<p>I really want to shadow some doctors but how do I? JUST walk into their office and ask? What kind of stuff do u do? Just stay there and watch or actually help out? </p>
<p>Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using CC</p>
<p>Start by talking with your primary provider to see if they will permit you to shadow. Ask any family friends who are physicians. Ask any family or personal acquaintances (from your place of worship, from PTA, classmates’ parents, etc) who are doctors.</p>
<p>Please be aware that some medical practices/clinics/hospitals will not allow minors to shadow due to concerns about liability and patient privacy.</p>
<p>Also it’s the patients’ right to deny you permission to observe them so you may not be allowed in the exam room.</p>
<p>Shadowing is just that–observing how the physician interacts with patients and staff. You will NOT be assisting with anything major* because you don’t have any medical training.</p>
<ul>
<li>You might be asked to perform non-medical tasks or run errands. (Getting coffee, stocking office or medical supplies, etc)</li>
</ul>
<p>Thank you! I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and my problems have finally been solved. </p>
<p>Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using CC</p>
<p>Why not try contacting a teaching hospital to see if you can shadow interns on rotation.</p>
<p>Definitely use your connections! If our college counselor were to put out an email asking for physicians who could offer that opportunity, I’m sure she’d get quite a response.</p>
<p>I just had a skin cancer procedure done and a local high school student watched the entire thing. No one asked my permission (which I thought was odd). They just introduced her and got started with the numbing process. The girl got her money’s worth too. I could still feel part of my face through the surgery and I don’t take pain well. Makes me wonder if she’ll change her career path. LOL</p>
<p>While a physician should always ask, many teaching hospitals and their associated clinics have a clause in their paperwork you, the patient, fills out which states you automatically consent to students etc observing.</p>
<p>mlongstaff, I would have felt a bit affronted or offended had that been me. Patient privacy and confidentiality is definitely an important part of the medical field.</p>