Opportunity to Shadow Physician

[biloba]

Hey Guys,

 

I've come across a great opportunity to shadow a pretty well-known physician.

 

I was wondering what I should do (if there are any standard procedures?) and if there are certain things I should say or present to him.

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I just want to take full potential of the situation.

 

Thanks everyone!

[ysk1]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but isn't it prohibited to shadow in Canada, as opposed to in the US? I'm having a hard time finding a physician who would let me shadow him.

[avenir001]

LOL, i wonder what u could possibly present to him...ur evaluation of his next patient?

i'm sure he'll let u know about any standard procedures for shadowing before u start

just ask him anything u want to know about his job, about w/e happens to arouse ur curiosity as u're shadowing...

 

another thread about shadowing for those interested

http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23336&highlight=how+do+you+get+to+shadow

this thread has been hijacked as well, but there are some useful comments + another link

[The Law]

It isn't prohibited, no, but some physicans may be reluctant to let you do it. Shadowing a physican would be really cool, but there are other ways you can get exposed to medicine! Volunteering in a hospital is one way... although, sometimes, depending on your luck, you may end up doing something that won't really help you at all. Luckily, when I volunteered in the ER last summer - I had an awesome time and had the opportunity to see a lot of cool things!

 

I would suggest going to the hospital, signing up to do volunteering, and asking (when they ask where you want to be placed), if it's okay you try out a certain area for a day to see if you like what you can do... before firmly committing to volunteering in that department of the hospital. That way you will have a chance to get a feel for what you'll be doing, rather than committing to it blindly.

 

Also, I liked volunteering because not only did I get to see doctors in action first hand (and sometimes even get to help them out while they helped patients), but you get exposed to a lot of other health related professions too.

 

So if you can't find a doctor to shadow, don't worry... plenty of other ways to gain exposure.

[Kyleh]

Like Law was saying,

 

If you volunteer within a hospital, nursing home, etc. you would be surprised how many doors open up. Currently, I am shadowing a nephrologist in Oshawa who I met as a result of volunteering on particular unit in my community hospital. Also, approach you family doc. This is another way I got a one on one experience.

 

As for advice, I would just say ask whatever comes to mind, about what caused them to pursue medicine, why they chose the field they did, etc. They may have some good hints and tips that may work to your advantage! If you are afraid of not being able to take full potential of this situation, why not ask if you could shadow him again in the future?

[Madz25]

Hey Guys,

 

I've come across a great opportunity to shadow a pretty well-known physician.

 

I was wondering what I should do (if there are any standard procedures?) and if there are certain things I should say or present to him.

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I just want to take full potential of the situation.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Which field are you shadowing in if you dont mind me asking. You can always ask the doctor what you're going to be seeing next time and read up on it. So if he asks you questions regarding a particular syndrome/disease etc. you'll be able to impress! Don't be afraid to ask questions...unless the doctor has a "dont bother me while im working" type attitude...oh and don't ask them in front of (awake) patients (well, I never do).

 

I don't think there are any standard procedures or anything you can present to him.

 

Hope this helps.