Research or Clinical Observerships > Procedures for Clinical Observerships

FOR GRADUATES OF MEDICAL SCHOOL: OBSERVERSHIP/CLERKSHIP POLICY

According the Council on Medical Education, observership is defined as “a structured opportunity for an IMG to observe clinical practice in a variety of health care settings under the guidance of a physician mentor and to learn about the general structure, characteristics, and financing of health care delivery in the US.”  Therefore, the observer has no direct patient care responsibilities but is encouraged to participate in daily teaching rounds and discussion of patient care.

1. Observerships are offered only through the recommendation of a faculty member in the Department of Medicine.  Faculty must know the applicant personally, or have first-hand knowledge with regard to their academic qualifications.
2. The applicant must speak English.
3. For International Graduates in a 5 year program:
1. Must have finished 4th year successfully
2. Must have passed USMLE step 1
3. Be in good standing at the school
4. For International Graduates in a 4 year program (such as a Caribbean school):
1. Must have finished core internal medicine clerkships
2. Must have passed USMLE step 1
3. Be in good standing at the school
5. Observers can spend no more than one month on an inpatient medicine service.  There are no exceptions.
6. Observers are not accepted in June or July.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. First contact the Residency Coordinator and submit the following documents to Deborah Richards at medicine.residency@jefferson.edu:
   
   • A cover letter detailing desired rotation
   • C.V.
   • A letter of reference from the referring faculty member
   • USMLE score report
   • ECFMG certificate (if available)
   • Copy of current Visa
   • Immunization Records
   
   
   The Office of International Exchange Services does NOT place students in electives.  You must speak with the residency coordinator to find placement.
   
   
2. Once you have been accepted to the rotation/clerkship program, you will need to determine which non-immigrant status is most appropriate for your visit to the U.S.  You may contact the nearest U.S. consulate to find this information.
   
   
3. To find out if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver program, go to http://travel.state.gov
   
   
4. If you are not eligible for Visa Waiver status, you may need to enter the U.S. in the B-1 visitor for business status.  The B-1 visa has provisions specifically for foreign medical students who enter the United States in order to engage in a required, unpaid, 'elective clerkship' at a U.S. medical school's hospital.
   
   Contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a B-1 visa: http://www.usembassy.gov/
   
   
5. If you would like to discuss the possibility of entering the U.S. in J-1 status, please email OIES@jefferson.edu or contact us for advisement.  The J-1 document requires an application from the department and the applicant as well as some fees.
   
   
6. You must contact OIES for a check-in appointment before arriving in the U.S.  All international visitors must have the vaccination/immunization document completed, and be covered by health insurance for the duration of their program.