Question about my shadowing experience

[Ryzyn]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Last Friday I shadowed an EM physician who has a history of being receptive of allowing pre-meds who are part of the same EMS agency as him. I showed up early, dressed properly and conservatively, and chatted with some of the nurses at the specific part of the ED he was manning that night. When he came, we shared small talk and I asked him how he usually handled having people shadow him. He said to not be afraid to ask questions, and allowed me to follow him closely around all night, but I usually kept out of the way when he had stuff to do, writing orders/grilling residents. The whole night I had been present at his side when he saw patients around the hospital, adopting a passive role(being a literal shadow during that time) at most just letting me listen to lung sounds when I asked, and I was only asking questions when he was done with the patient or when we were walking together to the next room.
What concerns me is that he did not really take the initiative to ask me questions about myself, which I could understand because he was on the job that night, trying to see as many patients as possible and then do his dictations.
Am I over thinking this too much? This was after all my first experience shadowing. Is there someway I can improve my qualities as a 'shadower' in time for my next session tomorrow at the SICU?
Any help is appreciated thanks!

 

[cliquesh]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. You basically just slow him down all night and you know nothing about medicine, so he cannot really talk to you about what he's doing.

Just act interested and don't get in th way.

 

[medickdb]

He did say you could ask questions. I don't know what level EMS provider you are, but even at the Basic level you should have some understanding of emergency medicine.

I'm a paramedic and in addition to my field experience I've worked in a busy Level 1 Trauma Center for 3 years. I've also shadowed a DO in a Level 2 Trauma Center for a LOR. What I suggest, and you can take it or leave it, is to watch him examine the patient first. When he sits down to write orders, then talk about the patient encounter (i.e. "So, that female patient came in with abdominal pain. From my understanding, it could be X or Y. But, what else would I would be looking to rule in or out and why? How did you do that with your exam and the orders you're placing now?") If a nurse, resident, or other provider comes to him with an issue, obviously you'll have to yield to him or her.

It sounds like he enjoys teaching if he's receptive to pre-meds. Don't be afraid to ask the nurses questions either. It's good to get their perspective on things as well (Plus, you'll have to know how to interact with them in your future endeavors.). A good time would be when he's extremely busy and can't answer your questions. Use this opportunity to learn.

Good luck.

 

[drcollete]

From what you've told us, it seems to me that everything went well. It's good that you stayed out of the way, and asked questions only when appropriate. Physicians have asked me questions sometimes, in terms of why I want to study medicine and my exposure to a medical setting. However, others are more quiet. I think it's mostly from personality differences.

Good luck with the SICU!

 

[michigan1212]

It sounds like everything went well. The first time I shadowed was a little like that too. Over time, he will learn more about you.