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How should I get in contact with doctors to shadow them?

A lot of the places near where I live do not allow high school students to shadow doctors. Multiple places require you to know which doctor you want to shadow, which is a problem since I don't know any. Any tips? #medicine #medical #doctor #healthcare #advice

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Syed’s Answer

Hi Lqra,

First start with your parents’ doctors or the doctors of close friends/family friends. They’ll be more likely to help you out.

Then consider volunteer programs at hospitals nearby your home. You might have to start with something outside the clinical space like working in the gift store. The point is to get your foot in the door at the hospital to start building relationships.

Lastly, talk to your community leaders (teachers, priests/imams/rabbis/gurus/pandits, councilmen, etc) to see if they can connect you with a doctor on a personal level.
Thank you comment icon Thanks! I'm going to ask my doctor at my next appointment. Iqra
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Rachel’s Answer

I agree with above. Call your own PCP and ask to spend the day shadowing him/her.
Thank you comment icon Thanks and will do! Iqra
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Corin’s Answer

I think shadowing is a great tool to get to know what you want to do. However, with that said, current HIPPA guidelines (privacy rules) make it difficult for providers to allow you in the patient care setting without some type of formal agreement. These special agreements are typically contracts held by schools that have the ability to get the legal requirements in place before you are around patients.

I found this great volunteer program in your area https://researchmedicalcenter.com/about/volunteer.dot. It may not be directly shadowing a provider, but it is your best bet to get into the patient care setting before you enter a formal educational program.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help! Iqra
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Helaine’s Answer

My high school friend asked his own pediatrician because that’s what he wanted to be! He graduated from SUNY Buffalo Medical School and became a pediatrician which he likes very much!

Sometimes the answer is right in front of you!
Thank you comment icon That's cool and I'll do that! Iqra
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