Observing ED shifts?

[gimmedog]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Does anyone observe the ED while they're in town for an interview? If yes, what is the etiquette around these visits? I'm guessing you let them know ahead of time and don't be a pain in the ass or get in the way, other than that, any tips?

What do you wear? Scrubs or something more interview-like?

Thanks all!

 

[basementbeastie]

i visited a couple of programs while on an ED rotation a few months ago. i emailed ahead of time to some people connected to the programs that i had met. i wore shirt and tie, slacks, leather shoes. some places that i am interviewing at have offered extra times to go observe the ED in action. i would imagine that most programs would be open to the idea if they have not already offered.

 

[GCS:3]

I didn't observe when I was on my first interview, and when I was trying to sort out my opinions, I realized how valuable this would have been. I'll try to set up visits from now on.

 

[DrQuinn]

I only did an hour or so at one hospital, that's Univ of FL in JAX, I spent a little bit, just kidno f watched their "rounds" in the ED. It was real nice, learned a lot, actually. I just wore my regular interview clothes.

Never did any other time in the ED, didn't think it was necessary, and from the feedback i got from the attendings/PDs, didn't think it was relevant to the ROL.

Mmmm Sangrias.
Q, DO

 

[Sessamoid]

Originally posted by QuinnNSU
Mmmm Sangrias.
Q, DO

Sounds like you were "treated" by Dr. Mazzaferro as well. 🙂

 

[Chris_Topher]

I spent about an hour at each ER after the interview, just to get another opportunity to talk to the residents and maybe an attending, and see the workflow in the department. I think that I just wore my interview attire (really stands out in the ER), or I brought a pair of kakhi's (kept the tie). I brought and wore my school ID (for the patients and the faculty).

In each case I did arrange this before-hand with the program coordinator.

 

[Febrifuge]

I'm a tech in a well-known ED, and last week I met a student who must have come in wearing interview clothes, because the black suede pumps really complimented the borrowed scrubs!

I think she spent a couple hours, maybe a half-day. I get the impression that's standard procedure for us.

 

[The White Coat Investor]

At the beginning of interview season I was really gung-ho about getting in there and seeing the department flow. By the end I would just drive by and look at the waiting room in the evening, and I eliminated all the programs with no one in the waiting room at 7 or 8 pm.

The problem is that an hour, a half day, or even a full-shift isn't enough to give you a feel for the program. I would say you've gotta work at least 5 shifts. The problem is that requires a rotation. My attitude was......why bother doing the hour in the first place. Unfortunately, that means you have to use other criteria to make your decision. That's probably best though. Suppose the two hours you observe in an ED are when the very worst attending to work with is on....then you get an unfairly negative view of the program. Same thing if its the best. Might as well skip it. All that said, its easy to arrange if you really want to try it.

 

[DrQuinn]

Originally posted by Sessamoid
Sounds like you were "treated" by Dr. Mazzaferro as well. 🙂

I wish. No, paid for them myself at Ceviche's, off Howard/Bayshore. Mmmm tapas.

Q, DO

 

[roja]

I did not. I just didn't have the time or energy. Perhaps not the best of advice but I think the best thing to do is just try and get a feel for the program from the director and the residents. See if you fit in.

 

[Seaglass]

Judo Chop!-bump