<p>Is shadowing a violation of patient privacy?
I heard that in California (at least in northern California) some graduate students cannot shadow because there is a law that protects patient privacy. </p>
<p>Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I think you are refering to the HIPAA law, which deals with patient privacy. For my shadowing, the patients signed a paper that said I was allowed to be there.</p>
<p>As long as the patients are okay with it, you should be able to shadow (of course, you have to be confidential about the cases you see while shadowing).</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>i have a question…how do u guys get job shadowing? just go around and ask the doctors or what?</p>
<p>yeah…i was wondering the same thing as paki
do u just call up doctors and ask them if u can shadow?</p>
<p>Well, if you do volunteering, you can make connections that way. Other ways include knowing a doctor and such, but I don’t think making a call is the best idea. Maybe talking to them in person would be better.</p>
<p>Shadowing vs. Volunteering vs. Research?
Which one is more important for programs like this?</p>
<p>You have to usually sign a disclosure. I’ve shadowed twice in surgery and i had to sign a disclosure twice.</p>
<p>I live in Texas.</p>
<p>having a real clinical job will help you the most. Some hospitals will let you be orderlies as early as age 16. While shadowing is good, nothing beats hands on experience. Volunteer on the side if nothing else is available since most volunteer jobs are pretty dull and have very little patient interaction in them.</p>