What should I look for when I shadow?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

gpannu

Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2001
Messages
68
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I would like to thank all the MD's and residents that have given me some insight in to a career in medicine.

I have a quick question. I planned on shadowing a GP, a neurosphys and an internal medicine resident this summer. Since i've never shadowed before I wanted to know what can I expect? And what should I do in order to learn as much as possible? Finally, since i've have a lot of time I wanted to know what is a reasonable time commitment for shadowing a doctor. Will Doctors let you shadow for more than a month, week etc....

Thanks kindly

Members don't see this ad.
 
Sorry I also wanted to thank the DO's that have helped as well. I noticed I said thanks to the MD's. I didn't mean to offend anyone.
 
It varries with the physician. Some may not even acknowledge you're around, while others treat you like an actual med student. Explaining why they are doing a certain procedure and what not.
I don't know what exactly you can/should learn from shadowing other than what their day is like. As far as how long they let you shadow, That is up to the physician. I've had GPs tell me I could come back any time. On the flip I had a specialist who was very frank in telling me that me shadowing him was slowing him down and lowering his productivity.
 
Top