shadowing advise

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Hello,

I volunteer in a surgical area in a hospital, and there is this surgeon I want to shadow. I unfortunately don't have much direct contact with this surgeon. I do get to see this surgeon coming to talk with patients and I exchange some words with her. How can I ask her about shadowing? We don't really know each other. I do like the surgical specialty and would like to shadow in the OR. Anyway, the hospital has these rules about shadowing where you have to get the physicians permission first before even starting the shadowing paper work(whatever this may be). Any advice?

 

[SnakeDoc9497]

Going to assume you aren't trolling:

Next time you see the surgeon, ask for a brief moment of her time and then explain who you are, what your role is at the hospital, and ask if she would agree to have you shadow when you both can find an agreeable time.

It is that simple!

 

[chonc]

And make her life easier by having any prerequisite paperwork done beforehand.

 

[WhiteHatDoc]

Hello,

I volunteer in a surgical area in a hospital, and there is this surgeon I want to shadow. I unfortunately don't have much direct contact with this surgeon. I do get to see this surgeon coming to talk with patients and I exchange some words with her. How can I ask her about shadowing? We don't really know each other. I do like the surgical specialty and would like to shadow in the OR. Anyway, the hospital has these rules about shadowing where you have to get the physicians permission first before even starting the shadowing paper work(whatever this may be). Any advice?

Hi there. Shadowing her would be an amazing experience, however I would not be surprised if they do not let anyone other than a medical student or resident scrub in with her. Therefore, shadowing her in the OR might consist of you just standing in the corner of the room and trying to stay awake.

The better option would be to shadow her in her clinic, perhaps 1-2 hours at a time. Let her know you are curious about the patient's journey from her office to the OR. Let her know that you realize she is extremely busy. See if she's down to do this twice or more times a month (however much she is willing). The worst answer you receive is a No, which is great because then you can find another physician who has the time and willingness to introduce you further into medicine. Best wishes on your career path! You're off to a good start.

Cheers!

 

[whatever5]

Shadowing in the OR is possible, but super boring and useless because you can't scrub. Mine consisted of watching the video monitor since I couldn't see inside the patient, and it all just looked like ground beef to me even as the surgeon described the structures. Apparently, looking at it in 3D is important?
Anyway, the paperwork wasn't complicated, I think you just need proof you're premed - they had me submit my MCAT registration as proof.