Shadowing a physician

[DOforlife]

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I just got an email from a DO physician and he said that he would be delighted to let me shadow him, but he would like to speak to me on the phone first. I'm a little scared and I was just wondering if anyone can give me any advice to how I should act and what type of questions should I ask him. Also should I ask him for a LOR after shadowing him this one time?

 

[Laryngophed]

I just got an email from a DO physician and he said that he would be delighted to let me shadow him, but he would like to speak to me on the phone first. I'm a little scared and I was just wondering if anyone can give me any advice to how I should act and what type of questions should I ask him. Also should I ask him for a LOR after shadowing him this one time?

Be respectful, deferential and curious. Ask him the things that cross your mind, time and date of shadowing, dress code, what accommodations you may need (i.e. packing your lunch), ask him about his medical school experiences and residencies. Some of those will be better suited for a face to face conversation, but you get the idea.

Hold off on asking for an LOR. At the end of your first shadowing session you should be able to ask for another (if you get a good vibe/experience). Do these for a few sessions and then ask about an LOR.

 

[DOforlife]

Also his specialty is gyn/obs...does that mean I'll see old women's *****?

 

[Laryngophed]

Also his specialty is gyn/obs...does that mean I'll see old women's *****?

I wouldn't talk like this either.

Sheesh.

 

[DO3]

Also his specialty is gyn/obs...does that mean I'll see old women's *****?

Unnecessary, ridiculous, and totally off-color comment. 😡👎mad:👎mad:👎

Guess what...what do you think you will doing at community health clinics during your 1st and 2nd year and then again during 3rd and 4th year rotations?

 

[Laryngophed]

Unnecessary, ridiculous, and totally off-color comment. 😡👎mad:👎mad:👎

Guess what...what do you think you will doing at community health clinics during your 1st and 2nd year and then again during 3rd and 4th year rotations?

It was unprofessional and immature, but not everyone is ready for the burdens of medicine as soon as they think they are. I think, if OP can keep his comments to himself, shadowing a professional may be a very good thing for him.