psychiatrist shadow

[Backpack]

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So I recently asked for a job shadow in the psychiatry department at a hospital. Seeing that a majority of the things psychiatrists do are confidential what can I expect to be able to observe?

 

[Regnvejr]

So I recently asked for a job shadow in the psychiatry department at a hospital. Seeing that a majority of the things psychiatrists do are confidential what can I expect to be able to observe?

If they're affiliated with medical school or residency, likely you're allowed to be present through a lot of it. Otherwise, patients are not used to the presence of students and may be concerned. Yet, you should be able to get a good sense of what it is like.

 

[diosa428]

As noted by Regnveir, patients on an inpatient unit who are used to residents and students probably won't be bothered by your presence. Outpatient psychiatry is a whole different ballgame though - patients are much less likely to let you sit in on their 15-30 min, once-every-howevermanymonths visit with their doc, especially if they want to talk about personal problems or are participating in therapy.

However, on an inpatient unit, you will probably find that there are group therapy sessions and other group activities that you can probably attend if you are free at those times.