Field note 03 · Student field note
Questions worth carrying into a shadowing day
Prompts that show genuine curiosity while staying appropriate to the observer role and the clinic's pace.
Good questions help you notice the work behind the encounter. The best moment may be before the first patient, between visits, or at the end of the day—always let the care team choose the timing.
Quick readiness check
Carry three questions, not thirty
- One question about how the clinic serves its community.
- One question about teamwork or clinical decision-making.
- One question about the physician's training, habits, or reflection.
- A notebook for non-identifying learning points, if the clinic allows it.
Before the session
Ask how to be a low-friction observer
A brief orientation question shows that you understand the clinic—not the student—sets the rules for the day.
- Where should I stand or wait between visits?
- When is a good time to save questions for later?
- Are there situations where you would like me to step out automatically?
- Is note-taking allowed, and what should never be recorded?
During a quiet moment
Notice judgment, teamwork, and continuity
Questions about patterns and process are usually more useful than asking for details about an individual patient's story.
- What information most changes how you approach a visit like this?
- How do different roles on the team coordinate during a busy clinic day?
- What makes continuity difficult here, and what helps protect it?
- Which communication skill took you the longest to develop?
Wait until the physician signals that the clinical moment is complete before asking for explanation.
At the close
Turn observation into reflection
The final question should help you interpret the day, not evaluate the team or ask for a recommendation before a relationship exists.
- What do you hope students notice about this kind of work?
- What would you suggest I learn more about after today?
- What surprised you most when you first entered this field?
- Is there a helpful way for me to follow up or close the loop?
Boundary to keep
Curiosity never overrides privacy, consent, or workflow.
Do not ask for a diagnosis, record details about a patient, or continue a question when the team needs to move on. If a patient or staff member seems uncomfortable, step back and follow the clinic contact's direction.