<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I will hopefully be shadowing a family friend who is an ER physician at a University, level one trauma center. I am a junior in high school and I am also dual enrolled at a local community college. I have been trying to get all of the HIPAA, health requirements, and school/hospital related forms taken care of. I am really exited about shadowing an ER physician, but I have some questions.</p>
<p>1.) What should I expect?</p>
<p>2.) What should I wear?</p>
<p>3.) I now this sounds weird, but what should I do when I encounter a really funny case.<br>
(I have heard some SUPER funny stories from him about weird, but mostly drunk people)</p>
<p>4.) Should I take notes?</p>
<p>5.) How often should I shadow? I don't want to become a burden or troublesome.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Yaesu897D</p>
<p>1) What you’ll be doing will largely depend on the individual you’re shadowing and the policies of the health facility. You may or may not be allowed in exam rooms. (Some facilities will require a patient to sign a release before you’re allowed to enter. I know I had to sign a release each time the college student shadowing my hand surgeon entered the exam room.) </p>
<p>2) Dress professionally. Khakis, button shirt & tie (males); dress slacks or skirt with a nice but modest top (females). Stockings/tights if you wear a skirt. Nice closed toe shoes. No athletics shoes. No sandals. (And avoid pumps/heels since you’ll be standing a lot–your feet with thank you.)</p>
<p>3) Yes, may encounter situations that seem funny, but you really need to maintain a professional, detached mien. If you can’t, excuse yourself and leave the room immediately. Never laugh at a patient. Never make any kind of negative, derogatory or satirical comments about anything you see. (Things can get misconstrued.) Save the funny war stories for later–and then it still may not be appropriate. Remember confidentially applies. NEVER use names . NEVER use identifying titles, nicknames or physical descriptions. NEVER discuss any details of a case with anyone who was not present.</p>
<p>4) Do not take notes. </p>
<p>5) Shadow as often as you feel comfortable with and so long as you feel it’s a productive situation. It will depend on the ‘vibe’ you get from the doctor you’re shadowing. If he/she seem Ok with it, then you can ask if you would be welcome to shadow again.</p>