4 answers
ava
Student
Grafton, Ohio
3
Questions
Updated
498 views
how long do you have to shadow other doctors to become a neurologist?
and does it have to be at the hospital you want to be at?
Login to comment
4 answers
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
43
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Michele’s answer above is basically correct. Path to becoming any kind of physician is basically the same. You need 4 years of college which includes chemistry, physics, math, and biology. You need to make good grades so you can get into medical school. After medical school you will need 4 years or more of residency, which means training in a hospital working in the field you want to specialize in. Some specialties also offer fellowships for a year or two after residency. It is a long, hard, extremely challenging path that results in your acquiring skills that let you improve or perhaps even save the lives of others. My impression after 40 years as a surgeon is that there is no more rewarding career.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ava !
Paul's advice is very touching and I just wanted to touch upon something you've asked in your question.
I am just surprised about the concept of shadowing a medical doctor. In my state it is against the HIPAA laws and no one, not a teen or student, shadows any medical people. What medical students do is called rotations. That is when they go to work in doctor's offices or clinics and permission of the patient is always asked. It is part of their medical school experience before a residency. At least that's how they do it in the state I live in. I just think that a stranger observing you while you're getting examined is very odd. I don't know one doctor that allows an audience while they work. But if you have heard of students shadowing than go for it, it's strange to me.
Doing volunteer work for a doctor in the office is one thing, but shadowing is intrusive. Whatever it is called, you will have good opportunities and courses that will prepare you well for Medical School. By the time you do your rotations, you will have a lot of practice with standardized patients and be ready to get the experience under the supervision of a doctor. But if your academic path includes shadowing and you want to do it, make sure the patients sign permission for you to watch them as they get examined and are not inhibited to speak about their sensitive issues. That would be the ethical thing to do.
Here is a website that can guide you on the steps to take for shadowing a doctor https://www.wikihow.com/Shadow-a-Doctor-in-High-School
I am further amazed that it speaks about shadowing a doctor with patients remotely. That implies that the private visit with the patient could be recorded. What is most important is that the offer was probably already made to you and I do wish you all the best. I just wanted to also say that I have had students shadow me when I did social service Case Management work and offered the clients to give their permission first. Hopefully the doctor that you shadow will do that as well.
Paul's advice is very touching and I just wanted to touch upon something you've asked in your question.
I am just surprised about the concept of shadowing a medical doctor. In my state it is against the HIPAA laws and no one, not a teen or student, shadows any medical people. What medical students do is called rotations. That is when they go to work in doctor's offices or clinics and permission of the patient is always asked. It is part of their medical school experience before a residency. At least that's how they do it in the state I live in. I just think that a stranger observing you while you're getting examined is very odd. I don't know one doctor that allows an audience while they work. But if you have heard of students shadowing than go for it, it's strange to me.
Doing volunteer work for a doctor in the office is one thing, but shadowing is intrusive. Whatever it is called, you will have good opportunities and courses that will prepare you well for Medical School. By the time you do your rotations, you will have a lot of practice with standardized patients and be ready to get the experience under the supervision of a doctor. But if your academic path includes shadowing and you want to do it, make sure the patients sign permission for you to watch them as they get examined and are not inhibited to speak about their sensitive issues. That would be the ethical thing to do.
Here is a website that can guide you on the steps to take for shadowing a doctor https://www.wikihow.com/Shadow-a-Doctor-in-High-School
I am further amazed that it speaks about shadowing a doctor with patients remotely. That implies that the private visit with the patient could be recorded. What is most important is that the offer was probably already made to you and I do wish you all the best. I just wanted to also say that I have had students shadow me when I did social service Case Management work and offered the clients to give their permission first. Hopefully the doctor that you shadow will do that as well.
Thank you, Michelle for the advice.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ava,
A Guide to Becoming a Neurologist: Understanding Shadowing Requirements
The journey to becoming a neurologist involves a significant amount of time dedicated to shadowing seasoned professionals. This requirement can vary based on the specific program or institution you choose. It's highly recommended for budding neurologists to spend ample time observing experienced neurologists to gain a deeper understanding of the field. This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the daily responsibilities of a neurologist, the nuances of patient interactions, and the dynamics of the clinical environment.
There isn't a hard and fast rule regarding the exact duration of shadowing, but it's crucial to invest a substantial amount of time in this process to gain a well-rounded understanding of the specialty. Do note that certain medical schools or residency programs may stipulate specific shadowing requirements as part of their application process.
The location of your shadowing experience isn't restricted to the hospital where you plan to work as a neurologist. The primary objective of shadowing is to gain exposure to the field, learn from seasoned professionals, and solidify your commitment to a career in neurology. Shadowing at your preferred hospital can offer valuable insights into its practices and culture, but it's not a rigid requirement for becoming a neurologist.
In summary, if you're aspiring to be a neurologist, plan to shadow experienced professionals for an extended period to gain valuable insights into the field and deepen your understanding of the specialty. The duration of shadowing can vary, but it's essential to dedicate enough time to this experience to bolster your knowledge and passion for neurology. Remember, while shadowing at your preferred hospital can be beneficial, it's not a prerequisite for a career as a neurologist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Consulted:
American Academy of Neurology (AAN): A professional organization representing neurologists and neuroscience professionals, offering guidelines and resources for aspiring neurologists.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Offers insights into medical education and training requirements for various specialties, including neurology.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Conducts research and provides information on healthcare professions, including neurology.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
A Guide to Becoming a Neurologist: Understanding Shadowing Requirements
The journey to becoming a neurologist involves a significant amount of time dedicated to shadowing seasoned professionals. This requirement can vary based on the specific program or institution you choose. It's highly recommended for budding neurologists to spend ample time observing experienced neurologists to gain a deeper understanding of the field. This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the daily responsibilities of a neurologist, the nuances of patient interactions, and the dynamics of the clinical environment.
There isn't a hard and fast rule regarding the exact duration of shadowing, but it's crucial to invest a substantial amount of time in this process to gain a well-rounded understanding of the specialty. Do note that certain medical schools or residency programs may stipulate specific shadowing requirements as part of their application process.
The location of your shadowing experience isn't restricted to the hospital where you plan to work as a neurologist. The primary objective of shadowing is to gain exposure to the field, learn from seasoned professionals, and solidify your commitment to a career in neurology. Shadowing at your preferred hospital can offer valuable insights into its practices and culture, but it's not a rigid requirement for becoming a neurologist.
In summary, if you're aspiring to be a neurologist, plan to shadow experienced professionals for an extended period to gain valuable insights into the field and deepen your understanding of the specialty. The duration of shadowing can vary, but it's essential to dedicate enough time to this experience to bolster your knowledge and passion for neurology. Remember, while shadowing at your preferred hospital can be beneficial, it's not a prerequisite for a career as a neurologist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Consulted:
American Academy of Neurology (AAN): A professional organization representing neurologists and neuroscience professionals, offering guidelines and resources for aspiring neurologists.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Offers insights into medical education and training requirements for various specialties, including neurology.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Conducts research and provides information on healthcare professions, including neurology.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Michele Merritt
Medical Assistant
2
Answers
Melbourne, Florida
Updated
Michele’s Answer
My youngest son is a physician and he actually shadowed the doctor I worked for while still in high school, then while in undergraduate school he also shadowed my doctor for the, entire summer break. After graduating medical school you’ll be placed in a hospital setting for 3 years of internship and residency. This is where you get the needed training necessary to becoming a competent professional. I want to wish you good luck in your journey to becoming a successful physician!!!