As a medical student, one of the most valuable experiences you can have is shadowing a surgeon in the operating room (OR). It’s a chance to be, as Hamilton says, “in the room where it happens.”
Shadowing a surgeon in the OR is a remarkable journey that will shape your path to a medical career. Witnessing the intricate procedures, life-saving decisions, and collaborative teamwork that take place in the OR can be an incredible opportunity to gain practical knowledge and insights about surgery that go beyond just reading textbooks.
However, before you set out on this extraordinary journey, it helps to be well-informed and prepared. Fortunately, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about shadowing a surgeon in the OR before, during, and after the experience.
This post is all about shadowing a surgeon.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Shadowing a Surgeon in the OR
Getting Ready for Shadowing a Surgeon
Before you step into that OR, there are some important things you need to know to make the most of this experience.
First, always approach shadowing opportunities with gratitude, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Remember that surgeons and their teams are welcoming you into their workspace, allowing you to witness their craft and gain valuable experiences. The opportunity to shadow a surgeon in the OR is an incredible learning experience, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Also, understand the ethical and professional considerations involved in shadowing. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of professionalism and the need to protect patient privacy at all times! So, familiarize yourself with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and make sure you know what you can and cannot disclose.
Selecting a Surgeon
Take a moment before you begin reaching out to surgeons and make a list of which specialties ignite your passion. Are you fascinated by neurosurgery, or do orthopedics make your heart skip a beat? Identify the areas that interest you the most so you can focus your shadowing experience accordingly.
Next, ask around for recommendations. They might be able to direct you toward surgeons who are not only highly skilled but also great teachers. It helps to find someone who is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with aspiring doctors.
Setting Up the Shadowing Experience
If you’re not getting shadowing opportunities through a school program, you can still contact doctors directly. Once you’ve identified a surgeon to shadow, contact the surgeon’s office or the hospital’s volunteer or shadowing coordinator to inquire about shadowing opportunities. Remember to keep it professional when addressing them.
- Start by introducing yourself and mentioning your stage of training.
- Ask politely if you can shadow that doctor.
- Explain what you hope to gain from the experience and share why you’re interested in medicine.
- Talk to the surgeon or their office staff about the details of the shadowing experience, making sure you have a clear understanding of the schedule and what is expected of you.
- Ask about any paperwork or requirements you need to complete before starting. Also, you can attach your résumé to give them more insight into your background and achievements.
Pro tip: Before you approach a surgeon for a shadowing opportunity, it’s a good idea to research the surgeon and their practice beforehand to show your genuine interest and also to help you ask more informed questions when you do get the chance to shadow.
Prep Work Before the Day of Shadowing
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for what you’re about to experience – the OR can be an intense and fast-paced environment. Being well-prepared is key!
Get Your Research Game On!
Gather knowledge about the surgical procedure you will be observing and study as much info as you can about the specific surgery you’ll be witnessing. Familiarize yourself with the surgical terms and procedures you may encounter to ensure you can follow along and make the most of your time in the OR.
Put Together a List of Questions
What do you anticipate you’d like to ask the surgeon and OR staff during downtime or at an appropriate time during the surgery? Jot down a list of these questions for both the surgeon and the OR staff. Don’t hesitate to speak up; your curiosity is a valuable asset.
A Great Day Starts the Night Before
Finally, set yourself up for success the evening before your day of shadowing. Plan your outfit, prep what you’re taking with you, set your alarm early enough so you have more than enough time to get ready, and get to bed on time.
On the Day of Shadowing in the OR: Your To-Do List
Let’s review everything you need to know to make the most of your day shadowing a surgeon in the OR.
Take Care of Yourself
Eat breakfast, hydrate, and handle all your bathroom needs beforehand. You want to feel your best before you enter the operating room. If all this means getting up extra early, it’s totally worth it.
Dress the Part
Arrive in casual business attire – sorry, no jeans! Also, wear closed-toe shoes or bring comfortable sneakers. Plus, you may want an extra hair tie or a bouffant cap to contain your hair. However, only bring a few items you need since you may or may not have a locker.
OR Attire
In the operating room, you’ll wear hospital-appointed scrubs, gloves, masks, and shoe covers. Light makeup is acceptable. Also, minimal jewelry and natural nail polish are fine. Avoid chipped nails, acrylics, or tips even though you won’t be scrubbing in. And, finally, lay off the perfumes and scented products.
Be Punctual
Show up on time and, even better, at least 15 minutes before you’re supposed to be there. Don’t be late! Arriving slightly earlier than you’re expected shows your dedication and respect for everyone’s time. So, prep the night before and leave early enough to give yourself extra time for unexpected delays like traffic.
Demonstrate Professionalism, Respect, and Attentiveness
You’re in a professional environment, so be polite to everyone you encounter – the surgeon, the surgical team, and the patients. Remember, you’re here to learn and observe. Keep your focus on the OR and avoid distractions like your phone.
Bring a Small Notebook and Pen With You
Take notes on the surgical procedures, techniques, and any interesting observations you make. Jotting down this information will help you later when you’re reflecting on what you’ve learned and discussing it with your mentors or peers.
Stay curious
This experience is not about demonstrating your knowledge and you don’t need to impress anyone. You are here to watch and learn – so don’t worry too much going into this and just stay curious and see this as a fantastic opportunity.
Tips for a Positive Experience During the Surgical Procedure
Here’s what to do and what to avoid while you’re shadowing in the operating room.
- Be an observer, paying close attention to the surgeon’s techniques, the team dynamics, and how the surgical process unfolds. Take notes if necessary, but always be respectful and mindful of patient privacy.
- Maintain a safe distance from sterile fields where all the surgical tools and equipment are stored. If you’re not sure what is and isn’t sterile, be on the safe side and assume everything is a sterile field.
- Be mindful of the surgeon’s instructions and cues. Practice patience and respect their boundaries. Keep your movements to a minimum to avoid being a distraction.
- Timing is critical when it comes to asking questions. Make sure they’re relevant and wait for appropriate moments, like when the surgeon takes a breather or during debriefing sessions.
- If the surgeon isn’t open to a lot of questions or simply doesn’t have time for additional conversations that day, you can still learn a lot from the OR nurses and Anesthesiologist. So feel free to also approach them with any questions you might have.
- If you start feeling faint at any point during the surgery, stop what you’re doing and take a seat. Don’t be a hero – it happens to the best of us!
- After the surgery is finished, take a moment to thank everyone in attendance in the OR and the surgeon for allowing you to observe. You can be helpful with basic tasks, but check first for approval. Also, before leaving, make sure you bring up any additional questions you didn’t get a chance to ask.
After the Shadowing Experience
Congratulations, you’ve just wrapped up your first experience shadowing a surgeon in the operating room! Remember to express your appreciation to the surgeon for providing you with this valuable experience. A simple thank-you note can go a long way in maintaining a positive professional relationship.
Also, reflect on the incredible things you witnessed while shadowing in the operating room. Did anything surprise you? Review the notes you made during the surgeries and dive deeper into researching the procedures you observed. Look up any unfamiliar terms or procedures to deepen your knowledge.
Share your experience with mentors, colleagues, and the important people in your life. Think about how this experience has influenced your future goals and specialization choices. Did witnessing a certain procedure make you passionate about a specific specialty? Has it reinforced your desire to become a surgeon? These can be great observations for your personal statement once you apply to medical school!
At the End of the Day: Reflecting on Shadowing a Surgeon in the OR
So there you have it, everything you need to know about shadowing a surgeon in the OR!
To recap:
- Professionalism is key – always dress appropriately, be punctual, and show respect to the entire surgical team.
- Confidentiality is absolutely vital, so make sure to maintain patient privacy at all times.
- And most importantly, come into the OR with a proactive learning attitude. Ask questions, take notes, and soak up as much knowledge as possible.
It may feel stressful at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can make the most out of this incredible learning opportunity. Shadowing a surgeon is a great way to get a real-life understanding of surgical medicine, paving the way for a successful medical career!
Related Posts
Shadowing a Doctor: 10 Best Tips for Premeds
40+ Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for Pre-Med Students That Will Set You Apart