Questions to Ask When Shadowing a Doctor
Essential questions to ask a doctor during a shadowing experience to gain insights into their profession, daily life, and the medical field.
1What made you choose medicine as a career?
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What made you choose medicine as a career?
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Why this works
Understanding their motivation helps you see if your own reasons align with the reality of being a doctor.
2What does a typical day look like for you?
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What does a typical day look like for you?
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Why this works
Gives you a realistic view of the daily responsibilities and schedule of a practicing physician.
3What are the most rewarding aspects of being a doctor?
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What are the most rewarding aspects of being a doctor?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what keeps them motivated and what you might find fulfilling in the profession.
4What are the biggest challenges you face as a doctor?
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What are the biggest challenges you face as a doctor?
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Why this works
Provides honest insight into the difficulties and pressures of the profession.
5How do you maintain work-life balance?
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How do you maintain work-life balance?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how to manage the demanding nature of medical practice.
6What advice would you give to someone considering medical school?
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What advice would you give to someone considering medical school?
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Why this works
Gets practical advice from someone who has been through the process and understands the challenges.
7How has the medical field changed since you started practicing?
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How has the medical field changed since you started practicing?
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Why this works
Provides perspective on the evolving nature of healthcare and what to expect in the future.
8What specialties are you most interested in, and why?
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What specialties are you most interested in, and why?
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Why this works
Helps you explore different areas of medicine and understand what might appeal to you.
9How do you handle difficult patient cases or bad news?
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How do you handle difficult patient cases or bad news?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the emotional aspects of medicine and how to cope with challenging situations.
10What are the most important skills for success in medicine?
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What are the most important skills for success in medicine?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what qualities and abilities are most valued in the profession.
11How do you stay current with medical advances and research?
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How do you stay current with medical advances and research?
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Why this works
Shows the importance of continuous learning and how to keep up with the rapidly changing field.
12What are the financial aspects of being a doctor?
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What are the financial aspects of being a doctor?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the economic realities of medical practice, including debt and income.
13How do you work with other healthcare professionals?
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How do you work with other healthcare professionals?
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Why this works
Shows the collaborative nature of healthcare and the importance of teamwork.
14What are the most common misconceptions about being a doctor?
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What are the most common misconceptions about being a doctor?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the reality versus the perception of the profession.
15How do you handle the pressure and responsibility of patient care?
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How do you handle the pressure and responsibility of patient care?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how to manage the stress and weight of medical decisions.
16What are the opportunities for research or teaching in your field?
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What are the opportunities for research or teaching in your field?
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Why this works
Explores different career paths within medicine beyond just clinical practice.
17How do you approach difficult conversations with patients and families?
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How do you approach difficult conversations with patients and families?
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Why this works
Shows the communication skills needed for sensitive medical discussions.
18What are the most important ethical considerations in your practice?
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What are the most important ethical considerations in your practice?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the moral and ethical challenges doctors face.
19How do you handle mistakes or complications in patient care?
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How do you handle mistakes or complications in patient care?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how to learn from errors and maintain professional standards.
20What would you do differently if you could start your medical career over?
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What would you do differently if you could start your medical career over?
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Why this works
Provides valuable hindsight and lessons learned from their experience.
Making the Most of Your Shadowing Experience
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Before You Start
Research the Specialty
Learn about the doctor's specialty and common conditions they treat to ask more informed questions.
Prepare Your Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready, but be flexible and ask follow-up questions based on what you observe.
Dress Professionally
Wear appropriate attire that shows respect for the medical environment and the doctor's time.
During the Experience
Observe Actively
Pay attention to patient interactions, medical procedures, and the overall flow of the practice.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Ask questions that show genuine interest and help you understand the profession better.
Take Notes
Write down important insights and observations to reflect on later.
After Shadowing
Reflect on Your Experience
Think about what you learned and how it affects your interest in medicine.
Send a Thank You Note
Express gratitude for their time and the opportunity to learn from them.
Consider Next Steps
Use your experience to guide your next steps in exploring medicine as a career.