General Information
What's with the name?
I have had a lot of questions asking why I chose the name Bypass Network, so I wanted to leave a little explanation. In finding a name for the network, I wanted to take a medical term and give it a twist. I also wanted it to be a term that is commonly used so that it would be familiar to everyone. Unfortunately, coronary artery blockage is fairly common in the United States, and one of the treatments used is Bypass surgery. The procedure is used to route the blood oxygenating the heart past a clogged artery. Bypass surgery improves the flow of blood to the heart, improving its function. In a similar fashion, the Bypass Network is set up to allow the users to "bypass" the barriers to connecting with the doctors they want to shadow.
Who made the site?
The site was thought up by a medical student who realized the need for pre-med students to get better access to physicians who were willing to have people shadow them. To get accepted into medical school, admissions offices prefer to see that a student has experienced what medicine is about (by shadowing at least one doctor). In order to find doctors willing to be shadowed, students are typically forced to ask around, often waiting to hear from "middlemen" before being connected to the doctor.
Information for Physicians
You may be asking yourself, why should I sign up?
The answer is simple. These days, it is required for students to shadow a doctor in order to get accepted to medical school. Did a physician before you play a role in setting you on the right road to becoming the doctor you are today? Did he or she introduce you into the specialty you love? This is an opportunity to pay it forward—sign up to inspire or mentor a future doctor.
Things to know
Please be aware of your facility's policies on shadowing. For example, if you work at a private practice and a hospital, but the hospital does not allow student shadowers, do not add it to your profile.
Information for Students
Just a few details...
Remember, this is a professional site—treat it and yourselves as such.
If you have never done any hospital volunteering or any other shadowing, please check out HIPAA Patient Privacy Information at the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services Understanding HIPAA Privacy.
Suggested Attire
If you are going to a facility to shadow, dress respectively or ask the doctor you are going to shadow what he or she would prefer (the doctor may want you to wear scrubs if you have them). Otherwise, it is suggested that you wear professional attire.
Other suggestions
Keep in mind that you may want to eventually ask these doctors for letters of recommendation; another reason to remain professional.
Write thank you notes. They are appreciated!
