Finding an observership FAQs

In your letter, briefly state your interests and why so that it is clear you have a real interest in the program. Show that there is a specific reason and need to conduct your observership and what you specifically hope to learn from it. Give specific reasons for coming to them for your observership.

Most programs request that you apply at least 2-3 months before your anticipated starting date. This provides ample time for you to obtain a visa, for GPE to coordinate your observership with the division, and to clear you for the observership.

Ask/identify a faculty member within a hospital department who agrees to serve as your sponsor for your visit.

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The management of the visiting observer process varies by institution. Generally, it involves a multi-step process with different departments involved. Check with the program administrator.

The observership is strictly a shadowing experience with no hands-on patient contact.

Foreign medical students studying in the U.S. should seek clinical opportunities with their specific hospital or university programs.

International students studying outside the United States may be able to apply for an externship.  International graduates can only apply for an observership.

Given the limited nature of an observership, participants may be unable to perform clinical care. However, observers may receive a certificate of attendance for the dates of their observership.  Check with the program guidelines.

Please check with the administrators of the hospital or university program for more details.

Observers and visitors are normally expected to be in business casual attire on arrival. Some examples of appropriate business casual attire may include skirts of significant length, jackets, dresses, sweaters, shirts, dress pants, or khakis. Clothing should be clean and pressed. Jewelry may be worn in moderation.

Some items of clothing may not be permitted in the hospital, including jeans and clothing or accessories that present safety concerns, including open-toed shoes or sandals. Excessive jewelry is not permitted in patient care areas. Check with the hospital or university for their specific attire guidelines.

Reasonable accommodations should be made based on religious and/or cultural observances or practices such as, but not limited to, style of dress, head coverings, facial hair grooming requirements. Check with the hospital or university for their specific guidelines.

Department-specific professional dress and appearance policies may apply throughout the experience, and the departmental contact may provide you with more information regarding their protocol.

Some programs may provide support for obtaining a visa for short-term observers or will provide you with an acceptance letter in support of your visa application.

Most observers apply for a B1/B2 visa. Please ask the coordinators if you already have a different visa.

The types of procedures and cases that you may see during your observership vary widely depending on the division of interest. Once accepted and cleared to begin the observership, the specific hospital or university program should provide you with more information.

This would depend on the specific program. There may be other opportunities to observe with other non-clinical areas depending on the program’s availability.

A typical program lasts 6 to 8 weeks.

Due to patient privacy, please check with your hospital or university. 

An observership program does not guarantee the provision of a mentor for each observer. Your clinical division will create and provide you a schedule for your observership which includes activities and education experiences. These schedules may be subject to change and depend on a variety of factors including staffing, patient acuity, etc.

While this may not be provided, please ask the program administrator or review their information packet provided to you upon acceptance of the observership program.