Shadowing a doctor-- what to ask for in the experience

[Ishiguro]

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The old threads on this topic seem old, so I started a new one.

I'm a nontrad student doing a human rights-related MA degree. I have applications out to postbac programs now, but wanted to take advantage of the hospital at my current university (where I currently volunteer) to get shadowing experience. I contacted a primary health physician who was herself a nontraditional student and works with disadvantaged populations. She was very helpful about making sure shadowing is possible and we have a meeting tomorrow, but I think we are both unclear about how to proceed. She indicated that she's not entirely sure what to do next (aside from making sure I have HIPAA clearance etc), and wants me to tell her what my expectations are for the experience. I haven't shadowed before. What should I ask for? An opportunity to watch her work/sit in on patient appointments/attend rounds? How many hours should I seek (I'm available for chunks of several hours at a time on weekdays)? Does anyone have any input about what a shadowing experience with a pediatrician in a primary care facility "looks" like?

Thanks!

 

[beckhunter116]

Typically, I would say that you just follow around the Doctor through office visits or through the hospital. The Doctor asks the patients if it is okay for you to observe and they say yes or no. Usually it will be yes. Hours you do it is up to the Doctor. She may only want to do this one day, or she could let you do it as often as you want (within reason). When you are seeing patients, don't ask questions then. Try to see if at the end of your time you can plan sometime to ask your questions. Hope this helps.

 

[Ishiguro]

Thanks! I'll leave it fairly open-ended, but maybe suggest a combination of seeing patients and a little bit of discussion time afterward, maybe over 2 or 3 sessions. This physician has been wonderfully responsive, so I'm hopeful it will be a good experience.

 

[thoffen]

Your primary goal in shadowing is to understand what it is like to be a doctor -- what it is like to practice medicine, what challenges they face, what lifestyle they are able to maintain, etc. Essentially, you are trying to learn if medicine is the right career for you and provide evidence to back it up. Your own shadowing experience beyond that varies quite a bit depending on the physician you shadow. Just be respectful, inquisitive, and grateful that they are giving you the experience and hope they give you some good pointers along the way.

The old threads on this topic seem old, so I started a new one.

I'm a nontrad student doing a human rights-related MA degree. I have applications out to postbac programs now, but wanted to take advantage of the hospital at my current university (where I currently volunteer) to get shadowing experience. I contacted a primary health physician who was herself a nontraditional student and works with disadvantaged populations. She was very helpful about making sure shadowing is possible and we have a meeting tomorrow, but I think we are both unclear about how to proceed. She indicated that she's not entirely sure what to do next (aside from making sure I have HIPAA clearance etc), and wants me to tell her what my expectations are for the experience. I haven't shadowed before. What should I ask for? An opportunity to watch her work/sit in on patient appointments/attend rounds? How many hours should I seek (I'm available for chunks of several hours at a time on weekdays)? Does anyone have any input about what a shadowing experience with a pediatrician in a primary care facility "looks" like?

Thanks!