<p>I'm really interested in shadowing a doctor. Has anyone here done this already, and do you have any advice for approaching someone?</p>
<p>Same here. Anyone?</p>
<p>Has your shadowing coordinator already found you one or are you asking about going how to get a shadowing area?</p>
<p>If you're asking about how to get a shadowing site, then just go to your GA. </p>
<p>If's it's the former: I've never shadowed a doctor before, mostly RNs and technician, but from what I've learned about doctors during clinicals (it's a program where Health Academy students follow a mentor for a semester and observe or do whatever they ask us to do), a doctor is pretty busy person. If you really are going to follow him everywhere, wear comfortable clothing (semi-casual, no jeans), and really good walking shoes. </p>
<p>You shouldn't worry too much. Most likely, the doctor will introduce himself to you, and vice-versa. If he's busy, you guys will probably be walking around with him as you talk, most likely about the usual stuff ('why do you want to be a doctor/healthcare worker, what do you want to specialize in...'). If the doctor is seeing patients, make sure you introduce yourself properly and ask if it would be acceptable if you stayed and observed whatever the doctor is doing. Be polite and respectable, and last but not least, try not to get in anybody's way.</p>
<p>OK, thanks!</p>
<p>And I was looking around Yahoo! Answers (probably the most unreliable source on earth) and I found this:
<a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...1181542AAw9meB%5B/url%5D">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...1181542AAw9meB</a></p>
<p>The "Best Answer" recommends getting trained as an EMT (which I plan to do this summer) or a CNA, but I'm pretty sure you can't become a CNA before you graduate high school, right?</p>
<p>Also, I know this is something I would have to work out with whoever I'm shadowing, but in most cases, would shadowing be a recurring event (weekly? monthly?), just a few times, or only once?</p>
<p>Do you know any doctors or have friends whose parents are doctors? If so, this would seem like the best place to start. Just start by talking about your interest in science and your desire to become a doctor. And then mention that you are looking for a shadowing experience and would there be anyone that you could shadow. Good luck!</p>
<p>I intern (which is basically shadowing) with a cardiologist. Usually, most doctors are more than willing to offer the next generation a glimpse of their careers. Although it's probably easier and more likely to follow the doctor around clinic, I'd advise trying to spectate a surgery or some other interesting events, as opposed to going from patient to patient in a fairly routine fashion.</p>
<p>My dad's a surgeon and he's taken both my older siblings in to work with him and allowed them to follow him around, even inside the operating room! (But just to watch. haha)
Now, it's my turn and he's been asking me when I wanted to go. Problem is I am really scared of needles and don't like blood so much.</p>
<p>Awesome, I'll go instead needhelp :)</p>
<p>My dad's a dentist, and I've watched him work, but you need to get patient's written approval, etc, etc. So I don't do it much. Plus, he works while I'm at school.</p>
<p>Maybe talk to the doctor and let them know that you're really interested in their field, yadda yadda yadda. Maybe they'll offer. Good luck!</p>
<p>
[quote]
The "Best Answer" recommends getting trained as an EMT (which I plan to do this summer) or a CNA, but I'm pretty sure you can't become a CNA before you graduate high school, right?
[/quote]
I don't entirely remember, but there is this program in my school where one can be certified as an CNA during or a little after senior year. I'm in the Medical Science (basically students who wish to be doctors) program, where we basically shadow a mentor. However, Allied Health is directed toward students who wish to be nurses. Basically, Allied Health has a more hands on approach toward 'shadowing' as they work at an Elderly Home, and clean, bathe, basically take care of the elderly. I'll try to ask a teacher about it tomorrow, but somehow they take a test at the end of the year, and if they pass, they become certified CNAs. Still, I'll ask my teacher. It was either CNA or LPN. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, I know this is something I would have to work out with whoever I'm shadowing, but in most cases, would shadowing be a recurring event (weekly? monthly?), just a few times, or only once?
[/quote]
I shadow during school in the mornings 1st period. 1st period is only an 1 1/2 hours long, therefore I go everyday. However, those who have it 4th (my school is a 4x4 school) they go two days a week for 2 1/2 hours. </p>
<p>It just depends on what type of Health affiliated program you have at your school.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
It just depends on what type of Health affiliated program you have at your school.
[/QUOTE]
I'm only in high school, so I don't have a health program affiliated with my school and I will not be able to get any shadowing oppurtunities through my school.</p>
<p>I'm in high school too (senior), and if that's the case, check out your local community college, and see if they have any courses for aspiring LPNs or CNAs.</p>
<p>I'm sure you can do this on an individual basis. Contact the doctor! Find out about the closest doctor's offices, hospitals, etc. near you and see what you are interested in. Then, contact them directly. Since this is not something A LOT of highschool students do, they will probably be more than willing to offer you their perspectives. In my case, my aunt is a nurse manager at a local hospital. She and I made arrangements for me to shadow a nurse and a doctor for the day. This doctor was focused on patients with liver problems that day. Very interesting! So I would suggest gathering some information and working it out on an individual basis from there! PM me if you want more information. If you live near me, I could recommend something extraordinary also...</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. And if I volunteer at a hospital, would I ask the head of the volunteer department for advice on who to shadow, or would I contact the doctors directly?</p>
<p>does anybody know if shadowing a doctor is the same w/ shadowing a dentist?</p>
<p>Well, it's obviously a whole different experience, but you would probably approach your dentist the same way you would approach a doctor. Actually, a dentist technically is a type of doctor.</p>