what to wear shadowing

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HipChick

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I be shadowing several docs (ortho, fm, onco, plastics) in their office. Im clueless what to wear. I cant do heels (I usually wear tennis shoes, I've had a total of five major hip surgeries, so something that even could be concieved as uncomfortable is OUT) and I have nothing that fits (lost weight). I've got a couple pair of khakis, some decent polos, etc, is that ok?
 
When I asked my dentist what to wear he said scrubs or dressy causal. For a girl I find it easier to just wear scrubs. So that's what I do. Hope it helps!

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When I asked my dentist what to wear he said scrubs or dressy causal. For a girl I find it easier to just wear scrubs. So that's what I do. Hope it helps!

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even if the docs dont wear scrubs? They are usually in dress pants/khakis and polos/dress shirt.
 
I have to disagree with kcakezzz. Khaki's and a tucked in polo/dress shirt will be just fine. 🙂

Hope you have a good time!
 
You can always just ask the docs what attire they'd prefer you wore ahead of time.
 
You can always just ask the docs what attire they'd prefer you wore ahead of time.

Most docs ar going to be worthless on ideas....see suggestion to wear scrubs above.

The most fool proof method i know is to call and talk to the nurse. She will be able to male sure you fit in while being comfortable.


OP...I do have a concern though. Do your medical limitations affect your ability to stand for hours or be on your feet 8-10hrs? If so you may have an issue meeting the requirements for medical school and getting thru rotations and residency....
 
Don't wear scrubs unless they are provided to you or you are told to wear them. I always wore a shirt/tie (or polo) with khaki pants initially, and if I had to change, then that's what I did. Usually, in an OR setting especially, certain scrubs are required anyways.
 
Is this a deviation from Burnett's Law? I'm sure she's thought about this before.

No a legitimate concern. Many people don't realize that medical schools are NOT required to provide the same accommodations as other schools for disabilities or medical issues.

I agree that she likely has, I just wanted to remind if there is a possibility she was not aware as OP's other posts in the last few days clearly place her early on the pre-med road.

Hipchick, if you took my post otherwise, I apologize as that was not the intent.
 
Oh no no no 🙂 you are ok!! Yes I'll be ok. Tired but ok. I current work as an Athletic Trainer at a high school. If you've ever played high school football, or been to a football night, yeah it can be crazy. We've got 80 kids on our varsity team, and supply for visiting teams, thats filling and lifting and moving about 40-100 gallons of water/night, in addition to taping, wrapping, assessing, etc. Usually a football night starts at about 2pm and ends around 11pm. I do get to sit for a moment here and there, but once my boys are on that field, my 5'2" butt is right next to them. Running on the field in all sorts of crap for injuries, or shuffling on the ice for hockey, etc. Two a days... goodness dont get me started on two a day injuries...

The last hip surgery I've had was a scope, that was by far the easiest. Those xrays in my avatar are my hips with a left dislocation after a fall. I am a mess but I hope to be ok. I also just started playing roller derby 🙂

I do appreciate the concern!! I would never take your post inappropriately.
 
Business casual. Flats are not a problem, and few residents or medical students actually wear heels anyway.
 
I don't wear heels either and it's never been a problem. I wear Dansko clogs and I can stand in clinic for hours and not have my feet hurt at all, plus they're quite dressy if you pick the right style. I have a brown pair that are very nice - just don't go with the snakeskin ones 😉

I would ask the docs about dress code before hand - best way not to have to worry is to double check.
 
I don't wear heels either... although I'm sure they would accentuate my buttocks quite well. 😎

You said you have some khakis and polos... so just wear those, with some flat shoes as Shy suggested. It's important to be comfortable, as it will help you get through the long (but enjoyable) hours. If the doctors have a problem with it, they will let you know the first day. But I really doubt this will occur... as khakis and a polo is pretty standard.

One of the hospitals in my area actually requires you wear khakis and a red colored polo they provide when volunteering there.
 
I wore my embroidered scrubs and lab coat that said my name and my title of Pre-Medical Student, hah na I'm jk. When I shadowed in a clinic, scrubs or business casual was fine.
 
Shyrem is right, of course! Listen to her, my doc friends suggested I wear dansko's, but I have to have inserts in my shoes. That left me with a couple pair of shoes, one black, one brown that I was able to fit my foot into with my inserts/lifts. Stick with business casual, like a nice pair of black/grey/brown/tan pants, and a sweater, or nice button down shirt. Polos or scrubs is not acceptable for in an office.
 
Do you guys get your danskos locally or online? I love them! But the price seems steep... Ill pick something out tonight and maybe post for approval
 
I bought mine in NYC while visiting family - everything is cheaper south of the border (I'm up in Canada). Got them on a BOGO 1/2 off sale.

But the recommendation that seems to be going around is to pick them up on the cheap on ebay.
 
I don't wear heels either and it's never been a problem. I wear Dansko clogs and I can stand in clinic for hours and not have my feet hurt at all, plus they're quite dressy if you pick the right style. I have a brown pair that are very nice - just don't go with the snakeskin ones 😉

I would ask the docs about dress code before hand - best way not to have to worry is to double check.

I agree. Ask what the dress code is, especially if there is a shadow/volunteer supervisor.
 
I always wear business wear, regardless of what I'm doing to make a good impression.
 
Wear business casual but something you'll be comfortable in and won't be fidgety in. You must wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be on your feet all day. When I shadowed in the OR I showed up each day in business casual and then had to change into hospital provided scrubs so I also brought a pair of sneakers, which after 8 hrs of standing in, my feet still hurt. I was also instructed to wear and was provided scrubs shadowing a primary care physician and another office just let me remain in my business casual clothes. When in doubt you cannot go wrong with business casual and comfy shoes, always bring backup sneakers or danskos or what have you in case they put you in scrubs so you aren't wearing scrubs with dress shoes 🙂
 
don't wear scrubs unless explicitly told to. Wear business casual. Comfortable shoes.

And standing on your feet for 8-10 hours will not make a damn bit of difference to a medical school.
 
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