MD Shadowing as a medical student / reaching out for research

[kcice22]

I'm currently an MS1 and I've identified a specialty I'm interested in, and I'd like to know more about the everyday life of a doctor practicing it. It's also a pretty competitive field so I feel like I need to get involved in research sooner rather than later. Is it acceptable as a medical student to email a physician in the area and ask to shadow? What's the best way to do it? In regards to research, is it okay to email a physician (whom I've never interacted with before) telling them I'm interested in their research, would love to talk to them about it in person, etc?

If anyone has any advice on reaching out to doctors out-of-the-blue, and whether or not this is seen as acceptable and not desperate and annoying, please let me know!

Thanks!

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[Domperidone]

I'm currently an MS1 and I've identified a specialty I'm interested in, and I'd like to know more about the everyday life of a doctor practicing it. It's also a pretty competitive field so I feel like I need to get involved in research sooner rather than later. Is it acceptable as a medical student to email a physician in the area and ask to shadow?

Yes

What's the best way to do it? In regards to research, is it okay to email a physician (whom I've never interacted with before) telling them I'm interested in their research, would love to talk to them about it in person, etc?

Yes (if you're implying that you'd check out what their research is too before emailing)

If anyone has any advice on reaching out to doctors out-of-the-blue, and whether or not this is seen as acceptable and not desperate and annoying, please let me know!

Thanks!

No, it's not desperate or annoying. Well, if anyone thinks it they just won't respond or say no.
Email one at a time. The research they give you initially may not be impressive, but it's a start.

This thread is kinda adorable though!

 

[kcice22]

Yes


Yes (if you're implying that you'd check out what their research is too before emailing)


No, not desperate annoying. Well, if anyone thinks it they just won't respond or say no.
Email one at a time. The research they give you initially may not be impressive, but it's a start.

This thread is kinda adorable though!

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

I don't know why, but for some reason doing this makes me really anxious 🙁 I just need to suck it up and do it.. Thanks again!

 

[ortnakas]

The shadowing one is normal.

The research one is fine but you might not have a lot of luck with this strategy. If your school has any research going on, or if you have faculty you get along with well who might have connections, that might net you a bit more success.

 

[19pieces19]

I'm running into the issue where no one has any research that I can get involved in at my school. The faculty seem a bit aloof or busy, I'm sure. But as an M1, how can I get research for a competitive specialty I'm interested in???

 

[operaman]

Your best bet is to talk to the student interest group for that field at your school. Some attendings are better than others and the upperclassmen should be able to guide you on which ones to approach. There's absolutely nothing wrong with approaching any of them; they work in academic medicine and absolutely expect to have interested students asking about shadowing and research. The docs who hate doing that all left academic medicine years ago.

When I was a student I used to do this all the time. I knew exactly which attendings were coolest and would give shadowers the best experience. I also knew which ones had a proven record of plugging in students with research and getting things published. For others, I could tailor the attending to their personal interests within our field. Going through the IG will maximize your yield.

Yes it's a little awkward at first to ask staff about this, but you'll soon learn that's it's expected. These attendings all practice academic medicine and you are also going to be in an academic practice environment for the next 4-10 years while you're in training. Research and shadowing and mentoring students is absolutely part of the job. Faculty get academic "credit" for publications that their students do, they get credit for mentoring students -- all these things figure into their own academic promotion, bonuses, etc. So while it may feel weird to you, it's not weird at all for the docs you contact.

 

[kcice22]

Your best bet is to talk to the student interest group for that field at your school. Some attendings are better than others and the upperclassmen should be able to guide you on which ones to approach. There's absolutely nothing wrong with approaching any of them; they work in academic medicine and absolutely expect to have interested students asking about shadowing and research. The docs who hate doing that all left academic medicine years ago.

When I was a student I used to do this all the time. I knew exactly which attendings were coolest and would give shadowers the best experience. I also knew which ones had a proven record of plugging in students with research and getting things published. For others, I could tailor the attending to their personal interests within our field. Going through the IG will maximize your yield.

Yes it's a little awkward at first to ask staff about this, but you'll soon learn that's it's expected. These attendings all practice academic medicine and you are also going to be in an academic practice environment for the next 4-10 years while you're in training. Research and shadowing and mentoring students is absolutely part of the job. Faculty get academic "credit" for publications that their students do, they get credit for mentoring students -- all these things figure into their own academic promotion, bonuses, etc. So while it may feel weird to you, it's not weird at all for the docs you contact.

You the real MVP. It definitely makes it less awkward hearing this. Thank you!

 

[SouthernGent]

Your school might have something on its website for student research that lists faculty who have volunteered to be mentors, or have a database of their research interests. From there, pick one you like and begin the email game stating your interests and desire to do research under them. Close out your email with asking if they knew of anyone who might be willing to take you on if they are unable.

 

[lucasrinconr]

Hello fellas, first post here!

I am trying to write some email to throw at some doctors for shadowing purposes.

Some of my family members gave me their email address but these doctors dont know me personally.

Do you think it is a good idea to write them explaining our common network?

Thanks.

PD: Posted a new threads, but got the post moved.