Hey there, so you’re probably reading this at some point in your job-shadowing track. Either you may be at the beginning where you are attempting to find someone to allow you to shadow them, or you are at the point where you’re trying to figure out what things are going on in the job-shadowing at this moment. Whatever it is, this article’s goal is to have things that will assist you and give you pointers on things you should keep in mind to make sure your shadowing experience was enjoyable.
How to Approach
One of the beginning stages is finding a physician to shadow. This can be hard with specific circumstances around the world, but this is what we recommend you to do. Reach out to your primary care physician, any family or friends who are physicians, local hospitals, and clinics. Introduce yourself to them and what stage of your education you are at. Explain to them your goal of becoming a physician and how this shadowing experience right now would be a crucial determinant of your future. Tell them that you would love to work within the best of their schedule and would be pretty appreciative of the experience. Not all physicians will email back or agree to the shadowing due to many factors, but we believe that being honest with your goal behind shadowing can be pretty crucial in obtaining one. Do not forget to be as polite and professional as possible when requesting this opportunity. You do not want to turn away any doors to your future profession.
What to do once they agree
Let’s say you scored that opportunity; now what? Get the important details and information that are pertinent for shadowing. This is not just for your knowledge but also great information in case you want to put in your medical school applications and answer for specific interviews! Some of the crucial information you’ll want to know is the full name and credentials of the physician you are working with. The field of medicine that the physician is practicing in as well as the establishment’s name. Make sure to clarify the date, time, and dress code for this shadowing experience. Ask if any pertinent blood work, immunizations, or paperwork is required before shadowing.
Make sure to be at least 5-10 minutes early at the site. Try to meet with the physician early on site and talk to them. This would be the ideal time to get to meet the physician and learn more about them. This way, you have the opportunity to understand the background of the physician and get potentially create a professional relationship. Make sure to ask if there are any specific rules that the physician wants you to follow. Try to ask pertinent questions when the physician seems freer, so maybe after seeing a patient and try to observe and see some of the simple and complex aspects that make up a physician. Be mindful of the environment, you may see things that you may have never expected in the medical field. Keep your composure and follow the lead of the physician you are shadowing. Be mindful of the rules around the workplace environment, such as HIPAA compliance and specific rules in that area.
How to End the Experience
Towards the end of the shadowing experience, thank the physician for the opportunity and ask if it is okay for you to keep in touch about potentially shadowing some time in the future and to ask for advice about their specific field. Ask for their contact information if it varies from what you were previously contacting them with.
We hope your shadowing experience goes well and you have a positive experience with the tips we provided you! If you have any questions, please reach out to us as we would be happy to help and give you our advice!
By Joel Varughese