Shadowing

[Mopp22]

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I'm planning on calling a clinic in my state and asking to shadow one of their doctors. I have actually been the patient of that particular doctor once before and she knows(if she remembers) that I want to go into medicine, should I mention that when asking to shadow? Also, should I ask to speak with her directly then ask or tell the receptionist I am interested in shadowing Dr. " " may I speak with her, etc.?(No I won't say it like that but you know what I mean).

 

[zinki949]

I'm planning on calling a clinic in my state and asking to shadow one of their doctors. I have actually been the patient of that particular doctor once before and she knows(if she remembers) that I want to go into medicine, should I mention that when asking to shadow? Also, should I ask to speak with her directly then ask or tell the receptionist I am interested in shadowing Dr. " " may I speak with her, etc.?(No I won't say it like that but you know what I mean).

I would go through a coordinator first before approaching a physician directly. It puts the your doctor in a peculiar spot which may or maynot make him/her uncomfortable...

 

[Stratego]

I would leave a detailed message with the receptionist that reminds the doctor of your past connection. Specify the days, hours etc you could be available. Don't expect the doctor to call you personally. Keep in mind that clinic policy may not allow for shadowing, considering the potential breach of confidentiality.

 

[Mopp22]

I would leave a detailed message with the receptionist that reminds the doctor of your past connection. Specify the days, hours etc you could be available. Don't expect the doctor to call you personally. Keep in mind that clinic policy may not allow for shadowing, considering the potential breach of confidentiality.

No they don't allow it and the receptionist was quite rude about it too. Thanks for replies.

 

[J ROD]

I'm planning on calling a clinic in my state and asking to shadow one of their doctors. I have actually been the patient of that particular doctor once before and she knows(if she remembers) that I want to go into medicine, should I mention that when asking to shadow? Also, should I ask to speak with her directly then ask or tell the receptionist I am interested in shadowing Dr. " " may I speak with her, etc.?(No I won't say it like that but you know what I mean).

I never call but show up in person...much harder to get rid of you that way. Plus, it shows folks you are serious.....🙂

 

[J ROD]

What about the case of shadowing a doctor at a hospital? (btw, is shadowing a resident "okay"?)

I just went during their office hrs. except the Anes, which I was set up with.

I think shadowing a resident is fine....they are a doc after all!! Just not that experienced of one!

 

[Mopp22]

I never call but show up in person...much harder to get rid of you that way. Plus, it shows folks you are serious.....🙂

Well I am serious about it of course, but my issue with that is if they don't allow shadowing or education of any kind then that would be a wasted trip and effort because they would still say no.

 

[J ROD]

Well I am serious about it of course, but my issue with that is if they don't allow shadowing or education of any kind then that would be a wasted trip and effort because they would still say no.

Then, just call and ask them if they do...

 

[Mopp22]

Mmhmm, that's what I did.

 

[J ROD]

Mmhmm, that's what I did.

Then, find somewhere else and stop posting about it!!

 

[tmlayl]

hey! first time poster here!

i'm currently trying to find physicians to shadow, and it's definitely not an easy thing to do. my advice to the OP would be to call around to hospitals/doctors offices near your university. more than likely those hospitals/offices are used to have pre-med students shadow and they're probably going to be more receptive!

hope that helps!

 

[J ROD]

hey! first time poster here!

i'm currently trying to find physicians to shadow, and it's definitely not an easy thing to do. my advice to the OP would be to call around to hospitals near your university. more than likely those hospitals are used to have pre-med students shadow and they're probably going to be more receptive!

hope that helps!

i called my med school and they hooked me up with folks on the admin com....👍

 

[Mopp22]

Geez, calm down. There's no need to be like that.

 

[Mopp22]

hey! first time poster here!

i'm currently trying to find physicians to shadow, and it's definitely not an easy thing to do. my advice to the OP would be to call around to hospitals/doctors offices near your university. more than likely those hospitals/offices are used to have pre-med students shadow and they're probably going to be more receptive!

hope that helps!

Yeah I will definitely have better luck with hospitals than with clinics. Thanks, relieved to know I'm not the only one having trouble

 

[montessori2md]

Receptionists and nurses have a tendency to overprotect the MDs. I would handwrite a note if it's an MD you know, or send an email. I've had multiple occasions where the MD said YES and the staff said NO, because it's just reflexive for them. Someday, you'll be grateful......

Also, be sensitive to the fact that a lot of practices are limiting observation because of H1N1. If you've had the vaccine, or tested positive for the virus, it would be polite to include that info in the note, especially if you're going anywhere with immune compromised pts or kids.

I'd add that physicians in geriatrics tend to be super about letting folks tag along, and you learn a lot b/c their patients are complex.

 

[Mopp22]

Receptionists and nurses have a tendency to overprotect the MDs.

Yeah I definitely got that impression from the receptionist. They don't have any contact info for the MD apart from the number for the clinic. But I have spoken to the coordinator at a hospital who said that I could shadow as long as it was a requirement so I'm not too worried or bothered atm. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[tmlayl]

Yeah I definitely got that impression from the receptionist. They don't have any contact info for the MD apart from the number for the clinic. But I have spoken to the coordinator at a hospital who said that I could shadow as long as it was a requirement so I'm not too worried or bothered atm. Thanks for sharing your experience.

YES! I have spoken to receptionists that have refused to even let me leave a message!

 

[Mopp22]

That's harsh, better luck with hospitals. Especially teaching/uni hospitals.