Some old grouch barked at me when I asked to shadow their office's physician

[Luelinks]

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I've sent documents to places to shadow recently for a LOR and in the past no offices have gotten mad that I've requested shadowing for the next day or few days ahead. They were more than willing to get me started.

Well recently I sent a request for this week via fax and some old grouch calls me up and is like "we got your request and it's too short notice...". I'm like "...Ok that's fine, I understand.", and before I could say anything else like thank you, he's like "she's got a busy schedule, blah blah, you need to start this months in advance." I didn't want to start any flak, so I was just responding "I understand. Yes it is short notice (duuh)." And then he had the response of "any physician getting your request would be un-im-pressed! (boy was that word emphasized). They'll think 'this guy wants to be a physician!?'" That's when I thought this guy is full of it, seriously I'm asking for enough hours to write a LOR. Maybe a 10 minute interview to a full day to shadow worth?
Just be like "Hi, sorry too short of a notice, but she would prefer a month notice, thank you have a great morning and good luck in the search". 🙄

 

[AmicaVera]

Eh, to be fair, it does show a lack of professionalism. I've always approached it as "I'd like to shadow in your practice, the sooner the better, whenever works for you. I'm available as early as tomorrow."

It comes across as more flexible, less demanding, and keeps you from seeming like a pre-med who could care less about what the doctor wants to teach and more about just getting a letter. Try not to lose sight of the fact that you're shadowing to learn.

 

[BB8730]

Welcome to healthcare. There are cranky people everywhere. Just keep smiling and move on. 🙂

 

[abolt18]

Eh, to be fair, it does show a lack of professionalism. I've always approached it as "I'd like to shadow in your practice, the sooner the better, whenever works for you. I'm available as early as tomorrow."

It comes across as more flexible, less demanding, and keeps you from seeming like a pre-med who could care less about what the doctor wants to teach and more about just getting a letter. Try not to lose sight of the fact that you're shadowing to learn.

👍