How to Shadow a Physician's Assistant

So you want to become a physician's assistant or become involved in patient care in a medical capacity. A great way to experience this career is by observing a physician's assistant (PA) as they work in their medical environment. Shadowing a physician's assistant provides you with the up-close experience you need to make a better informed decision if this career is right for you.

Instructions

1. Decide what medical setting and specialty in which you'd like to observe a physician's assistant (PA). Physician's assistants are found in all areas of medicine--primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, surgery. They also work in private medical clinics, hospitals and diagnostic labs. Figure out which one is the most interesting for you.

2. Obtain permission from the physician's assistant. If you don't know one, you can ask through a medical office, a PA program or hospital. Even if you get permission from a PA, you may also need to get permission from a hospital or clinic, as there are patient privacy issues involved.

3. Be punctual. PAs are very busy people. Be on time, even early, and plan to have a very busy day.

4. Wear comfortable shoes. PAs are on their feet most of the day, so be prepared to stand and walk a lot. Eat a good breakfast so that you'll have the energy and stamina throughout the day. Meals are eaten only when there is time, so be prepared to eat on the run and go long hours without eating.

5. Don't wear clothing that is revealing or inappropriate in a medical setting. You're supposed to "blend in" as a shadow, so don't wear anything that would call attention to yourself. Also, don't wear perfume. Many medical facilities have rules against perfumes because they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive patients.

6. Don't get in the way. If in doubt, ask the PA where you should stand and what would be most helpful to them.

7. Follow the PA. Where they go, you go (except, of course, to the bathroom).

8. Be silent. Don't distract them with chatter unless they initiate conversation and don't offer input unless asked. PAs are incredibly busy and even if you're alone together and they're not speaking, they're probably thinking about a patient. This is their time, not yours, so be quiet and let them do their job.

9. Be respectful. You will most likely be interacting with patients. These are people who trust the PA and have a prior history seeing the PA for treatment. The patient is allowing you to "invade" their privacy, so be respectful and discrete. The PA may ask each patient, before beginning the exam, if it is okay if you are in the room with them. If they say no, be respectful and step out of the room to give them privacy. Wait outside for the PA until they're finished. Don't eavesdrop.

10. Ask questions when there's time. The PA may be open to answering questions at all time, between patient exams, at meals, or during a lull in action. Ask permission first and wait until it's okay. The PA will want you to learn and asking questions is a great way to do that, just make sure it's an appropriate time to do so.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, find different PAs to shadow in a variety of settings and specialties. This is a great way to gain exposure to a variety of situations and find one that is right for you.

• You'll be in a medical environment where you'll most likely be exposed to private and sensitive patient information. Don't talk about what you hear or see, ever, with someone outside the practice. There are strict patient privacy laws in place to protect patients--respect them.