Shadowing: Questions & Answers
Where can I shadow?
You can shadow at either Sparrow Hospital or Ingham Regional Medical Center. When you arrive at the ER, tell the triage nurse that you are a medical student and that you've been approved to shadow in the ER.
At this point, of course, you should have already filled out all the forms and obtained permission to be in the ER. See "How To Sign Up For IM590" to learn all about gaining approval.
Who do I shadow?
Usually we shadow one of the residents, although it is best to at least introduce yourself to the attending physician since they are the one in charge of the ER.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the ER?
Yes. You need an IM590 Shadowing Experience Form while you're at the ER. It is very important that your preceptor signs this form when you're done! Turn it in to Internal Medicine in B-305 West Fee Hall. This is how you get a passing grade for the elective!
Where can I get the IM590 Shadowing Experience Form?
You can pick up one from the Department of Internal Medicine in B-305 West Fee Hall, or you can download and print one off from our website here.
How long do I have to shadow?
You should state your intended minimum number of hours on your Application for Directed Study form. In general, IM590 is a one credit elective which requires a minimum of four hours of shadowing.What should I wear?
Dress nice! You must wear your white coat, and you must have a name tag on it! This is a requirement from Dr. Hughes!
What can I do while I'm at the ER?
We are strictly considered observers. We are not to be performing procedures.
**Can I go more than once?
Yes, but you need to decide which dates ahead of time. When you fill out the Directed Studies Form, indicate the dates on which you wish to shadow in the ER.
**Can I shadow at the same time as another student? No. We can only have one student per ER at any given time.
How do I know when others are shadowing in the ER?
Check the EMC website calendar! It is -very important- that you add yourself to this calendar when you want to shadow so that others will know not to show up at the same time you're there! The calendar is found here. If you are having trouble adding to the calendar, contact the EMC President right away.
Can I shadow at the ER at a time when I'm supposed to be in class?
No. Dr. Hughes has made it clear that we are not to miss class by shadowing in the ER!
I signed up for IM590 last semester. I want to do it again this semester. Do I have to get all those forms again?
Yes. The "Directed Study" form and the "Permission" form cover just one semester at a time.
Any tips?
- Introduce yourself when you go in to see the patients with the resident.
- Make sure it is ok with the patient and their family that you're there to watch.
- Ask your preceptor questions Ð but only after you're done seeing the patient. We don't want to say anything in front of a patient that would question the doctors' authority or judgment.
- Understand that everything you see and hear is strictly confidential! There are specific laws that govern confidentiality (known as HIPAA) that must be adhered to!
