Shadowing a DO? Help please.

[Sofia Ahmed]

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Hey everyone. I still haven't found a doctor of my preference to shadow. It is so difficult to get a hold of a DO. Any help or advice on how to find one? Thanks in advance

 

[Ogmora]

Here's a couple different methods I've used:

Go into the office and ask the receptionist if the doctor allows shadowing and would be willing to schedule a time for you to come in. Most receptionists will say no/he's busy/it's a violation of HIPPA/etc. when you call, so going in face-to-face is the most direct way to elicit the response you're looking for. Most docs are willing to let you, but in my experience, receptionists always say no on the phone (exception in my tactic below) and are less reluctant when you come in.

If you're charismatic, you can call the office and ask to speak to the doc "briefly" about your "professional shadowing opportunity." This worked for me, but especially because I mentioned to the receptionist that we spoke before about it/he was expecting me to call back, which we didn't and he wasn't, but she wouldn't have let me talk to him otherwise. He was happy to let me shadow and for the duration of the experience had no reservations about me being there...the receptionist however, was a different story.

Other ways:

If you happen to see/greet/run into the doc (at the hospital, practice, etc.) ask if they will allow you to shadow.

Contact state AOA office or hospital and ask if they know of any docs in your area willing to let you shadow.

Like I said, most are willing to let you follow them around. They know you need to do this in order to prepare for med school.

 

[MJS4878]

Here's a couple different methods I've used:

Go into the office and ask the receptionist if the doctor allows shadowing and would be willing to schedule a time for you to come in. Most receptionists will say no/he's busy/it's a violation of HIPPA/etc. when you call, so going in face-to-face is the most direct way to elicit the response you're looking for. Most docs are willing to let you, but in my experience, receptionists always say no on the phone (exception in my tactic below) and are less reluctant when you come in.

If you're charismatic, you can call the office and ask to speak to the doc "briefly" about your "professional shadowing opportunity." This worked for me, but especially because I mentioned to the receptionist that we spoke before about it/he was expecting me to call back, which we didn't and he wasn't, but she wouldn't have let me talk to him otherwise. He was happy to let me shadow and for the duration of the experience had no reservations about me being there...the receptionist however, was a different story.

Other ways:

If you happen to see/greet/run into the doc (at the hospital, practice, etc.) ask if they will allow you to shadow.

Contact state AOA office or hospital and ask if they know of any docs in your area willing to let you shadow.

Like I said, most are willing to let you follow them around. They know you need to do this in order to prepare for med school.

All great advice! I just happened to get lucky. When I went to see my doctor for a physical he mentioned that he hired a new doctor to join his practice (who I noticed was a D.O.) I asked if I could speak with her and within a couple minutes she was willing to let me shadow one day a week.

I know it isn't the easiest, but if you can speak to the doctor directly, I think your chance of them saying yes is infinitely better.

 

[desdes]

I too was not having luck until I called every DO in phone book and my friend called the. DO school directly and they gave her doctors who precept for the school she found 3

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Yea I just spammed places, showed up, asked about it, wrote a short statement if interest (like one of the docs I shadowed for 3 months went to ccom, one of my top choices), more or less so they have my contact info and something to tangible to remember me by. I have found about half respond well by calling, half respond only if you show up

Either way its a numbers game. If you need more contacts go through the aoa list of licensed DOs. Send to a bunch of places, somewhere will allow you

Sent from my RM-917_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk

 

[68quebec]

what I did and doing currently is find ppl around you. Ask your friends, church member, or tennis club member whoever that if they know any doctors ...you will fine some.

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

Contact your local hospitals. Look into becoming a scribe. Maybe switch your primary care provider to a DO.