Questions to Ask When Shadowing a Doctor

As a pre-med student, you may not be sure what questions to ask when shadowing a doctor. But I’ve got you covered! Here are over 25 helpful sample questions to write down in your notebook and have ready when the opportunity presents itself.

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Best Questions To Ask When Shadowing A Doctor

Why are asking questions a must when you’re shadowing a doctor?

I discovered firsthand that shadowing a doctor requires so much more than simply standing there and observing. To make the most of this incredible experience, you have to get comfortable with the idea of asking questions.

It’s a great way to clarify your career goals as you gain inspiration and insights about different medical specialties, patient care, and what it’s like to be a doctor. However, shadowing is not about bombarding the doctor with endless questions. Take this chance to form meaningful connections with the doctor and their team. And always show genuine appreciation for the knowledge they share with you.

Ask About Career Decisions and Job Satisfaction

How did you decide to pursue this field of medicine?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Asking a doctor about their career decision-making process can provide valuable insights. You’ll learn about their motivations, personal experiences, and underlying passions that led them to choose medicine. Who knows? Their story might resonate with you, giving you more of a sense of purpose and direction.

How long have you been a physician?

A doctor with many years under their belt likely has a wealth of knowledge and can offer unique perspectives. On the other hand, a more recent graduate might provide insights into the latest advancements and changing dynamics of the medical field.

What part of being a physician do you find most satisfying?

Hearing about the moments that make all the hard work and long hours worthwhile is fascinating. Their answer can also shed light on the inherent rewards that a medical career can offer.

What about being a physician do you find most challenging?

Life as a doctor isn’t always smooth sailing. This question prompts doctors to open up and give you a realistic view of what lies ahead. Don’t worry, it’s not meant to discourage you but to help you mentally prepare.

Is there anything you dislike about your job? If so, what?

You might be surprised to discover that even the most passionate doctors have aspects of their job they dislike. By asking this question, you gain valuable insights into potential drawbacks and can assess whether you’re prepared to tackle them.

What was your most memorable experience?

Doctors often encounter profound moments during their careers that stick with them forever. Their captivating stories will inspire and remind you why you embarked on this journey in the first place.

What advice do you have for someone considering a career in medicine?

Who better to offer guidance than those who have walked the path before you, right? From study tips and work-life balance advice to insights into the changing medical landscape, this question can provide a wealth of guidance and inspiration.

Understand the Daily Life of a Physician

What does a typical day in your role as a physician look like?

This question allows you to peek into the doctor’s world and understand their routine and the variety of tasks, such as patient consultations, paperwork, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, that doctors engage in daily.

How many patients do you see on average each day?

Getting an idea of the workload and pace of their practice helps you gain perspective of whether this aligns with your preferences and abilities.

How do you balance work and family responsibilities?

This question is often coupled with, “How many hours do you typically work in a day or week?” Hearing real experiences from doctors will help you understand potential challenges with creating a work-life balance. You might learn some strategies doctors use to maintain harmony between their medical career and personal commitments that you can implement in the future!

How does technology impact your day-to-day work as a doctor?

By asking this question, you’ll become aware of how technology improves patient care and streamlines workflows, such as electronic health records, telemedicine, or other technological advancements.

Questions Related to the Doctor’s Specialty

When and why did you decide to pursue this specialty?

By asking this question, you’ll become aware of how technology improves patient care and streamlines workflows, such as electronic health records, telemedicine, or other technological advancements.

What problems or medical conditions do you deal with in your specialty?

Whether it’s diagnosing diseases, performing surgeries, or managing chronic conditions, the answer may help you decide if this kind of work truly sparks your interest.

Are there other medical specialties you considered pursuing?

You’ll discover what other paths the doctor considered before arriving at their current one, which may inspire you to pursue other specialties.

What advice would you give a person entering your specific medical specialty?

Tap into the doctor’s experience and learn valuable tips to help you navigate your journey. This advice is gold!

How do you stay up-to-date with advancements in your specialty?

Maybe they attend conferences, read medical journals, or join professional organizations. Whatever their method, it’ll inspire you to be a lifelong learner, too.

Learn More About the Nature of the Medical Profession

How do you distribute your time among different tasks and responsibilities?

By asking this question, you’ll gain more insight into the doctor’s daily routine and discover how they balance it all, from research to paperwork.

How much of your time is spent on paperwork and administrative tasks?

Get a reality check on how much doctors spend on administrative tasks. Understanding this aspect from the get-go will help you mentally prepare for the future and develop strategies to handle the paperwork effectively.

What are some ethical issues you encounter in your practice?

By asking this question, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. Plus, it demonstrates your awareness of the importance of medical ethics and your commitment to upholding them, which is always impressive!

Can you discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in your practice?

Uncover the doctor’s perspective on how they work with nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.

Questions about Patient Care and Communication

How do you establish rapport with your patients?

This question will likely lead to a discussion about techniques such as active listening, empathy, and effective bedside manner. Such tips can already come in handy for you in regards to any upcoming clinical experience before you even apply to medical school.

What is your approach to making difficult medical decisions?

Medicine is not always black and white, and doctors often face tough decisions. You’ll gain insight into your doctor’s decision-making process and the kind of responsibility you will be carrying in your future career as a physician.

How do you handle situations where patients have different cultural or religious beliefs that conflict with their medical treatment?

This question shows your awareness of cultural diversity. You’ll likely gain an understanding of how to find a middle ground that respects the patient’s beliefs and the patient’s health and well-being.

How do you handle complex or challenging patients?

In your future career, you’ll need different strategies for managing such situations. The doctor may discuss the importance of patience, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills.

What to Ask as You Plan for a Future in Medicine

What attributes and characteristics do you think are essential for someone to be successful as a physician?

You’ll get a sense of the kind of dedication, empathy, and resilience that this field requires. Plus, the answers you receive can help shape your personal development and highlight areas you may need to work on.

What undergraduate jobs or experiences would you recommend to learn more about the medical field?

With this question, you may open the door to discovering potential opportunities such as volunteering at a hospital, interning at a medical research facility, or becoming a medical scribe.

If you could start over, would you still choose to be a physician? Why or why not?

This question may catch the doctor off guard, but it’s a beautiful opportunity to learn about their personal journey and reflect on the pros and cons of pursuing a medical career. The answer may provide you with insights into the satisfaction and challenges that come with being a physician, which can help clarify your own aspirations and expectations.

5 Quick Tips for Asking Questions When You’re Shadowing a Doctor

Now that you have plenty of ideas for what to ask, before you go, these easy tips will help you have a positive experience and make the most of your shadowing opportunity.

Prepare Questions in a Notebook Beforehand

Having questions ready to go can help you focus in the moment, especially if you’re feeling nervous. Also, take time to research the doctor and familiarize yourself with their areas of expertise, any recent publications, or ongoing research they might be involved in. This background knowledge will help you ask more informed questions. Plus, it shows that you’ve made some effort to get to know the doctor you’re shadowing.

Choose your questions wisely

Instead of selecting the questions that might sound more impressive, choose the ones you are most curious about! This experience is for you to gain clarity on your path, so make the most out of it. Also, depending on the doctor’s schedule, you might not be able to get all your questions answered. So again, choose them wisely.

Ask at the Right Time

Picking the right moments to ask questions is a must. There might be critical moments where interruptions aren’t appropriate, such as during surgeries or emergency situations. Instead, look for downtime or quieter moments, like during patient rounds or after a procedure, when you’ll be more likely to have the doctor’s undivided attention. They’ll appreciate your consideration!

Have a Positive Attitude

Remember, shadowing is an opportunity for you to learn and grow as a future medical professional. Approach the experience with an open mind, engage in meaningful conversations, and don’t be shy about asking questions whenever you have them. Doctors understand you’re there to learn, so embrace your curiosity and take advantage of this unique interaction.

Reflect upon the Responses

Journal about the things you learned during your conversations and how this could impact your own pre-med journey. These insights can be invaluable for your upcoming medical school application, e.g. which schools you want to apply to or your own motivation for a career in medicine. Such reflections could also feed into your personal statement or medical school interviews later on.

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