't talking with other people or to a patient.

If you're allowed to take a lunch break, try to get out of the PICU and eat your food elsewhere so you can give the physician some space...this is just something I did with my doctor because I wanted to give her some space in her hectic schedule. However, if your doctor is one who likes to chat while she eats and invites you to eat with her, by all means feel free to do so.

All in all, don't worry too much and just dress comfortably. Be prepare to stand for a couple of hours at a time and wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is professional but that you don't mind standing in for a couple of hours.

Enjoy the experience and learn as much as you can from it!

Good luck!

 

[PapaGuava]

Hey, I just started shadowing a doctor a couple of weeks and I started shadowing a new one today, both in Pediatrics. Generally there will be a receptionist or secretary on the unit right when you enter the double doors. Just introduce yourself to him or her by saying something like "Hello, good morning, my name is ___, I'm here to shadow Doctor ___. Do you know where I can find her?" If the receptionist is friendly she'll escort you to the doctor herself or at least give some directions on where to find her. Otherwise, you'll have to explore a little bit and find her and just make sure her ID badge shows that she's the doctor you're supposed to shadow. Then just introduce yourself again and thank her for allowing you to shadow her today and she'll direct you from there. Shake her hand if her hands are free! Just smile, be polite, and willing to ask questions. Stand up straight and tall and be confident in what you say, but humble in your reception. Coming from someone who is in college and still wears braces, I can empathize with you on feeling too young haha!

Just a word of advice--the physicians that allow you to shadow them are really awesome and won't try to talk down to you or anything. Just make sure you don't get in their personal space all the time. When they're talking to colleagues try to give them a little space and hang out by the corner until they make a move again to another room. Also, try to put a little space in between you and them with the patient so they have room to maneuver around and aren't facing an obstruction from you. Try not to ask questions while you're with the patient in case the doctor doesn't know the answer immediately or if the answer is something scary that it would be better for the patient not to hear, especially when it's something serious in the PICU where you have little kids and families who are already REALLY worried. Ask the questions when you're with the doctor in her office or out of sight of the patient. Ask questions when the physician is free and isn't talking with other people or to a patient.

If you're allowed to take a lunch break, try to get out of the PICU and eat your food elsewhere so you can give the physician some space...this is just something I did with my doctor because I wanted to give her some space in her hectic schedule. However, if your doctor is one who likes to chat while she eats and invites you to eat with her, by all means feel free to do so.

All in all, don't worry too much and just dress comfortably. Be prepare to stand for a couple of hours at a time and wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is professional but that you don't mind standing in for a couple of hours.

Enjoy the experience and learn as much as you can from it!

Good luck!

Good advice there, doctors will basically decide how much they will involve themselves with you. As long as you show an interest, more than likely they will be fine talking and bringing you in.

 

[Tolbert]

what this guy said

👍 great advice.

Also OP, yes you are definitely overthinking things 😛 When you meet the doctor, you could simply ask how they pronounce their name.. I doubt they'll find the question offensive.

 

[tennisgrlcc]

Hey, I just started shadowing a doctor a couple of weeks and I started shadowing a new one today, both in Pediatrics. Generally there will be a receptionist or secretary on the unit right when you enter the double doors. Just introduce yourself to him or her by saying something like "Hello, good morning, my name is ___, I'm here to shadow Doctor ___. Do you know where I can find her?" If the receptionist is friendly she'll escort you to the doctor herself or at least give some directions on where to find her. Otherwise, you'll have to explore a little bit and find her and just make sure her ID badge shows that she's the doctor you're supposed to shadow. Then just introduce yourself again and thank her for allowing you to shadow her today and she'll direct you from there. Shake her hand if her hands are free! Just smile, be polite, and willing to ask questions. Stand up straight and tall and be confident in what you say, but humble in your reception. Coming from someone who is in college and still wears braces, I can empathize with you on feeling too young haha!

Just a word of advice--the physicians that allow you to shadow them are really awesome and won't try to talk down to you or anything. Just make sure you don't get in their personal space all the time. When they're talking to colleagues try to give them a little space and hang out by the corner until they make a move again to another room. Also, try to put a little space in between you and them with the patient so they have room to maneuver around and aren't facing an obstruction from you. Try not to ask questions while you're with the patient in case the doctor doesn't know the answer immediately or if the answer is something scary that it would be better for the patient not to hear, especially when it's something serious in the PICU where you have little kids and families who are already REALLY worried. Ask the questions when you're with the doctor in her office or out of sight of the patient. Ask questions when the physician is free and isn't talking with other people or to a patient.

If you're allowed to take a lunch break, try to get out of the PICU and eat your food elsewhere so you can give the physician some space...this is just something I did with my doctor because I wanted to give her some space in her hectic schedule. However, if your doctor is one who likes to chat while she eats and invites you to eat with her, by all means feel free to do so.

All in all, don't worry too much and just dress comfortably. Be prepare to stand for a couple of hours at a time and wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is professional but that you don't mind standing in for a couple of hours.

Enjoy the experience and learn as much as you can from it!

Good luck!

Thanks! That's really helpful! I asked the doctor what would be the appropriate attire and she said to dress professionally, so wear a blouse with slacks or a skirt that goes below my knees and no sandals. So since I don't have a skirt I'm going to wear my black dress pants, blouse, and flats. Unfortunately I only have one pair of nice dress pants, so I'll have to wash them in the middle of the week :/ but that's not a big deal. I am definitely going to get there a couple minutes early since it's the university hospital and it's huge! The only places I've actually been in that hospital is the office to get my badge and the cafeteria, I have no idea where the PICU is.

 

[tennisgrlcc]

👍 great advice.

Also OP, yes you are definitely overthinking things 😛 When you meet the doctor, you could simply ask how they pronounce their name.. I doubt they'll find the question offensive.

Good point! No idea why I didn't think about that. lol. and yep I know I'm over thinking. I tend to be extremely good at that!

 

[Tolbert]

Good point! No idea why I didn't think about that. lol. and yep I know I'm over thinking. I tend to be extremely good at that!

lol it's cool. Good luck, hope you enjoy it!

 

[tennisgrlcc]

lol it's cool. Good luck, hope you enjoy it!

Thanks 🙂

 

[sonofva]

Starting Monday I will be shadowing a PICU doctor for a week. I'm extremely nervous!😱 I've never met this doc before, we've only talked through email. So I don't know what she looks like. I was told to be at the hospital at 7am in the Pediatric ICU and I can leave around 2pm or stay until she leaves, what ever I want to do. Well one thing that is freaking me out is I don't know how to pronounce part of her name, and that sounds stupid. Every time I ask someone how you pronounce it they give me different answers or they tell me they don't know. Would it be ok if I just skip the word I don't know? What it looks like is she just kept her maiden name and just added her marriage last name. So could I just skip the maiden part (part i don't know how to pronounce)? So do I just go to the PICU in the morning go to the nurses desk and say "I'm looking for Dr. So and So"? I think I'm totally over thinking this, but I seem to be good at over thinking things. I'm not even worried about the whole actual following her around seeing sick kids part, just the whole actually going there and finding her and how I might say something stupid. Another thing that I'm worried about is that I'm short. like 4ft 10in short, like I still get asked if I want kids menus at restaurants short. So the doctor just isn't going to automatically assume I'm her shadow. Can anyone answer my questions? Any advice/tips?

if you are going to bring a purse/bag with you, make sure you bring a lunch stashed in there. more than likely, the doc will bring you to lunch, but just in case not, you'll be prepared.

dress professionally. i saw some guy shadowing recently in the hospital in some beat up pants and a ratty polo. i know for a fact after talking to him that he's well off, so it's not like these are the only clothes he had...

 

[tennisgrlcc]

if you are going to bring a purse/bag with you, make sure you bring a lunch stashed in there. more than likely, the doc will bring you to lunch, but just in case not, you'll be prepared.

dress professionally. i saw some guy shadowing recently in the hospital in some beat up pants and a ratty polo. i know for a fact after talking to him that he's well off, so it's not like these are the only clothes he had...

I was planning on just bringing cash with me for lunch, but that's probably a good idea just to be safe.
hmmmm that's interesting that out of all the clothes that he would wear that. I'm planning on wearing dress pants, a blouse, and flats.

 

[SavantFtw]

You are freaking out too much unnecessarily. If you don't know how to pronounce then simply ask someone who works in her department before you meet her or just ask her directly.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Dress professionally (Tie/button down/pants for guys, the equivalent for girls)

Calm down. He or she was in the same position as you were at one point. The fact they are willing to let you shadow despite not knowing you means they are probably pretty laid back

You are not expected to know anything. He/She will explain things. Give them space in the rooms. Introduce your self (student-doctor X probably will suffice) to the patients when you need to.

Be interested but not all-up-in-his/her-**** interested.

 

[Tolbert]

Be interested but not all-up-in-his/her-**** interested.

lmao best advice from SDN ever

 

[tennisgrlcc]

lmao best advice from SDN ever

agreed! ugh, I'm kind of frustrated now. When I asked the doctor that I'm shadowing what time I would be shadowing her she said we should be done around noon or 2pm or I can stay later until she leaves, but my dad decided that he would be picking me up at noon everyday (I don't have my license, parents aren't letting me get it until January) Which frustrates me because I'm only shadowing for a week and that means I won't be getting a lot of hours just in a week, and I really don't want it to be like we're in the middle of something and I'm just like "oh I have to leave now" I just feel like that would be kind of rude and just shows that I'm either not that committed or interested in shadowing her. We were planning on my step sister picking me up everyday when ever I was ready to leave the hospital, but all of a sudden he decided he didn't want to pay her gas money to pick me up. Sorry I'm just venting here.

 

[Tolbert]

agreed! ugh, I'm kind of frustrated now. When I asked the doctor that I'm shadowing what time I would be shadowing her she said we should be done around noon or 2pm or I can stay later until she leaves, but my dad decided that he would be picking me up at noon everyday (I don't have my license, parents aren't letting me get it until January) Which frustrates me because I'm only shadowing for a week and that means I won't be getting a lot of hours just in a week, and I really don't want it to be like we're in the middle of something and I'm just like "oh I have to leave now" I just feel like that would be kind of rude and just shows that I'm either not that committed or interested in shadowing her. We were planning on my step sister picking me up everyday when ever I was ready to leave the hospital, but all of a sudden he decided he didn't want to pay her gas money to pick me up. Sorry I'm just venting here.

yeah family can suck like that sometimes

but remember, at least they're letting you go. Some families can't/won't even do that. It'll work out, just let the doctor know politely beforehand.

 

[tennisgrlcc]

yeah family can suck like that sometimes

but remember, at least they're letting you go. Some families can't/won't even do that. It'll work out, just let the doctor know politely beforehand.

True!

 

[tennisgrlcc]

Today was my first day shadowing and I absolutely loved it!!!! It was extremely hard to find the PICU though! One nurse was kind of rude and gave me attitude when I asked where the unit was and her directions didnt even lead me in the right spot. Finally I found someone who actually knew the doctor I was shadowing and walked me to the unit. Except I never know what to say to the little things when I need to go through a restricted area and you have to press the button and someone asks how they can help you, cause I don't have the right badge to just open the door. Lol. But I learned a lot, I got to listen to the heart and breath sounds, got to see patients. Before actual rounds the doc took me to see every patient even though she didnt have to do that. She made sure afterwards we would sit down and she would explain things further, she made sure she explained all of the X-rays and MRIs to me, so overall it was an exhausting day, but I learned a lot.

 

[BioBeaver]

Today was my first day shadowing and I absolutely loved it!!!! It was extremely hard to find the PICU though! One nurse was kind of rude and gave me attitude when I asked where the unit was and her directions didnt even lead me in the right spot. Finally I found someone who actually knew the doctor I was shadowing and walked me to the unit. Except I never know what to say to the little things when I need to go through a restricted area and you have to press the button and someone asks how they can help you, cause I don't have the right badge to just open the door. Lol. But I learned a lot, I got to listen to the heart and breath sounds, got to see patients. Before actual rounds the doc took me to see every patient even though she didnt have to do that. She made sure afterwards we would sit down and she would explain things further, she made sure she explained all of the X-rays and MRIs to me, so overall it was an exhausting day, but I learned a lot.

Sounds awesome! 😀

So your name is tennis girl... I play tennis as well. I challenge you.

 

[tennisgrlcc]

Sounds awesome! 😀

So your name is tennis girl... I play tennis as well. I challenge you.[/QUOTE
Haha you're on!! 🙂

 

[JPodel]

Quote fail above.

Lol jk, I like table tennis, I challenge you all!

 

[I'm No Superman]

If ya'll wanna know how to shadow like a pro, look no further. I'm currently shadowing at the ED (6am -6pm) and fell asleep for about an hour. I got laughed at.

 

[PapaGuava]

Today was my first day shadowing and I absolutely loved it!!!! It was extremely hard to find the PICU though! One nurse was kind of rude and gave me attitude when I asked where the unit was and her directions didnt even lead me in the right spot. Finally I found someone who actually knew the doctor I was shadowing and walked me to the unit. Except I never know what to say to the little things when I need to go through a restricted area and you have to press the button and someone asks how they can help you, cause I don't have the right badge to just open the door. Lol. But I learned a lot, I got to listen to the heart and breath sounds, got to see patients. Before actual rounds the doc took me to see every patient even though she didnt have to do that. She made sure afterwards we would sit down and she would explain things further, she made sure she explained all of the X-rays and MRIs to me, so overall it was an exhausting day, but I learned a lot.

Thats good to hear, sounds like a decent experience.

 

[FantasyVesperia]

Today was my first day shadowing and I absolutely loved it!!!! It was extremely hard to find the PICU though! One nurse was kind of rude and gave me attitude when I asked where the unit was and her directions didnt even lead me in the right spot. Finally I found someone who actually knew the doctor I was shadowing and walked me to the unit. Except I never know what to say to the little things when I need to go through a restricted area and you have to press the button and someone asks how they can help you, cause I don't have the right badge to just open the door. Lol. But I learned a lot, I got to listen to the heart and breath sounds, got to see patients. Before actual rounds the doc took me to see every patient even though she didnt have to do that. She made sure afterwards we would sit down and she would explain things further, she made sure she explained all of the X-rays and MRIs to me, so overall it was an exhausting day, but I learned a lot.

That's so cool! I love when doctors actually sit down and explain things, those are the people who should get to know.

 

[Tolbert]

Today was my first day shadowing and I absolutely loved it!!!! It was extremely hard to find the PICU though! One nurse was kind of rude and gave me attitude when I asked where the unit was and her directions didnt even lead me in the right spot. Finally I found someone who actually knew the doctor I was shadowing and walked me to the unit. Except I never know what to say to the little things when I need to go through a restricted area and you have to press the button and someone asks how they can help you, cause I don't have the right badge to just open the door. Lol. But I learned a lot, I got to listen to the heart and breath sounds, got to see patients. Before actual rounds the doc took me to see every patient even though she didnt have to do that. She made sure afterwards we would sit down and she would explain things further, she made sure she explained all of the X-rays and MRIs to me, so overall it was an exhausting day, but I learned a lot.

sounds cool 👍 hopefully i get a doctor like that.

and +1 to quote fail.

 

[JPodel]

That's so cool! I love when doctors actually sit down and explain things, those are the people who should get to know.

The surgeon I shadowed let me go into the OR for a surgery with him and stopped after every action he took to explain anatomy and what is was called! I loved the way he treated me! S/O to those docs who care to teach others! He also introduced me to a numerous amount of other docs in the lounge which broadened my connection!

 

[futuredoc44]

If ya'll wanna know how to shadow like a pro, look no further. I'm currently shadowing at the ED (6am -6pm) and fell asleep for about an hour. I got laughed at.

Hahaha. Cracking up, only because I've done the exact same thing. I shadow in the emergency room so I work lots of twelve hour shifts with lots of different docs. Make sure to get the contact info from them, because they make great references.

 

[I'm No Superman]

Hahaha. Cracking up, only because I've done the exact same thing. I shadow in the emergency room so I work lots of twelve hour shifts with lots of different docs. Make sure to get the contact info from them, because they make great references.

Besides that (and the doc taking a picture and sending it to my father) I had a blast. Everyone was cool, I learned stuff, and I stole food from the doctors lounge. I'm gonna try a 6pm-6am next time, I'll hopefully get a lot more sleep than I did this time.

 

[JPodel]

Shadowing for 12 hours? Damn that's nice!

 

[FutureMD129]

NOTHING wrong with asking a Dr. how to pronounce his/her last name. It's better to ask than to mispronounce it. Also, you could just address them by the first initial of their last name, if they're okay with it. Or call them by their first names if they're cool with that--many of the docs I wrote go by their first names.

👍 great advice.

Also OP, yes you are definitely overthinking things 😛 When you meet the doctor, you could simply ask how they pronounce their name.. I doubt they'll find the question offensive.

 

[DesertPT]

NOTHING wrong with asking a Dr. how to pronounce his/her last name. It's better to ask than to mispronounce it. Also, you could just address them by the first initial of their last name, if they're okay with it. Or call them by their first names if they're cool with that--many of the docs I wrote go by their first names.