SHADOWING information questions!!

[informme]

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Sorry, I'm completely new to this whole shadowing thing and had a few questions.

I'm shadowing a doctor tommorrow at the MICU, and wanted to ask:
-what information about the doctor do I need for My records when I apply to med schools?
-Generally, how long should I shadow one specific doctor?
-What should I wear when I shadow?
-Should I generally ask a lot of questions while shadowing? (or is it more of an observation thing?)
-Do you generally have to report your shadowing hours to anywhere? (like when I volunteered, the hospital kept records)


Oh, and I was wondering how many hours/how many doctors you specifically shadowed...
Thanks a million!!!

 

[nwilkes]

1. Dr. shadowing will go under "Work/Activities" on your AMCAS application. For my application, I used the Dr's name and contact info (the hospital it was at, the ph. #, etc.), the type of Dr. (otorhinolaryngology, for example), and the hours shadowed. Some people put a brief record of what they saw (eg, know you saw a carotid endarterectomy, or did office hours, or whatever.) Check out the 'Great Advice for entering Work/Activities' thread for more details on what all you might want/need.

2. It depends on the type of doctor, what you're seeing, and the relationship you two have. Sometimes the dr. will be open to your shadowing long term, sometimes its more for only a few days. Some people say to shadow a lot of different drs/ specialties, others suggest shadowing one or two for a longer time. Really, whatever works with your schedule, interest, and relationship with the dr.

3. Something professional, modest, and comfortable. Dress pants, nice shirt, clean shoes.....some of it also depends on the dr. Even if you're observing surgery, you'll still be arriving and departing, and you'll want to make a good impression on the staff.

4. Follow the dr's lead on questions. They'll generally explain what they're doing.....if there's something you really don't understand, you can ask them if it seems like an appropriate time. That may or may not be in front of a pt, depending on the question....depending on the specialty, there will be time as you go from room to room - which is a good time to have a few specific questions prepared to fill up the air space...keep the dr from having to do all the work!

5. Not that I know of....but keep a record of them for your primary.

I did all my shadowing in surgery and anesthesiology, about six different doctors.

 

[LetsGo352]

Sorry, I'm completely new to this whole shadowing thing and had a few questions.

I'm shadowing a doctor tommorrow at the MICU, and wanted to ask:
-what information about the doctor do I need for My records when I apply to med schools?
-Generally, how long should I shadow one specific doctor?
-What should I wear when I shadow?
-Should I generally ask a lot of questions while shadowing? (or is it more of an observation thing?)
-Do you generally have to report your shadowing hours to anywhere? (like when I volunteered, the hospital kept records)


Oh, and I was wondering how many hours/how many doctors you specifically shadowed...
Thanks a million!!!

The last question is really a local thing. In my area, there is no log to keep track of it, but it may be different for each department. Generally, ask questions only if the doctor asks you if you have any questions because they are obviously very busy and we should be gracious that they let us even follow them around. What you wear is another local thing. I have to wear slacks, dress shoes, and a lab coat. I think the only info you need to know about a doctor is their name and what department they work in.

I would also like to know how many hours is sufficient to shadow for each doctor. I'm guessing 15 should be okay.

 

[URHere]

-what information about the doctor do I need for My records when I apply to med schools?

You will need to list the experience much as you would list it on a resume. As long as you know what the department/specialty is, what the hospital's name is, how many hours you end up with, and some basic contact info that should be enough.

-Generally, how long should I shadow one specific doctor?

That's up to you and the doctor. If the doctor is open to you coming in multiple times, go in until you feel like you have learned all you can learn without a medical background. Then, move on to another field or another experience.

-What should I wear when I shadow?

Ask the doctor. They may want you to wear scubs. If not, just dress professionally (slacks, button down, and tie if you are make, slacks and a nice shirt if you are female.) Comfortable shoes are a must.

-Should I generally ask a lot of questions while shadowing? (or is it more of an observation thing?)

If you have questions, ask - but don't ask questions just for the sake of sucking up. There's no need to waste the doctor's time on something you have no real interest in. Also, if the doctor seems annoyed by your questions, tone them down and ask a resident or nurse instead - sometimes, they are more compassionate towards students.

-Do you generally have to report your shadowing hours to anywhere? (like when I volunteered, the hospital kept records)

Not that I know of. Just keep track of them for yourself.