Shadowing a Doctor

[crzynikki]

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Hi, everyone. I'm new here and am so glad I've found such a resourceful forum. I have a few questions. I want to pursue a career in pediatrics and I want to shadow a pediatrician to get a real feel for the job. How do I go about doing this? Is it better to shadow one that works in a hospital? If I want to apply to Mt. Sinai Medical later on, is it a good/bad idea to shadow a pediatrician who works at that hospital now? Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[theprizefighter]

Hi, crzynikki

I shadowed a family practice physician at my first choice medical school and I can tell you that it doesn't hurt your applications prospects so I would try to shadow someone from Mt. Sinai in pediatrics. Try to get someone in a university setting who trains residents (i.e. the residency program director) because they are more accustomed to talking to students. Some physicians you shadow just show you what they do without engaging you in any discussion but docs who train residents are more socratic and get you involved. Also, you may want to parlay your shadowing experience into an independent study from credit. For example, you can write journal entries on your experiences and then have that count as a one credit pass/fail independent study. Bottom line: Shadowing can be as meaningful experience as you want it to be as long as you are innovative and persistent in how you go about your work. Good luck!

theprizefighter

"I always tell the truth - even when I lie." Tony Montana

 

[fierce tiger]

Here is the answer to how to start shadowing. You can call the hospital to be a volunteer and ask them if you can shadow or become an intern to shadow a doctor. That is what I am doing, the hospital here only lets you "shadow" a doctor for a day, which is why I put intern because that is what they call shadowing a doctor more long term. I don't know, it really doesn't make sense. Any way, another option is to check with you advisor to see if they have a list of doctors that have offered to have students shadow them. If there is no list, then I would just start calling doctors. All you have to do is tell the receptionist that you are pre-med student and want to shadow a doctor. Then they will talk to the doctor and get back to you.

Good Luck!

 

[Clemson Doc]

I would definitely try to arrange your shadowing experience through the doctor rather than the hospital. From my experience, as well as those I've spoken with, going through the hospital is only going to get you a volunteer experience filing papers or answering phones. Going through a doctor, though, will likely put you right there next to him/her asking questions and learning a lot.

Getting to know the folks at Mount Sinai-affiliated hospitals sounds like a great plan. It certainly can't hurt, and you never know who you'll have the opportunity to meet that might help you once you're in medical school.

 

[crzynikki]

Thank you everyone for your help. I will definitely take up your advice and begin looking to make some contacts. Thanks again.

 

[Swiper]

I'll add that my Family Practice (associated with the nearby med school) has a program where you can earn 2 hours of shadowing time for every 5 hours volunteered. It's possible that Pediatrics Offices near you (or near a med school near you?) might have a similar set-up.

 

[Earth]

Are there any prerequisites to be an intern?

-Shahada

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Originally posted by theprizefighter
Also, you may want to parlay your shadowing experience into an independent study from credit. For example, you can write journal entries on your experiences and then have that count as a one credit pass/fail independent study.

I couldn't agree with this more. It will show the admissions comittee people that you actually completed some shadowing, and that you aren't just making up your volunteer/shadowing experiences.

 

[etoile]

My undergrad school (Gonzaga) had the Gonzaga Alumni Mentoring Program. My boyfriend ended up shadowing an orthopedic surgeon for 3 1/2 years or so.

 

[exilio]

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is putting the kibosh on shadowing unless you are some kind of related health science student or pre-med.

At least that's the case here in California. I have been able to shadow a few shifts with one doc in the trauma department at a highly reputable hospital..but haven't been able to get any other docs to go for it due to HIPAA. 🙁

 

[Northerner]

bump