After years of studying, the prospect of starting work as a doctor may fill you with anticipation, excitement, anxiety or a combination of all of the above. A shadowing placement with the doctor you will take over from can be invaluable in addressing your concerns. Hopefully it can also help you hit the ground running on your first day on the job – but how can you make sure you get the most out of this placement?

Be professional

Firstly, don't forget the obvious considerations that applied during all your previous clinical placements, such as dressing appropriately, being punctual and being professional at all times.

It will also stand you in good stead to check any learning objectives before you arrive, so that you can be clear what is expected of you during the placement and what you should aim to achieve.

Get your bearings

All in the detail

If you consider what you will spend much of your time doing in your new role, it will quickly become clear that you will need to understand the paperwork (or its electronic versions) involved in being a junior doctor. 

Take note of how your predecessor arranges investigations, prescriptions, discharge summaries and so on. Have a close look at the forms they fill out for each of these processes, so you are happy that you know what is required. You may feel that you already know what the job entails after all your previous clinical placements, but it's quite different when you actually have to do it.

Attention to detail is key.

Any questions?

You are likely to have many questions for the junior doctor you shadow, but try to remember that they have a job to do. As such, agree with them beforehand whether they want you to ask questions as you go along, or if they would prefer you to jot these down and ask them when you take a break.

You may wish to ask if they have any important hints and tips to impart to you about the job, but they can't tell you everything. It can be revealing to ask slightly more direct questions – such as what they wish they had known when they started, or what the best and worst parts of the job are. You may find it prompts them to give you a heads up about any pitfalls or odd consultant preferences you may inadvertently fall foul of. That said, it's always worth bearing in mind that your experience in that job and with certain colleagues may be very different to their experience.

Above all, it is key to not stray beyond your competence in an attempt to impress or not look inexperienced. If you are not sure, ask a senior colleague – it's all part of the learning process.