Shadowing a Urologist

[RTC19]

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I was considering asking my urologist if I could come shadow him. If he allows me to do so (which is iffy), I could imagine patients being uncomfortable with having me around, especially because I'm a woman. I was thinking of asking anyway and just adding the caveat that I will leave the room when he is examining patients.

Does anyone have any experience shadowing in specialties where patient privacy was more of an issue?

 

[claduva94]

I shadowed a urologist a month ago. I saw procedures done on men and woman and it never caused a problem. They understood it was professional and were fine with me watching full procedures and appointments.

 

[jared_the_great]

Yep. I (male) shadowed an ob/gyn for a week. It was a great experience.

They had me print out a short bio with a picture that they taped to the check-in desk. Every patient that checked in was informed I was there shadowing and asked if it was okay for me to observe their checkup / procedure. I was a bit surprised, but probably 9 out of 10 of the women were totally cool with it.

During pelvic / breast exams, I didn't get up close and try to really look, but I didn't act awkward or purposely hide or shield my eyes either. Usually I just stood near the side of the bed the entire time.

Everyone in the room acted mature about it, and no one seemed weirded out or uncomfortable.

 

[Keladry]

I shadowed a colorectal surgeon. He asked each patient if they were okay with me being present (all but 1 were for the consult, and all but maybe 3 or 4 for the physical exam as well!), and it worked out pretty well.

 

[kokome1]

I also shadowed a urologist and it was an awesome experience. You shouldn't feel too bad about it.

 

[terp720]

+1 to all the urology shadowing. I can't imagine it's that much different than other specialties. If a patient isn't comfortable with you being in the room, you won't go in the room. But that could happen shadowing anyone..