Shadowing questions

[bigie1978]

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Hello all,

I'm starting my shadowing experience next week. The DPM I'm shadowing seems more excited than I am (and I'm sooooooooo excited) and really enthusiastic. I have a bunch of questions floating around in my head and would like your input on important questions I should ask that are pertinent to Podiatry specifically and as far as POD school goes.

So, what questions need to be ask? What kind of things should I stay away from? What are the important questions? What are not so important but relevant?

Thanks guys.

Eric
😀

 

[Gryhu]

Some stuff I asked the DPM that I shadowed:

Where did you go to podiatry school?
What residency did you do?
Did you start off in solo practice or group?
Are you happy with your choice? (He loved his life, btw.)
Anything you wish you knew before you started podiatry school?
What's the business side of podiatry like?

Stay away from personal questions like salary, etc. Although later on (maybe after a couple of times shadowing), he/she might talk to you about it, lol. Happened to me!

If you have anymore questions, don't be afraid to ask.

 

[NatCh]

More importantly, consider when to ask (i.e., not in front of the patient). Remember that the appointment time is for the patient, not for you. Be an attentive fly-on-the-wall and save your questions for later when the Doc's not busy and you two are in private.

 

[Gryhu]

Yeah thats a very good point. I only asked these questions when there was some free time i.e. when we went out to lunch, after the day was done and we talked in his office.

Its actually really cool just to stand there and watch the doctor interact with the patient. Not only do you learn a GREAT deal of info about podiatric care, but also, and maybe more importantly, you learn what good bedside manner is all about.

 

[bigie1978]

Thanks so much Bahaa and Natch. I really appreciate your input and will take and use your advice.

 

[Snake Doctor]

typically, how many hours of shadowing is deemed "sufficient"?

I shadowed only 2 days but was able to see a lot (hospital setting)... and that was a year ago. Should I shadow more?