One of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout chiropractic medicine school is that there is only so much you can learn inside the classroom. School gives you the foundation and teaches you the theory behind what we do, but there is a difference between knowing the material and knowing how to apply it when you are sitting across from an actual patient. This is why I believe shadowing other chiropractors while you are still a student is one of the most valuable things you can do for your future career.
Firsthand Knowledge
It can be easy to get caught up in classes, exams and practicals, but there is so much about practicing that you don’t fully understand until you experience it firsthand. Shadowing allows you to see how different doctors approach patient care, communicate with patients, perform examinations, develop treatment plans and manage their clinics. You also get to see the little things that aren’t always taught in school, like building rapport with patients, navigating difficult cases and making clinical decisions in real time.
Unique Perspectives
Another benefit of shadowing is that you get exposed to different approaches to chiropractic medicine. Every doctor has their own background, strengths and clinical interests. Spending time in different clinics helps you figure out what resonates with you, what doesn’t and what kind of doctor you want to become. You may even discover areas of practice you hadn’t previously considered.
A Great Sounding Board
Shadowing can also help you recognize where you need to improve. Sometimes, you don’t realize what you don’t know until you see someone else doing it. Rather than feeling discouraged, use those experiences to guide your learning and seek out opportunities to improve your skills before graduation.
Where to Begin
My biggest piece of advice is to start reaching out to doctors whose work interests you. You don’t need to wait until you graduate to start learning from experienced clinicians. Chiropractic school provides the foundation, but becoming a great doctor requires continued learning beyond the classroom. Take advantage of every opportunity to observe, ask questions, and learn from others. Your future patients will benefit from it.
