Primary Care Shadowing Program
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Primary Care Physician Shadowing Program
Program Overview
The Primary Care Physician Shadowing Program (PCSP) is sponsored by the
Brody School of Medicine, the Student Volunteer Program, East Carolina
Scholars Program and the Academic Enrichment Center. The PCSP exposes
students to five areas of primary care medicine by pairing them with primary care
physicians during a five -week period.
Many of today’s primary care physicians have stated that primary care
experiences early in their premedical education affected their decisions to pursue
careers in primary care. This program supports the mission of the Brody School
of Medicine which includes promoting primary care physicians. The experiences
of students participating in the program may help them clarify career paths.
Additionally, medical schools are also increasingly looking for evidence that
applicants have a realistic understanding of the various roles of physicians
through shadowing and volunteer experiences in a clinical or hospital setting.
Clinical exposure opportunities can be difficult to find and intimidating for
students. The PCSP will provide clinical exposure opportunities for students. By
participating in PCSP, students will experience a work environment where
professionalism, customer-service, and timeliness are important.
Goals of the program
The shadowing experience includes, but is not limited to:
Observation in the treatment of patients
Observation of office/hospital functions and management
Observation of diagnostic procedures and use of medical equipment
Observation of healthcare teams
Student learning goals/objectives
The student will show awareness of current health care issues and needs
in Eastern North Carolina.
The student will understand the daily activities of primary care physicians.
The student will observe patient/physician interactions and problemsolving
skills.
The student will develop an understanding of and adhere to professional
ethics, etiquette, communication and patient confidentiality.
The student will develop an appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of
the health care team.
The Student
Gathers information about the program and makes sure that s/he meets
the eligibility requirements before applying.
Completes and turns in the application by the stated deadline (see
timeline). Academic Enrichment Center, Brewster B-103, 328-2645.
Completes paperwork with the Student Volunteer Program. Christenbury
Gym Rm. 201. 328-6432.
Receives notification of acceptance or denial.
Eligibility
You must be enrolled as a full-time student at East Carolina University.
You must be a second year and first-year second semester student.
You must have a 3.3 grade point average.
You must have completed at least one course in didactic and laboratory
study in general biology.
You must be available weekly for one of these four hour time blocks:
Mondays 1-5p.m., Tuesday 1 -5p.m., Wednesday 1-5p.m., Thursday 1-
5p.m., Friday 1-5p.m.
Your application and all paperwork and immunization requirements must
be completed by the stated deadline (see timeline).
If selected, you must attend a mandatory orientation session.
The Selection Process
Only students meeting the criteria listed above will be considered for the
program. If at any time a student does not meet the criteria (i.e., misses
orientation session) s/he will be dropped from the program.
In order to ensure fairness in the selection process, students will be selected in
the following order:
MD/7, Degree in Three, Early Assurance students (must still meet 3.3 gpa
and 2nd year/first-year second semester status)
2nd year students
First-year second semester students
NOTE: If more students apply than can be accepted, a selection committee of
faculty and staff will be formed to decide upon participants.
Students Who Are Selected to Participate
1. Attend a MANDATORY orientation program which includes information
about ethics, hygiene, safety, OSHA guidelines, interpersonal
communication, and behavioral expectations.
2. Completes and turns in all paperwork and immunization requirements by
the mandatory orientation date. Student Health Services, Student Health
Center, 328-6841 and Academic Enrichment Center, Brewster B-103,
328-2645.
These requirements must be completed without exception and
include:
- School of Medicine Employee Health Requirements
- -TB skin test
- Assumption of Risk and Release Form
- Brody School of Medicine Health Questionnaire
- Brody School of Medicine Visitor Experience Application
- Immunization Record (to be on file at Student Health Center)
- HIPAA training video
- Observation Experience Agreement, Release and Waiver of
Liability form.
These forms will be sent with the acceptance letter with
instructions.
3. Participate in whichever five-week session the y have been assigned.
4. Have an observational role only; are not able to provide direct patient
care.
5. Will rotate through five medical departments over the five week period.
6. Contact the physician they will be shadowing the day before their
scheduled session to verify times and locations. (Students with sessions
on Mondays should contact the physician on the previous Friday.)
7. Have the physician sign log sheet each week to verify attendance.
8. Write weekly journal entries describing experiences and personal
reactions to those experiences.
9. Maintain professional standards including:
- Representing ECU in a positive manner
- Arriving on time
- Maintaining a professional appearance by complying with the dress
code and wearing a name badge at all times.
- Smiling and making e ye contact
- Maintaining a positive, enthusiastic attitude
- Treating others with respect
- Being honest and dedicated
- Following the Brody School of Medicine’s policies and procedures
- Following directions
- Maintaining confidentiality
10. Complete an evaluation sheet and submit evaluation, attendance log, and
journal to the Academic Enrichment Center (Brewster B-103) by the stated
deadline (see timeline).
Confidentiality
Confidential means private or not to be disclosed. Confidential information is
information that if disclosed could create bias against someone or be detrimental
to someone’s well-being. Examples are; sharing a client’s treatment or
diagnoses or telling someone about a person seeking treatment. Students
should be mindful to not discuss any patient related information to anyone.
Confidentiality will be discussed in further detail at orientation.
Professional Office Etiquette
As mentioned earlier students in the program are representing ECU, more
importantly they are representing themselves. The impressions made through
behavior are long-lasting. It is in the student’s best interest to maintain
appropriate behavior and be responsible for his/her actions. Etiquette will be
discussed in further detail at orientation. Here are some guidelines:
Address office personnel as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Doctor unless asked to do
otherwise.
- Do not chew gum or smoke.
- Do not use profanity.
- Do not have friends visit you during your sessions.
- Do not accept personal phone calls and turn off your cell phone.
Professional Dress
One’s personal appearance makes an impression on others. During the program
students should always present a professional appearance. Guidelines for
professional dress will be discussed in further detail at the orientation.
Making the Most of the Shadowing Experience
Students will be asked to create a journa l highlighting their impressions and new
knowledge. This will provide an avenue for the student to reflect on their
interactions, experiences and likes/dislikes. Students are also encouraged to get
to know the physicians with whom they work to learn from their experiences.
If given the opportunity students may want to ask the physician’s about the health
profession. Some possible questions are:
What was your education preparation for this position?
What do you like most about your position? What do you dislike? What are
employment prospects in this field? How can I best prepare myself while in
college for a career as a physician?
Expectations of Physicians
The physician will provide opportunities for the students to observe his/her
daily activities and interactions with patients. However, please note that
not all of the students’ time must be spent in direct observation. The
physician may decide what the experience will include, with whom the
student will work, and provide information on appropriate protocol for that
particular experience.
Although discussed at the program orientation session, the physician is
strongly encouraged to review appropriate patient confidentiality protocol
with the student participants.
The physician or a staff member will determine other health care-related
activities appropriate for the student’s observation and/or participation.
The physician will provide weekly opportunities to address issues raised
by either student or physician relative to medical matters and/or patient
interactions.
The physician has the right to determine appropriate protocol and is
empowered to determine situations in which it might be best for the
students not to be present in the examination room.
Please visit the Primary Care Physician Shadowing Program website for up-to-date information pertaining to applying to the program and a current timeline. http://www.ecu.edu/advising/aec/Stratagies.htm
For
further information contact: Shelly Myers, Director, Academic Enrichment Center 252-328-2645.
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