Shadowing...

[drorthoman]

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I have some quick questions about shadowing.

I'm currently a rising junior, and will doctors discriminate between me and a college student? Will they belittle me and kind of push me aside if they even do let me shadow? What have your experiences been with shadowing doctors? For how long do I shadow the doctor for? Is there anyway for me to shadow a surgeon? What do I wear when I go to shadow a doctor? Who is going to be more willing to let me shadow - a doctor at a private clinic or a doctor at a hospital?

I know, I know, lots of questions. I'm hoping for a lot of answer, too 😀

 

[Filius Lucis]

Also curious about these questions...

 

[Doxorubicin]

I have some quick questions about shadowing.

I'm currently a rising junior, and will doctors discriminate between me and a college student? Will they belittle me and kind of push me aside if they even do let me shadow? What have your experiences been with shadowing doctors? For how long do I shadow the doctor for? Is there anyway for me to shadow a surgeon? What do I wear when I go to shadow a doctor? Who is going to be more willing to let me shadow - a doctor at a private clinic or a doctor at a hospital?

I know, I know, lots of questions. I'm hoping for a lot of answer, too 😀

Several doctors were willing to let me shadow in high school, but a few are more receptive now that I'm entering college. I know plenty of doctors as family friends, so it's not been a big issue for me, but it's really dependent on where you go; in my experience, procedural specialists (think surgeons, pain management, etc.) prefer college students shadowing them.

Every doctor I've shadowed has been willing to take time out even in the exam room to explain things. They'll often talk about cases you've just seen in the privacy of their office, too. They've all been very educational. Thus, my experiences have all been positive -- at least with human doctors. Veterinarians are another story!

At this point, I'd recommend just figuring out if this is something you could see yourself doing. Do you like the doctor-patient relationship? Are you intimidated by the paperwork? Do you like the social contact, or would you prefer a more research-oriented science career? I would go light on shadowing in HS; at least I did. It doesn't count for a medical school application until college, if I'm not mistaken. Consider it simply for your own enjoyment and insight into a potential career.

Surgeons will vary in their willingness to let you shadow them. I shadow a vascular surgeon every week, and his hospital won't allow students to shadow in the operating room, but you can go to clinic with him and see his pre/post op patients there, which is still really cool. Don't discount this opportunity. I imagine your ability to really shadow a surgeon in all aspects (ie clinic, operations) is very dependent upon your local health system's policies.

When asking to shadow, ask them what to wear. In general, you can't go wrong with dress shoes, polos, khakis (pants usually, but shorts can work in the hot summer as long as they're nice shorts.) Sometimes I'll wear an Oxford shirt, belt, khakis, dress shoes, and a necktie or bow tie. It just varies, but in general, dress nicely and professionally unless you are specifically told to wear scrubs.

Private clinic doctors will usually be more available for you to shadow, again, in my experience. Usually shadowing hospital doctors involves some sort of credentialing which requires going through the requisite hospital bureaucracy. Private doctors can generally say yes or no to you coming into their own clinic to shadow, unless they're owned by a hospital. Then you could get into some bureaucracy.
In general, private doctors are easier to get in with, but my hometown of ~200,000 people doesn't have a medical school-affiliated system, so I'm not sure about the ease of shadowing at a teaching hospital.


Keep in mind, this is just in my experience, as well as what other pre-med friends and family have told me -- I'm just starting college in the fall!

Good luck; enjoy high school!

 

[BlakeC93]

I shadowed a few physicians and surgeons while I was in high school. Every doctor I shadowed treated me with great respect and even referred to me as their colleague. If a physician allows you to shadow, s/he will most likely be very attentive and open to any questions. They will not be forced to work with you, so if they are with you, they want to be. I did my shadowing through hospitals, but I suppose you could approach a private physician. If you have connections, use them. The length of your shadowing depends solely on the physician. Some physicians only allowed me to shadow for a day, others gave me a week. There's no blanket statement for shadowing. When shadowing a physician in any setting, wear business casual; when shadowing a surgeon, you will wear scrubs.

Shadowing isn't something you do to boost your resume; remember that. No colleges or medical school will care if you shadow. If you want to boost your resume, volunteer at a clinic. You only shadow to get a taste of that practice. You shadow a surgeon to see if you like surgery, and you shadow an oncologist to see if you like oncology. That's it. That's the only real use of shadowing.

I hope you enjoy shadowing. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Doxorubicin]

I shadowed a few physicians and surgeons while I was in high school. Every doctor I shadowed treated me with great respect and even referred to me as their colleague. If a physician allows you to shadow, s/he will most likely be very attentive and open to any questions. They will not be forced to work with you, so if they are with you, they want to be. I did my shadowing through hospitals, but I suppose you could approach a private physician. If you have connections, use them. The length of your shadowing depends solely on the physician. Some physicians only allowed me to shadow for a day, others gave me a week. There's no blanket statement for shadowing. When shadowing a physician in any setting, wear business casual; when shadowing a surgeon, you will wear scrubs.

Shadowing isn't something you do to boost your resume; remember that. No colleges or medical school will care if you shadow. If you want to boost your resume, volunteer at a clinic. You only shadow to get a taste of that practice. You shadow a surgeon to see if you like surgery, and you shadow an oncologist to see if you like oncology. That's it. That's the only real use of shadowing.

I hope you enjoy shadowing. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

I dispute the bolded section; some medical schools unofficially, or even officially require some shadowing experience to demonstrate some understanding of what a doctor does and how his relationship with patients works. Now, I have seen people on the forums/MDApps with very very minimal clinical exposure, but I believe, in general, it is an educational experience which you'll probably get a good or bad gut feeling from.

The general dogma on these forums is that you decide on a specialty in medical school; no amount of shadowing will really prepare you for a choice. Go to shadow to inform yourself of what's going on in peoples' lives. Since I have not been trained in medicine yet, I know little of how their problems come about or how to treat them; the excitement is seeing the method, emotion, and psychology behind the doctor's dealings with insurance companies, hospital departments, nurses, and most importantly, the patients.

 

[drorthoman]

Okay, so both of you have really zoned in on the idea that shadowing is just for fun. However, is that true for someone who wants to get into a BS/MD program? Let me just make this clear right off the bat: if any doctor or a surgeon (yes, I admire surgeons) would let me shadow them, I would be jumping up and down, peeing in my pants, lol. 😀 However, if I'm looking to apply for a BS/MD, don't all applicants shadow because they basically have to in order for their applications to even be looked at much less read?

I know no doctors, and my family doctor is way too far for me to be shadowing her for even a day. What do you guys think about these clinics:
http://www.orthocf.com/ContactUs.htm

http://www.orlandoortho.com/Locations/Sand-Lake/default.aspx

I know those links are a little personal, but have you shadowed any doctors at a place simliar to the ones I linked to? I'm really interested in orthopedic surgey, and I'm willing to kill to shadow an orthopedic surgery. 😀

So, to sum it all up, I'm going to have to find a doctor to shadow who I have never met before. I'm going to send out some e-mails tomorrow and see who says yes.

ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING: I am a dual enrollment student at my local CC. Would referring to that in my e-mail, maybe make them more willing to accept me? Again, I'm only a rising junior in high school.

 

[Doxorubicin]

Okay, so both of you have really zoned in on the idea that shadowing is just for fun. However, is that true for someone who wants to get into a BS/MD program? Let me just make this clear right off the bat: if any doctor or a surgeon (yes, I admire surgeons) would let me shadow them, I would be jumping up and down, peeing in my pants, lol. 😀 However, if I'm looking to apply for a BS/MD, don't all applicants shadow because they basically have to in order for their applications to even be looked at much less read?

I know no doctors, and my family doctor is way too far for me to be shadowing her for even a day. What do you guys think about these clinics:
http://www.orthocf.com/ContactUs.htm

http://www.orlandoortho.com/Locations/Sand-Lake/default.aspx

I know those links are a little personal, but have you shadowed any doctors at a place simliar to the ones I linked to? I'm really interested in orthopedic surgey, and I'm willing to kill to shadow an orthopedic surgery. 😀

So, to sum it all up, I'm going to have to find a doctor to shadow who I have never met before. I'm going to send out some e-mails tomorrow and see who says yes.

ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING: I am a dual enrollment student at my local CC. Would referring to that in my e-mail, maybe make them more willing to accept me? Again, I'm only a rising junior in high school.

If you're interested in BS/MD, then yes, shadowing will help out. At my two in-state BS/MD programs, interviews are required. They're accepting you to a competitive program, so obviously, they want you to at least have some idea of what you're getting into.

If you can get into the orthopedic practice to shadow, great for you; it'll be exciting! If not, I'd recommend looking for either another practice, or another specialty. Family medicine doctors/general internal medicine doctors are usually receptive to the idea of shadowing in my experience. Either way, get your feet wet; it'll be a great experience either way.

Some of them may require a resume, some may ask where you go to school. Just tell them. It may help, it may not. I think you're overthinking this. Just go, explore a little bit, and have a great time. If you choose to do the BS/MD thing, read the fine print, and give it a go. Just don't let the process give you tunnel vision. Take time for yourself, do something you love, and learn some cool stuff unrelated to college/med school.

 

[FantasyVesperia]

I have some quick questions about shadowing.

I'm currently a rising junior, and will doctors discriminate between me and a college student? Will they belittle me and kind of push me aside if they even do let me shadow? What have your experiences been with shadowing doctors? For how long do I shadow the doctor for? Is there anyway for me to shadow a surgeon? What do I wear when I go to shadow a doctor? Who is going to be more willing to let me shadow - a doctor at a private clinic or a doctor at a hospital?

I know, I know, lots of questions. I'm hoping for a lot of answer, too 😀

I'm interning at a vet hospital and it's a similar process as shadowing, so I think my advice will help a little. 🙂

1) I'm going to work with college students during my internship, and no one will treat you any more or less than what you are. The doctor is to help you guys not choose one or the other.

2) Remember that doctors can get really busy, sometimes they get so into their routine, they'll forget that you're there. Which is fine, don't take that into an offense. Also you have to advocate yourself, if you want to see something or learn more about something, don't be afraid to ask. The doctors LOVE it when interns or shadowing students ask questions.

3) During my tour of the Veterinary hospital, I followed the doctor around and he was very cool and open, and he asked me questions which was pretty cool.

4)Usually you have to set up times when you're going to meet the doctor. It took me a month to find a Veterinary hospital willing to take interns and it was just nothing but calls, calls, calls.

5) I would check your local hospitals, private practices in your area and give them a call, or meet them in person.

6) When I had my interview with the RVT, she told me to get scrubs. The doctor will tell you what to wear and what's appropriate.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I dispute the bolded section; some medical schools unofficially, or even officially require some shadowing experience to demonstrate some understanding of what a doctor does and how his relationship with patients works. Now, I have seen people on the forums/MDApps with very very minimal clinical exposure, but I believe, in general, it is an educational experience which you'll probably get a good or bad gut feeling from.

The general dogma on these forums is that you decide on a specialty in medical school; no amount of shadowing will really prepare you for a choice. Go to shadow to inform yourself of what's going on in peoples' lives. Since I have not been trained in medicine yet, I know little of how their problems come about or how to treat them; the excitement is seeing the method, emotion, and psychology behind the doctor's dealings with insurance companies, hospital departments, nurses, and most importantly, the patients.

Some schools have requirements for clinical experience, but I don't know of any off the top of my head that require shadowing. I didn't do any shadowing in college until after I had already gotten into medical school, but I did have a decent amount of clinical experience from hospital volunteering.

 

[Doxorubicin]

Some schools have requirements for clinical experience, but I don't know of any off the top of my head that require shadowing. I didn't do any shadowing in college until after I had already gotten into medical school, but I did have a decent amount of clinical experience from hospital volunteering.

I didn't necessarily mean it is a hard and fast requirement like two semesters of bio, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, but I mean that it is an unofficial requirement at many schools.

For instance, my in-state says the following on their "Factors Considered by Our Committee" page:

Shadowing and Medically Related Experiences: While there are many opportunities for medically related experiences, shadowing experiences (occasions when the only task is to directly observe the engagement between a patient and the physician) are the most focused opportunity to understand the patient-doctor relationship. Shadowing is essential since much of the essential learning for becoming a competent physician comes from careful observation of and reflection on clinical experiences. We believe the initial understanding of the patient-doctor experience begins with a focus on the patient's experience. Shadowing offers a window for understanding the fears, concerns and interests of patients and the way patients and physicians engage to address matters of health and wellness. Other medically related experiences such as observing surgery and other procedures as well as working or volunteering in a medical setting provide opportunities and are valuable for developing a greater awareness and understanding of health care but do not provide the essential experiences unique to shadowing.

I defer to your experience as a medical student, but I can't help but think having shadowing experiences would be viewed favorably by medical schools in the application process, particularly if the applicant had a meaningful experience.

 

[Cephal0pod]

Also you have to advocate yourself, if you want to see something or learn more about something, don't be afraid to ask. The doctors LOVE it when interns or shadowing students ask questions.

Very true. Keep in mind, though, that some are more question-friendly than others. Be polite, and use your judgement and a bit of caution until you are familiar with them.

4)Usually you have to set up times when you're going to meet the doctor. It took me a month to find a Veterinary hospital willing to take interns and it was just nothing but calls, calls, calls.

Also true. Don't give up- if one practice doesn't allow shadow-ers, just thank them for their time and call somewhere else. Be polite and professional. 🙂

Best of luck to you.

 

[nysegop]

I have some quick questions about shadowing.

I'm currently a rising junior, and will doctors discriminate between me and a college student? Will they belittle me and kind of push me aside if they even do let me shadow? What have your experiences been with shadowing doctors? For how long do I shadow the doctor for? Is there anyway for me to shadow a surgeon? What do I wear when I go to shadow a doctor? Who is going to be more willing to let me shadow - a doctor at a private clinic or a doctor at a hospital?

I know, I know, lots of questions. I'm hoping for a lot of answer, too 😀

No, they will not likely "discriminate" against you. They will "push you aside" in that you cannot do anything except watch. lol. Generally you shadow for the doctors work day or a few hours. Shadowing surgeons is common. You wear whatever you want as long as it isn't too baggy or too unprofessional. Khakis and a button shirt always do the trick. About the same, but at private clinics there are generally fewer rules regarding shadowing.

 

[drorthoman]

So, I'm going to go shadow a neurologist at his clinic. He asked me if I had wanted to shadow him at the hospital doing surgery or at the clinic (I haven't actually talked to him, only through the receptionist). He said that if I wanted to shadow him at the hospital, I would have to contact the hospital and fill out forms and go over the protocol. So, I called them and they told me there's a $100 fee for me to be able to shadow the doctor and that the fee would allow me to shadow surgeons for about 30-days (has anyone else had to pay a fee to be able to shadow a surgery?). I then called the clinic and asked the receptionist what exactly the doctor did at the clinic and she continued to explain. I told her that I want to shadow him at the clinic versus at the hospital and she said it was fine and that she would talk to the doctor about scheduling and then she would let me know tomorrow.

Now, this is more of a post on my confusion, my being afraid/scared, and my speech problem. So, my first question: What should I wear? Second, when I enter the clinic wth am I supposed to do (Well, I know the answer to this, but I'm just too nervous, so I put it here anyways)?

And no to the more important question. I've found that when I talk on the phone or even to people in person (people who I don't know), I have trouble speaking. I jumble up all the words, my brain goes much faster than my mouth, and in turn, this causes me to jumble up my words (bringing verbs before preposition when it should be vice versa, and other mistakes that make me sound like a ******). I have found that when I take my time and think about what I have to say, I am much better at speaking; however, I still make occasional mistakes in my wording. Does this happen to anyone else, and how can I fix this (I don't want to seem like an idiot in front of the doctor or when I go for interviews in search of colleges)? I know this is due to nervousness, but there has to be a way to fix this, right?

 

[mmmcdowe]

So, I'm going to go shadow a neurologist at his clinic. He asked me if I had wanted to shadow him at the hospital doing surgery or at the clinic (I haven't actually talked to him, only through the receptionist). He said that if I wanted to shadow him at the hospital, I would have to contact the hospital and fill out forms and go over the protocol. So, I called them and they told me there's a $100 fee for me to be able to shadow the doctor and that the fee would allow me to shadow surgeons for about 30-days (has anyone else had to pay a fee to be able to shadow a surgery?). I then called the clinic and asked the receptionist what exactly the doctor did at the clinic and she continued to explain. I told her that I want to shadow him at the clinic versus at the hospital and she said it was fine and that she would talk to the doctor about scheduling and then she would let me know tomorrow.

Now, this is more of a post on my confusion, my being afraid/scared, and my speech problem. So, my first question: What should I wear? Second, when I enter the clinic wth am I supposed to do (Well, I know the answer to this, but I'm just too nervous, so I put it here anyways)?

And no to the more important question. I've found that when I talk on the phone or even to people in person (people who I don't know), I have trouble speaking. I jumble up all the words, my brain goes much faster than my mouth, and in turn, this causes me to jumble up my words (bringing verbs before preposition when it should be vice versa, and other mistakes that make me sound like a ******). I have found that when I take my time and think about what I have to say, I am much better at speaking; however, I still make occasional mistakes in my wording. Does this happen to anyone else, and how can I fix this (I don't want to seem like an idiot in front of the doctor or when I go for interviews in search of colleges)? I know this is due to nervousness, but there has to be a way to fix this, right?

You should not have to pay any fees to shadow at a hospital. I'm appalled at the very notion, do not pay for a 30 day pass. I could understand if they wanted you to pay for HIPPA training elsewhere, but training doesn't expire after a month. Wear nice clothes, at least khakis, button down, and tie. The only thing you need to do is be silent and watch. Play it by ear beyond that.

 

[iforget2]

It totally depends on the individual doctor. I shadowed through a program in school and some doctors were eager to show us what they do and others just felt like us high schoolers were just dumped on them and turned their backs on us. Luck of the draw I guess