Shadowing difficulty in Georgia

[DrOptimusPrime]

Anyone have any advice or luck on finding doctors to shadow in Atlanta? If so would you please share? I've had the hardest time finding someone to shadow short term or long term. After volunteering at CHOA for a year I was allowed to shadow a doc for 8 hours and that's it. I've emailed, called, and even asked my own doctor but due to HIPPA they're all saying no. Even after signing the HIPPA form during my time volunteering. I've asked family practices, Emory, and Gwinnett medical. I'm looking for a physician I can shadow long term and possibly get an LOR. But any shadowing experience will would also be great.

I work in a clinic as a volunteer and have met a lot of PAs and NP. The doctor at the clinic is either not there or doesn't talk to anyone so there's no hope.

I appreciate the help. Sorry for the long post!

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[kbat]

I had pretty bad luck with hospitals, but private practices and outpatient clinics were a little bit easier to get into especially in the suburbs.

 

[libertyyne]

I had pretty bad luck with hospitals, but private practices and outpatient clinics were a little bit easier to get into especially in the suburbs.

I once had a Family Practice Doc say " I cant have you shadow because of the liability" SMH.

He also continued to tell me how speed limits are 65 because cars are most efficient at that speed.

 

[msshannanp]

I'm having a problem finding doctors to shadow as well. Any updated advice or connects?

 

[MonkeyArrow]

I'm having a problem finding doctors to shadow as well. Any updated advice or connects?

Its all about who you know. Are you doing any clinical volunteering or clinical work? Ask people there. Especially IMO, if you are able to volunteer for a longer period of time or prove yourself to not be incompetent/just a warm body stocking linens, the staff will get to know you more and help you out/make calls on your behalf.

 

[Kahalaopuna]

I'm located in Atlanta and am experiencing the same problem. I've received the corporate run-around from North Georgia Physicians Group and anyone that is Northside Hospital affiliated. Gwinnett Medical does have a shadowing program. It is capped at 16 hours per 12 month period. The first step is submitting an application which should be approved or denied within a week (according to the form). I'll be following up with a call this week because I haven't hear anything back after two weeks. I'm worried the lack of reply means that their sale to Northside Hospital finally went through and GMC will no longer be an option for shadowing. I've reached out to charities running free clinics and had some promising dialogue with one in particular until the person I was speaking to inquired about which church I attend. There has been silence since I've revealed that I do not attend a church service. I have been searching for shadowing opportunities in the Atlanta area for over six months without any progress and am becoming a little discouraged. Although it isn't in Atlanta, a classmate reported that a hospital in Dahlonega allows shadowing so there is still hope.

 

[DBC03]

Are you in school? Have you tried looking through the school's alumni network? This also works if you've graduated. I started with that and went through our alumni network to find all physicians practicing in my area. Then I emailed or called each one. I only got one reply, but that as a great place to start. Once you've shadowed for one doctor, that person can often get you in touch with others.

 

[Immunorunner]

BTW, LOR from shadowing doctors are just above meaningless

* Except at the schools where a physician letter is required

 

[Turkishking]

Why not ask your GP?

 

[msshannanp]

I'm located in Atlanta and am experiencing the same problem. I've received the corporate run-around from North Georgia Physicians Group and anyone that is Northside Hospital affiliated. Gwinnett Medical does have a shadowing program. It is capped at 16 hours per 12 month period. The first step is submitting an application which should be approved or denied within a week (according to the form). I'll be following up with a call this week because I haven't hear anything back after two weeks. I'm worried the lack of reply means that their sale to Northside Hospital finally went through and GMC will no longer be an option for shadowing. I've reached out to charities running free clinics and had some promising dialogue with one in particular until the person I was speaking to inquired about which church I attend. There has been silence since I've revealed that I do not attend a church service. I have been searching for shadowing opportunities in the Atlanta area for over six months without any progress and am becoming a little discouraged. Although it isn't in Atlanta, a classmate reported that a hospital in Dahlonega allows shadowing so there is still hope.

The only place I say was Gwinette Medical as well. At this point, I'm wondering if cold calls will yield any results.