Shadowing

[Granny Watkins]

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I need help on how to get more shadowing opportunities. I have read enough about this online and its not really helping. For one, everyone recommends email but the doctors in my area do not provide their emails so the only option I have is phone. To further the problem the number is not direct to them - I have to go through their secretaries/receptionists most of whom are hostile to the idea and almost always turn me down. I doubt I would get to talk to the doctor directly.

Also, I do not have any personal contacts so that is a useless option for me also. I am currently in a shadowing program at a local hospital, but it is entirely useless. I have only shadowed one surgeon so far. This program does not help you find a doc to shadow. You are expected to do it all yourself which makes the program useless - all they do is give you the HIPAA training and only set up shadowing with ER docs(I would like to, but can't work the time schedule).

I specifically want to shadow a Neonatologist and a Gynecologist and would like some advice on how to approach the conversation on the phone so that I do not get turned down again and ruin my chances. I will most likely end up talking to their secretaries...what should I say?

 

[Leslie_Knope]

I need help on how to get more shadowing opportunities. I have read enough about this online and its not really helping. For one, everyone recommends email but the doctors in my area do not provide their emails so the only option I have is phone. To further the problem the number is not direct to them - I have to go through their secretaries/receptionists most of whom are hostile to the idea and almost always turn me down. I doubt I would get to talk to the doctor directly.

Also, I do not have any personal contacts so that is a useless option for me also. I am currently in a shadowing program at a local hospital, but it is entirely useless. I have only shadowed one surgeon so far. This program does not help you find a doc to shadow. You are expected to do it all yourself which makes the program useless - all they do is give you the HIPAA training and only set up shadowing with ER docs(I would like to, but can't work the time schedule).

I specifically want to shadow a Neonatologist and a Gynecologist and would like some advice on how to approach the conversation on the phone so that I do not get turned down again and ruin my chances. I will most likely end up talking to their secretaries...what should I say?

I always ask if the Dr. accepts shadowing students. I haven't been turned down yet. They leave a message for the doctor and the doctor calls me back.

I am shadowing a neonatologist next month. My best friend had a baby in the NICU and that is how I made contact with this doctor. I shadowed an OB/GYN today and that was set up sort of randomly. I made friends with the rad tech at the ER I volunteer at. She introduced me to the Dr. one day and we set something up that same day.

 

[Granny Watkins]

I am unable to make those connections, like I stated before so that is not an option for me.

I will take your advice and first ask if the doctor takes on shadowers. I am thinking that if I ask that the secretary will flat out say no without consulting the doc. Should I ask if the doc is open to taking on student shadowers at this time? Something along those lines?

 

[Leslie_Knope]

I am unable to make those connections, like I stated before so that is not an option for me.

I will take your advice and first ask if the doctor takes on shadowers. I am thinking that if I ask that the secretary will flat out say no without consulting the doc. Should I ask if the doc is open to taking on student shadowers at this time? Something along those lines?

My point with sharing my experience was that my connections formed organically. You might be missing opportunities you aren't aware of. Just tell anyone and ever that you need to shadow a physician. The results may surprise you.

As for specifically wording your request: I just ask, "Does Dr. Davis ever take on shadowing students? Oh she does? How can I set something up for myself?"