Shadow

[jrpestana]

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Hello All!

I live just outside of the NYC area and am having difficulty finding a DO that will let me shadow. Security and insurance seems to top the list as main reasons why I am not allowed. What's the secret for you guys who have had the opportunity to shadow? And isn't it practically a "requirement" for admission for those with number within the average range (3.2-3.4/ 25-30)? Inputs are greatly appreciated.

 

[Khenon]

That's odd! Do MD's not have these same insurance/security problems? Is there any way to go through some kind of safety training that will make it okay for you to be present with the doctor? I can't believe there's such high security that you couldn't go through some basic training that will allow you access. I know here at Mayo, you have to have all the HIPPA (or is it one "P"?) and other training courses (which are just powerpoint presentations that we look at and click on the button that says we read it) to be "hanging around" the hospital. But otherwise there doesn't seem to be any issues with my presence in the hospital. Sorry about your problems. I hope you're able to find someone more helpful.

 

[medic170]

That's odd! Do MD's not have these same insurance/security problems? Is there any way to go through some kind of safety training that will make it okay for you to be present with the doctor? I can't believe there's such high security that you couldn't go through some basic training that will allow you access. I know here at Mayo, you have to have all the HIPPA (or is it one "P"?) and other training courses (which are just powerpoint presentations that we look at and click on the button that says we read it) to be "hanging around" the hospital. But otherwise there doesn't seem to be any issues with my presence in the hospital. Sorry about your problems. I hope you're able to find someone more helpful.

I never had any problems, but I knew the docs before hand. BTW, it is HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act)

Keep trying, someone will help you out. Also, try some resouces at your school, maybe they can hook you up with someone.

 

[jrpestana]

That's odd! Do MD's not have these same insurance/security problems? Is there any way to go through some kind of safety training that will make it okay for you to be present with the doctor? I can't believe there's such high security that you couldn't go through some basic training that will allow you access. I know here at Mayo, you have to have all the HIPPA (or is it one "P"?) and other training courses (which are just powerpoint presentations that we look at and click on the button that says we read it) to be "hanging around" the hospital. But otherwise there doesn't seem to be any issues with my presence in the hospital. Sorry about your problems. I hope you're able to find someone more helpful.

I've been trying the hospital route but according to head of volun. services, I can't do anything of the sort because, "the doctors don't even want the nurses around them...". At this point, MD or DO would be fine but not having any luck. Should I be trying private practices? Thank you guys for your replies.

 

[medic170]

Should I be trying private practices?.

For sure, that will be your best bet. If all else fails, get out the yellow pages. I guarantee you will find a DO that will let you shadow.

 

[Khenon]

I've been trying the hospital route but according to head of volun. services, I can't do anything of the sort because, "the doctors don't even want the nurses around them...". At this point, MD or DO would be fine but not having any luck. Should I be trying private practices? Thank you guys for your replies.

I would contact the doctors directly. Volunteer services is probably just thinking in terms of "work" related issues, and not realizing that most doctors are more than willing to let people shadow them . . . they were in our shoes at one point, and most are ready to offer their time, just like they needed way back when. I agree with looking in the yellow pages, or even talking to your own physician. Even if he/she can't let you shadow they might know someone else who is willing.

 

[premeddo]

Hello All!

I live just outside of the NYC area and am having difficulty finding a DO that will let me shadow. Security and insurance seems to top the list as main reasons why I am not allowed. What's the secret for you guys who have had the opportunity to shadow? And isn't it practically a "requirement" for admission for those with number within the average range (3.2-3.4/ 25-30)? Inputs are greatly appreciated.

You might want to go the DO schools and ask them for a list of DO's willing to help new students. Or doctors associated with them. Thats what I did and they were very welcoming!

 

[michelleDO]

Hello All!

I live just outside of the NYC area and am having difficulty finding a DO that will let me shadow. Security and insurance seems to top the list as main reasons why I am not allowed. What's the secret for you guys who have had the opportunity to shadow? And isn't it practically a "requirement" for admission for those with number within the average range (3.2-3.4/ 25-30)? Inputs are greatly appreciated.

Hi jrpestana,

I was in your same situation. I live in new jersey and had a difficult time finding a DO. What I ended up doing was I called the AOA (from website, or you could also email them and they will tell you the number to call, but it may take a little time for them to get back to you). I told them that I am applying to DO schools and needed to find a DO around my area and that I am willing to travel about an hour away. I also told them how important it was for the application and for me to have exposure. I told them that I tried contacting some DOs on my own but some did not answer and the other did not have time or could not do it. Just tell AOA your situation. What AOA then did for me is that they got me in contact with my state AOA-NJ and a doctor DO who was a director in my county. I called the DO director and told him that AOA gave me your number for shadowing and ....

Ok, do that, you will definitely get to shadow.
good luck

 

[Khenon]

Hi jrpestana,

I was in your same situation. I live in new jersey and had a difficult time finding a DO. What I ended up doing was I called the AOA (from website, or you could also email them and they will tell you the number to call, but it may take a little time for them to get back to you). I told them that I am applying to DO schools and needed to find a DO around my area and that I am willing to travel about an hour away. I also told them how important it was for the application and for me to have exposure. I told them that I tried contacting some DOs on my own but some did not answer and the other did not have time or could not do it. Just tell AOA your situation. What AOA then did for me is that they got me in contact with my state AOA-NJ and a doctor DO who was a director in my county. I called the DO director and told him that AOA gave me your number for shadowing and ....

Ok, do that, you will definitely get to shadow.
good luck

This is a great idea. I think there is genuine concern/sympathy that the DO "word" isn't getting out there, so they've set things up at AOA to help people out like you. I'm sure this would get you the help you need. Best of luck.

 

[Febrifuge]

Yup. The same thing worked for me, and my state (MN) has like fewer than 500 DO's altogether. I spent half a day last year with a guy with a very robust family practice. I had a great experience and a good talk. The state's own mini-AOA has its own Web site. Maybe yours does too.

 

[WestcoastMedicine]

I don't see why it would be an insurance issue, 90% chance they will only let you observe. Every doctor I shadowed I could watch whatever I want, but under no circumstances was I allowed to actually touch a patient.

 

[donvicious]

I had this problem when I was applying last year. At the time I was very interested in the military route. I explained to a recruiter that I wanted to shadow a DO and he set me up with one. There was no obligation.

 

[jrpestana]

Hi jrpestana,

I was in your same situation. I live in new jersey and had a difficult time finding a DO. What I ended up doing was I called the AOA (from website, or you could also email them and they will tell you the number to call, but it may take a little time for them to get back to you). I told them that I am applying to DO schools and needed to find a DO around my area and that I am willing to travel about an hour away. I also told them how important it was for the application and for me to have exposure. I told them that I tried contacting some DOs on my own but some did not answer and the other did not have time or could not do it. Just tell AOA your situation. What AOA then did for me is that they got me in contact with my state AOA-NJ and a doctor DO who was a director in my county. I called the DO director and told him that AOA gave me your number for shadowing and ....

Ok, do that, you will definitely get to shadow.
good luck

Thanks for the great advice... I will try this route. It's unbelieveable how helpful and supportive the community at SDN really is. Thank you all for your replies. 👍

 

[jrpestana]

You might want to go the DO schools and ask them for a list of DO's willing to help new students. Or doctors associated with them. Thats what I did and they were very welcoming!

This is also a great idea. I'm a nontraditional student and would prefer to do the shadowing at a hospital, if possible. I will contact NYCOM and UMDNJ to see if they can be of help.

 

[jrpestana]

I had this problem when I was applying last year. At the time I was very interested in the military route. I explained to a recruiter that I wanted to shadow a DO and he set me up with one. There was no obligation.

That would be an option, if I hadn't already served in the Marine... these days, I want to stay as far away possible from anyone in a uniform. 😀