Shadowing

[Jay12]

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Hi guys,

I am in the process of looking for optometrists to shadow, and I went and found one that is willing to accomidate my shadowing experience. However, when I went there in person and told them that I was interested in optometry as a career choice, and was looking for an optometrist to shadow..they kind of seemed hesitant to let me shadow them at first, but did give me an opportunity to shadow them for an hour (just one hour?? 🙁 )? Doesn't that seem kind of strange? I didn't bother to tell them that I was looking for more than an hour, since I'm trying to get whatever I can and didn't want to make a bad first impression.

My question to you is, should I go and shadow them for an hour, or should I politely decline and go and find another doctor willing to give me more than an hour of shadowing?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Dr Gump]

Hi guys,

I am in the process of looking for optometrists to shadow, and I went and found one that is willing to accomidate my shadowing experience. However, when I went there in person and told them that I was interested in optometry as a career choice, and was looking for an optometrist to shadow..they kind of seemed hesitant to let me shadow them at first, but did give me an opportunity to shadow them for an hour (just one hour?? 🙁 )? Doesn't that seem kind of strange? I didn't bother to tell them that I was looking for more than an hour, since I'm trying to get whatever I can and didn't want to make a bad first impression.

My question to you is, should I go and shadow them for an hour, or should I politely decline and go and find another doctor willing to give me more than an hour of shadowing?

Thanks everyone.

This sounds very strange to me. I would definately find another doctor to shadow. Optometrists who are interested in the future of the field are more than happy to have someone who is "interested" tag along with them for hours on end. This doctor is apparently pre-occupied with other things or just has a negative outlook. I have had an individual shadow me for a week. I think he got something out of it....we will see.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when ever you shadow any doctor. There is no question that is a bad question.

Good luck.

Dr. Gump

 

[richard86]

That's really funny, because the same sort of thing happened to me a couple hours ago! I went into an Optometrist's office, dressed professionally, with my resume and letter of intent in hand, and he just said no to shadowing without even considering to look at my resume. I found that to be a little strange/rude also. I've been to at least 8 places asking to shadow, and only been successful in getting shadowing experience at 3.. keep trying!! I know how you feel. Hopefully this isn't how the majority of optometrists are.. or maybe it's because I live in NYC🙁

 

[Oogilily]

Naw, it's pretty much like that everywhere. I've called who knows how many optometrists and I'm lucky to get a call back. It's hard to find doctors willing to help you out. But, that experience sounds odd, so I would find another doctor that seems more willing. They are out there, you just need to keep looking!

 

[jc812]

I called about 20 doctor offices that were within a 10 mile radius and NOT ONE CALL BACK.

 

[asmaka19]

I called about 20 doctor offices that were within a 10 mile radius and NOT ONE CALL BACK.

I must have called around 20 offices earlier this summer, noone actually called me back but after following up I did get positive responses from two fo them and shadowed both.

I suggest that you go in person and see if you can catch an optometrist to personally ask as opposed to leaving a message with someone. I never got a response back from the eyemasters next to my house so I just I walked into there at a time when I didn't think they would be busy and introduced myself to the OD who happened to be in the reception area and let her know I was thinking about optometry school and if I can shadow her; she was super friendly and easygoing.

The private practice that I'm now volunteering and getting very valuable clinical experience in I probably called around 4 times and spoke to the manager (very nice lady, but also busy) before she gave me a day and time to come in-I now go there about 10 hrs a week and they've tought me to do the preliminary testing and some other things here and there.

 

[nsd1030]

Heyy I understand that your feeling irritated. When I first tried to find doctors to shadow, everyone immediately said no to me without even asking for a resume or anything.

But I agree with asmaka19, it is DEF. better to go and talk to them in person. Try to get all of your hours at one place so that you can bond with the doctor and get a great LOR.

I had no luck in Philadelphia of being able to shadow (they were all very rude), but when I came back home from Philadelphia to Jersey I got lucky and found one right away. I am now working there and am able to do pre-screenings and such.

 

[Jay12]

Thanks guys,

I'm not going to give up trying....