shadowing

[Armbar]

What's the best way to go about shadowing a podiatrist?

Did most people already have connections? Did you look up a podiatrist in the yellow pages?

Thanks for any input

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[doclm]

What's the best way to go about shadowing a podiatrist?

Did most people already have connections? Did you look up a podiatrist in the yellow pages?

Thanks for any input

Look around at your local DPM's in the phone book or switchboard.com, and give them a call. Most of the time you will get a hold of their nurse to set up an appointment to shadow. Tell them that your interested in Podiatry and want to see Dr. X's practice. Shadow as many different Podiatrist's as possible, ranging from private practice to a hospital setting. Also try to shadow DPM's who have certifications similar to what you expect to get out of Podiatry 2 or 3 year surgical residencies. Caution: Shadowing the wrong DPM, the POD who didn't get a decent residency, may elicit negativity about the profession as a whole.

Remember that investing your time to shadowing Podiatrists will pay off for you in the long run. You have to be sure this is something that you want to specialize in.

Good Luck in your search.

 

[capo]

What's the best way to go about shadowing a podiatrist?

Did most people already have connections? Did you look up a podiatrist in the yellow pages?

Thanks for any input

Like doclm said, look up and call a few pod offices. Intro yourself as a pod-to-be-student and ask to speak to the doc, or leave a number he can reach you at. I like this approach because you can feel out the doc, and see how he/she feels to you on the phone. This way if they seem bothered by you, you may not want to bother with them. If they seem open to having you come in for a day or two, then pick a time convenient for both and dress nicely and go in and shadow.

Remember, to be respectful of the doc and their patients and don't say things you don't want them to misunderstand. By this I mean, don't try showing your "knowledge", etc. of the profession because it looks like you're trying to show off. Just be relaxed, courteous and be polite to the staff as well. Lastly, then write a thank you note upon completion of your shadowing experience.

 

[dpmgrad]

What's the best way to go about shadowing a podiatrist?

Did most people already have connections? Did you look up a podiatrist in the yellow pages?

Thanks for any input

On the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine website, there is a listing of Podiatrist in the various areas of the country who would be willing to chat with prospective students and may even allow the students shadow them. To access this list, you can go to:
http://www.aacpm.org/contactpod/default.asp

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

Many undergraduate programs have podiatrists that students have shadowed in the past. You could try that also.