What should I look for when I shadow

[gpannu]

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Hi,

I would like to thank all the pre-meds, 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

 

[TTSD]

Hi,

I would like to thank all the pre-meds, 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

Hm. You posted this question in like every forum. At any rate, try reading up on their jobs, some general functions, maybe what you'll see. Dress appropriately, be well groomed, and exceedingly polite to the patients. Let the doctor introduce you if he so pleases. Stay out of the way unless.

Take a notebook if you wish. I always learn more just by sitting back and observing (and some hands on, but let's not get me into legal trouble by saying how extensively I've had hands on experience). It all depends on the doctor. If he's a cold-fish.. don't expect much. If he loves teaching, expect to learn a lot.