Shadowing a D.O.

[CaliforniaGirl]

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I'll be a D.O. applicant for the class entering Fall 2002. I am looking for a D.O. who is willing to allow me to shadow them in order to get a firm grasp on the daily routine. Being in California, so far I've been met with many people who don't even know what a D.O. is, and some Docs who aren't interested in allowing students to shadow them. Any suggestions?
Is there any kind of association or group which connects pre-osteopaths with D.O.'s for this specific purpose?
Thanks!

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Jannette

 

[USP02]

I'm also looking to shadow a DO.
You might want look in the Yellow Pages under Physicians. They usually list MD or DO behind the name. Look up some names and either write them a letter or give them a call and express your interests in shadowing. You should eventually find someone who is willing to be shadowed
That's probably what I will end up doing.

Best of Luck.

 

[Toran]

CaliforniaGirl, or actually Palo Alto girl, I shadowed a couple of DOs there. Email me, and I will send you contact information.

Toran
[email protected]

 

[CaliforniaGirl]

Thanks guys, it's great to know folks are out there willing to help.
In reply to USP02's suggetion of the phonebook, that's a really good one. Just in case you need additional resources, here is a website that will provide lists of DO's in your area:
http://www.americasguide.com/resource/national.asp?pict=health&cat=31

In addition, on the AMA website (under the doctor finder section) it is possible to create your own list by checking under each specialty for your area and sifting through all the names until you find DO's. I found that looking under the 'Family Practice' and 'General' categories proved most helpful.

Thanks again,
Jannette

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Jannette

 

[adismo]

CaliGirl,

I had the same dillema. Opened up the phone book and started calling DO's offices one by one. After a handfull of NO's, I found one that was willing to let me shadow him for a week. It was an awesome experience. Turns out he graduated from the same school as I'll be attending.

Best of luck, never give up.

 

[drusso]

Try contacting some of the DO's out at the Saint Mary's Spine Center in the City. Dr. Glassman would be an excellent choice.
http://www.wenet.net/~sfimms/info/fm.html

 

[CaliforniaGirl]

Mojo,
You're right about violation of confidentiality being the major reason (and a good one at that) I've heard for docs not being interested in a shadowing student.
In the past I've been asked (as a patient) if I would be comfortable with a student being present during a doctor visit or exam. I've usually said "O.K." since I know it's a part of the learning process.
In my opinion, asking the patient is the most important factor.

 

[seizure]

If you are looking for a DO in California, try http://www.opsc.org and select "Find a DO in your area". MOst DO's in CA are OPSC members.

 

[dlacroix]

Please, please, please....If anyone of my fellow future doctors out there - that may have any useful tid bits on shadowing a physician in the South Florida area (Miami, Ft.Lauderdale area)...PLEASE SHARE THE WEALTH, it will tremendously appreciated.
Because as of right now...the phone book is my only source.

Thanks in advance.

 

[adismo]

True. Patient confidentiality is a concern for docs, but in actuality, it's not that big of a gripe for the patients. Usually the doctors will introduce you as a medical student or such and ask the patient's permission for you to sit in on the examination/consultation.

I've never been asked to leave when I shadowed a D.O. If you pose some questions of medical nature (general, not personal), it will project a professional image. And dont ever complain! Don't ever make excuses.

Shadowing a DO was more meaningful (in terms of getting to know the profession) than all the volunteer time I've had. It's a great experience.