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I'd just ask her to shadow again. I fainted my first day shadowing in an OR, caused a small fuss, embarrassed myself and yeah. I showed up either the next day or a few days later to shadow again and no one said anything about that first day. These things happen, I'd just go back and try to shadow again if you really want to.So basically I started volunteering in a inpatient ward last month. After volunteering for several times, one of the friendly attendings invited me to follow her during rounds. Yet, an hour into the session, I felt light-headed and sweaty. I tried sitting down on a chair hoping to relieve my symptoms but seconds later, everything turned dark and I was laying on the ground. I was sent to the ER and the docs there told me it may have been due to fatigue. I had been doing errands all morning (going to the pharmacy, blood bank, etc) and standing for more than an hour on rounds so that may have been why I fainted...
Long story short, it has been 4 weeks since that vasovagal episode happened. Yet, the attending never invited me on rounds again. I realize that I should be more proactive but I always feel kinda awkward when I see her. I usually smile and try to look "busy" with my tasks. What should I do? I get along with the nurses and techs really well but I feel that it is harder for me to approach doctors. I'm also generally a shy and quiet person. Will the doctor think that I'm uninterested since I have not asked her to shadow a second time?! Also, how do I approach her for a second shadowing session?
Thanks in advance.
Trust me, you are not as important as you think you are (I mean this in a nice way).
I'd just ask her to shadow again. I fainted my first day shadowing in an OR, caused a small fuss, embarrassed myself and yeah. I showed up either the next day or a few days later to shadow again and no one said anything about that first day. These things happen, I'd just go back and try to shadow again if you really want to.
If anything, it might show you're persistent and really want to do this, that you were willing to try again despite fainting.
Just my personal view, you know what's best.
Agree. It's a very common problem. I've never actually fainted myself, but I did have to leave a room a couple of times to go sit down during med school/residency because I felt lightheaded. If I hadn't left, I would have fainted. I've had students shadowing me actually pass out a few times. Now I tell them up front not to be heroes. If you feel faint, go sit down until you feel better.the doctor probably hasn't given you a second thought after that incident. Trust me, you are not as important as you think you are (I mean this in a nice way). You're just being self-conscious. If you want to shadow more, just go up to her and ask her if you can do it another day. I bet she'll be completely fine with it. She's not going to go out of her way again to get you to shadow her though, unless she's REALLY nice and considerate. I'd go for it. Initiating shadowing experiences can be difficult. I remember having to cold-call tons of random doctor's offices to find someone willing to have me.
the doctor probably hasn't given you a second thought after that incident. Trust me, you are not as important as you think you are (I mean this in a nice way). You're just being self-conscious. If you want to shadow more, just go up to her and ask her if you can do it another day. I bet she'll be completely fine with it. She's not going to go out of her way again to get you to shadow her though, unless she's REALLY nice and considerate. I'd go for it. Initiating shadowing experiences can be difficult. I remember having to cold-call tons of random doctor's offices to find someone willing to have me.