Shadowing question!!!!!

[deleted621740]

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What is the best way to gain a prolonged shadowing experience besides having a connection with a physician? I've cold called and haven't been as successful as I'd like. Should I walk in?? Opinions, feedback??

 

[HCHopeful]

It is always nice to have a relationship beforehand with the physician of choice; however, some of us don't have that luxury.

What I did was apply for an internship at a local hospital allowing 120 hours over a three week period. After shadowing many doctors (and building relationships) I was able to have options in the future.

I now shadow one of the doctors regularly, and it was just by dumb luck we were paired. (I'm also shadowing a distant cousin who happens to be a D.O.)

What I'd suggest is going to a hospital's shadowing/education coordinator and ask for some experience with a few different doctors. Then you can slowly build relationships. If that's not available at a hospital around you, then keep calling! Persistence pays off. Doctors are generally understanding of students' want to shadow.

 

[Mycoalwin]

I found a very solid shadowing gig for the beginning of this summer just by e-mailing and calling local private practice offices! The first MD I talked to via email responded with "come in any time". One of the ED docs I had a class under was very receptive to having me shadow as well. I think it just takes some luck and persistence, so keep calling and emailing!

 

[LaceyMD]

Be persistent! I got a lot of non-responses to emails/cold-calls, but lucked into 2 very nice doctors who did respond and who have allowed me to come in regularly to shadow. I found that response was better from younger physicians, possibly because they still remember what it was like trying to make those connections.

 

[Flashfan]

Have you contacted your college career center or alumni office? My pre-health advisor was able to give me the telephone number of alums in my area that are doctors. From those contacts I lined up shadowing this summer.

 

[Gregarious_and_Hilarious]

I did most of my shadowing through cold calling, I would recommend being persistent and be willing to travel a little bit. Also, try looking at health related companies. I called an anesthesia company and was able to sit in on as many surgeries as I was able to go.

Also, look at the career/volunteer section of hospitals. Many teaching or university affiliated hospitals will have shadowing programs that go throughout a semester