Shadowing an older physician

[RockinRolla]

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Hello this is my first post to these forums, I am a freshman premedical student and have my first shadowing experience tomorrow afternoon. The doctor I will be shadowing is a general practitioner and I am really nervous because he he is in his 70s and most of the other posts regarding shadowing only discuss general shadowing tips. Is there any advice or are there any precautions you guys could give me about shadowing an older physician since I do not know him too well and am not sure if he is old fashioned (and if he were old fashioned I do not know how to talk to him or how to address him). Thank you, all the help I can get is appreciated!

 

[MedPR]

Just be respectful. Address him as Dr. whoever and don't speak while with patients.

 

[Translation]

unless he is a current adcom, beware any application advice.

but older i think means more willing to share and talk about the profession, and ect.

 

[Geebeejay]

and do NOT make fun of his bow tie.

 

[LizzyM]

and do not make fun of his bow tie.

_ 🙂
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[cheechootrain]

I don't know. When I shadowed one who was in his mid 60's, he didn't give a hoot. He did his own thing and wore whatever he want. Then again, it was at a clinic. It was also interesting to see the different methods versus old and newer doctors. He used props like coins and mirrors to make a diagnosis which was impressive.

 

[sliceofbread136]

I don't know. When I shadowed one who was in his mid 60's, he didn't give a hoot. He did his own thing and wore whatever he want. Then again, it was at a clinic. It was also interesting to see the different methods versus old and newer doctors. He used props like coins and mirrors to make a diagnosis which was impressive.

Did he train you well?

 

[cheechootrain]

Did he train you well?

Well, he taught me how crappy medical insurance was these days and to avoid getting on board with some companies because they don't offer to pay for certain medications etc...

 

[sliceofbread136]

Well, he taught me how crappy medical insurance was these days and to avoid getting on board with some companies because they don't offer to pay for certain medications etc...

Choo choo!

 

[mimelim]

Treat him as you would any person in a clinical environment, respectfully. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.

1) Dress appropriately. Over is better than under dressing, but you CAN overdress, so stick with slacks and a tie at most.
2) Everyone in the office, patients, medical assistants, nurses, physicians, etc. EVERYONE is either 'sir' or 'ma'am' until they tell you to call them something else. (the one exception would be children in a pediatric clinic)
3) Do not get in the way. You should be able to find time to ask questions and interact with the office staff and the physician you are working with. But, there are bad times to ask questions in a busy office. Do your best to anticipate when those times are. Obviously, this is difficult the first time you are experiencing something, but try your best.