Shadowing a Urologist...

[subtle1epiphany]

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I'm set to shadow a urologist on Wed. This is the first time I'm shadowed a surgeon, so I'm really clueless as to what I should expect. Especially since he deals with anatomy that many people might not be willing to showcase to a 23yo entering med school. We're meeting at his surgi-center, but I'm wondering how this will play out. Does anyone have any experience shadowing a surgeon, or a urologist? Will I be able to observe procedures or will it be lots of med management? 😕
Also, other than showing up on time and being dressed properly, should I have anything else? Should I research anything, so that I know something rather than what I do now...which is mostly nothing. I've shadowed a couple FPs, but this is completely different, and I'm hoping to get a great LOR for the waitlist I'm on. Any advice?

 

[MD1Day]

I'm set to shadow a urologist on Wed. This is the first time I'm shadowed a surgeon, so I'm really clueless as to what I should expect. Especially since he deals with anatomy that many people might not be willing to showcase to a 23yo entering med school. We're meeting at his surgi-center, but I'm wondering how this will play out. Does anyone have any experience shadowing a surgeon, or a urologist? Will I be able to observe procedures or will it be lots of med management? 😕
Also, other than showing up on time and being dressed properly, should I have anything else? Should I research anything, so that I know something rather than what I do now...which is mostly nothing. I've shadowed a couple FPs, but this is completely different, and I'm hoping to get a great LOR for the waitlist I'm on. Any advice?

I would imagine that you would be observing procedures mostly. Something i would take along is a pen and notebook...take any and all notes that you can. Be sure to ask a lot of questions...and researching before hand couldnt hurt.

Check out http://www.urologychannel.com/ ...some intersting articles and such.

Good luck!!! 😉

 

[Skichic56]

There really isn't much you can do to prepare; just go in with an open mind. No need to read anything unless the doctor gives you something specific (you might not find anything relevant/understandable anyway). If you continue to shadow, you could always ask him or her to recommend a paper or review article. I would also advise against taking a notebook due to patient confidentiality issues (you're not going to be pimped on anything you learn anyway). I would, however, write down any of your thoughts/impressions at the end of the day that may later help when you write your PS; this was very helpful for me. Shadowing a surgeon can be very enlightening... don't be afraid to ask questions and have fun 🙂

 

[MD1Day]

i suppose it depends on the MDs prefrence when it comes to notetaking. The Derm i shadowed actually told me before hand to read up on some terminology, and bring in a notebook so i could take down some notes.

I completely understand your side as well, with the patient confidentialty issures...but when we very rarely had some down time, there was a lot of useful info that she shared with me that i'm sure i'll refer back to. But, like i said, i guess it would just depend on the physician and their prefrence. 🙂