HOW TO BE A GOOD OBSERVER DURING ELECTIVES / OBSERVERSHIP.

HOW TO BE A GOOD OBSERVER DURING ELECTIVES / OBSERVERSHIP.

1. Be there everyday, and a bit earlier than expected and stay late ( but not too late)

2. Volunteer to work when you are not expected to, like on weekends / holidays

3. Read a lot, textbooks/ journals. And most importantly about the cases your team is following up.

4. Know what you're attending is up to, besides his clinical stuff.. like a paper that he recntly published or a research that he's currently working on and try to know more about it.

5. Be inquisitive, and unless its very inappropriate, DO ASK QUESTIONS. If they cant answer, they will tell you they cant. And then you can ask them where you could possibly find your answers and what should you read.

6. Attendings are almost always very busy.. So, do have good relationships with the fellows and residents. Believe me, if they like you, they'll talk about you to the attending.

7. Try to do some presentations and stuff.

8. Most of all, be nice! be warm and approachable, courteous and very importantly, nicely dressed ( preferably formally dressed) at all times. Try and strike some informal conversations with people, provided you're in a not-too-busy and a bit relaxed environment.

9. Also, a good sense of humor doesnt hurt