Shadowing a Pod, need advice!

[DrMarx]

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I know this has been asked numerous times, just bear with me.

I'm going to shadow a Podiatrist in two weeks, do you think it would be acceptable to wear scrubs or should I just dress nice?

Also, the way my schedule worked out I could only shadow him for a day. How would I go about asking if I can shadow him again sometime in the future?

And of course, any tips on what I should do while shadowing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[pacpod]

I know this has been asked numerous times, just bear with me.

I'm going to shadow a Podiatrist in two weeks, do you think it would be acceptable to wear scrubs or should I just dress nice?

Unless you are meeting him at the hospital or surgery center for surgery right off the bat, dress nicely. Shirt and tie if you are a guy.

Also, the way my schedule worked out I could only shadow him for a day. How would I go about asking if I can shadow him again sometime in the future?

If you feel like you are getting along pretty well with the doc at the end of the day, let him know you enjoyed your time and you learned a lot. After that, ask if he would be willing to take you on to shadow another day.

And of course, any tips on what I should do while shadowing would be greatly appreciated.

Random thoughts:
Be kind and courteous to the patients whether they allow you to shadow their visit or not.
Don't question the doc or nurses if they ask you to do something. Remember that you are in their practice and they are doing you a favor by letting you be there.
If there is time between patient visits, use that time to ask the doc any questions you may have.
Unless the doc brings up a teaching moment during a patient exam, don't ask questions about the patient's pathology in front of the patient.

We have all been in this situation before and it has the potential to be kind of awkward but it all works out in the end. Best of luck with your shadowing! 👍

 

[survivordo]

Just some general advice. It is ALWAYS better to be overdressed than under dressed. There is feeling more awkward than showing up in scrubs when everyone else is wearing dress clothes. Also, most hospitals/surgery centers want you to wear THEIR scrubs if you are going to be in the OR so it is probably a moot point anyway.

Survivor DO

 

[feet2017]

when I shadowed in the OR the hospital provided me scrubs. During shadowing I wore slacks/dress shirt/tie/dress shoes. good luck

 

[heybrother]

Turn your phone off - your attention should be devoted to the shadowing. Dress nicely. Be gracious. Thank the doctor. It was my intention to minimize my patient interaction (speak when spoken to), but the patients all wanted to talk to me. I thanked all of them for the opportunity to see their treatment. Thank any members of the office staff that you interact with. Everything the above posters said.

After your first visit, I'm of the opinion that an email to the doctor is in order and probably a mailed card. Perhaps the mailed card might be a bit much, but sincere gratitude is well received in my experience.

 

[msion]

Definitely send in a Thank You note after couple weeks of shadowing when you feel it's about the right time to ask for a LOR. Show the doctor what you have learned about podiatry, most doctors will be impressed by your efforts of researching this field. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I often asked the doctor about some lower extremity anatomy questions, and they will love to show you an X-ray. Dress nicely and be professional.