Real Important

[MrAnonymous]

I have noticed that some of you are shadowing doctors in a clinical setting. How did you get such a great position? I would love to shadow doctors, perhaps you can tell me how you guys/gals go into it.

Also, I have noticed that there has been posts about how medical schools weed people out according to MCAT scores, gpa, and even pictures. Is there any schools that won't weed out people with these criterias? I have looked in the MSAR, and notice that some schools have lower MCAT scores of enrolled students. But I can't figure which are "safety schools" that has a good chance of acceptance of students with low MCAT, gpa, etc. Can anyone suggest one?? It must be an MD school within the US!!

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[whynotme?]

MR A.
My premed advisor made arrangements for me to shadow doctors in 2-3 different areas that I thought I might be interested. Check with him/her if you are still in the college setting. (and who isn't

) HA!

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"Nothing ventured, Nothing gained"

 

[spirit]

I have had the opportunity to shadow several doctors in various areas. I called the physician's office and usually spoke with his/her receptionist who relayed the request. Most doctors were very willing to let me shadow and even invited me back for additional days. I think you will find that most doctors you encounter are very helpful because they know what it is like to be in your shoes.
My advice would be to call some physicians and work from there. What do you have to lose?

 

[Sheiila]

I got into the personnel directory at the teaching hospitals in Boston, and send out several heart-felt e-mails to docs doing things that interested me. I got two bites, a surgeon and an anesthsiologist. I have spent 47 hours in the Mass General OR! I stood two feet to six inches from the incision. They got platforms for me to stand on so I could see better! And they let me go and visit with patients after they woke up. I had the best kidney transplant surgeon in the world move out of the way so I could see the vena cava on a man. It is so, so worth it. Write some e-mails!!!

 

[tristate]

I applied to and attended summer programs for students interested in medicine. They are an excellent way to spend your summers if you don't feel like going to summer school. Most programs will pay for students to attend. Check with your premed advisor or academic advisor.

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And the blessings just keep coming!

 

[jules_magnetic_fields]

Before I became a med student, I encountered many physicians whom were not willing to allow me to shadow them because of confidentiality issues. Some doctors knew that their patients would feel uncomfortable and therefore would not even bother to ask their permission if I could be in the room observing. Some doctor's had their office managers deal with these types of situations: the managers would say, "sorry this is not covered under the doctor's liability plan."

Although I am a med student, I can't really blame the doctors for feeling this way. There is sometimes just too much risk.


[This message has been edited by jules_magnetic_fields (edited 06-20-2000).]

 

[docflanny]

I've had the best success in seeking out physicians to shadow by going talking to the older science teachers at our school about their former students who became physicians in the area. The plan worked out perfectly! Many of the physician alums were excited to help me out in learning more about my future career choice. Furthermore, these docs still had a lot of school spirit for their undergrad and were even more engaging and helpful when it came time for asking for recommendation letters.

Good luck in which ever path you pursue.

As far as safety net medical schools, I don't think one exists. You have to try to find a good fit for your personality. Many schools will not give you a chance if your MCAT scores aren't competitive (10s) unfortunately. At times they will make concessions for you if your MCAT scores are competitive, but this often means that you fit into a category of applicants in which there are as many apps. Good luck!!

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Matt Flannigan
MSU Class of 2004

 

[docflanny]

I've had the best success in shadowing physicians by talking our science teachers about their former students who became physicians in the area. The plan worked out perfectly! Many of the physician-alums were excited to help me learn more about my future career choice. Furthermore, these docs still had a lot of school spirit and were helpful when it came time for asking for recommendation letters.

Good luck in which ever path you pursue.

As far as safety net medical schools, I don't think one exists. You have to try to find a good fit for your personality. Many schools will not give you a chance if your MCAT scores aren't competitive (10s) unfortunately. Good luck!!

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Matt Flannigan
MSU Class of 2004

 

[MrAnonymous]

So, from what I hear the best way to shadow a physician is to call around the medical clinics and ask them directly. Just to be correct, when I shadow a physician.. I basically follow him/her all day around?? I don't know about that since a lot of specialists aren't with patients most of the time. I get the sense that they also have a lot of paperwork to do and I might be in the way. Should I shadow a primary care physician? and what exactly do I ask... hello, can I shadow a physician?? or Hello, I am a premed student and I was wondering if I could come in and follow one of your physicians around when he/she is with patients? Thanks!

 

[spirit]

I would call and go with "hello, I am a pre-medical student at so and so university and I was interested in job shadowing Dr. so and so. Would this be possible?" Sometimes they will ask if you have any association with the doctor (is he a friend, relative, or your family physician). This just helps the receptionist know how to approach the physician.
As far as the amount of time spent with the physician, that is up to the physician. Somedays I have spent all day and others I spent only half a day. Ask.

The issue with patient confidentiality, the doctor would always enter the room and introduce me as a pre-med student. The patients never seemed uncomfortable with my presence. They would even remark that they thought it was an excellent idea to shadow their doctor and would often wish me luck!

I have only had the best experiences with shadowing. I always left knowing that I wanted to practice medicine!

 

[Djanaba]

Actually, my college's career center keeps a HUGE file on scads of alums in different fields who are willing to have a student shadow him or her. It was wonderful -- I took advantage of a "career exploration opportunity" that involved a c-section, an extensive surgery to remove some monstrous fibroids, and a tubal ligation -- plus some prenatal and pap/pelvic visits. It was fantastic!

 

[connie]

hi
anyone knows few great docs in san antonio area that i can ask for opportunity to shadows??
P.S you guys gave so many great ideas to approach shadowing issue. Before i was uncertain how to go about doing it but now i have more confidence. thank you

 

[omalleypat]

The emergency department is another good place to shadow. Most ED docs are receptive, especially in teaching hospitals. Another good way to get some real hands on experience is to get your nurse aide license. It is only 6 weeks and is at most community colleges. You might even be able to do it before you start back to school this fall.

 

[doctor_sig]

Another resource you may check out is your regional Area Health Education Center. I'm working at my AHEC this summer, partly doing office work, partly in the ER. I'm able to shadow where and when I want. I had them set up some OR shadowing, and that was great too. Basically, they're here to get people interested in the health care field, and will help you out immensly with that and with MCAT prep, college course help, anything they have the resources for. They also connect with Med schools in the area, and can help get you an interview if you're qualified.

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Dr. Sig
*disclaimer* All opinions are worth
what you paid for them.