For only 8 hours, I imagine that's a non primary care specialty? I assume primary care physicians will have little time in between each patient to talk to you so the approach would be different right? In terms of connecting with the attending, could you tell me your strategy and what topics did you talk about with them?
The 8 hours was EM, not sure if it's primary care. I scribed for a traveler [Locum]. He was a really chilled dude and we connected well because we were essentially young. He was a DO and wanted to know what were my future plans. I told him I was applying to DOs and he wanted to become an advocate. He WANTED to write me an LOR. To this day, I still thank him.
For primary care, this is what I did.
1) Always show up early and greet all the staff team members. Be good looking and have a professional look -- I got away with a slim fit buttoned up, slim fitted black pants, dress socks, and nice black dress shoes. I got many compliments from the patients for looking sharp. No tie needed because it's too much -- for me it was.
2) Always bring a notepad. Take note of any new terminology, medication, procedure, and lab study you are unaware about.
3) Be EXTREMELY humble and nice to everyone. If you have a strong ego or pride.....drop it. You are a no-body, in a sense.
4) At the end of the day, the doctor MAY ask if you have any questions. This is when you ask questions with the things you written down in #2.
5) Before you leave, thank your doctor for the wonderful opportunity. Give a genuine smile and a firm hand shake. Its the LAST impression that will stick in the doc's mind. So mess up or make it awkward lol
6) For your last day, this is what I did...... before the handshake......
6a) I let my doctor know I was going to/or in the process of applying to medical schools.
"Dr. X, as you know, this is my last day and I truly appreciate the time and opportunity you gave me. Thank you so much. *Genuine smile* I was wondering if you had some time to write me a STRONG LOR because I'm applying to medical school and would love a letter from you. You are extremely knowledgeable, very caring, and have excellent bedside manners. You truly inspired me to continue the path into medicine. I can email you my resume/CV if you need more information about me. I don't need it right away."
It should work in your favor because usually the doctors will feel guilty if he/she said no.
The worst is a "no". It's fine. Move on........Get use to rejections.
This method helped me get 5x LORs from MDs and DOs.
