Clinical Observership Program

Nazareth Hospital welcomes graduates from international medical schools to complete an International Observership Experience. This Observership Experience allows international graduates to become familiar with U.S. medical education and healthcare processes.

Overview

An Observership experience will allow international medical graduates to:

1. Understand how a physician and/or health educator teaches medical and health professions students, residents, and fellows in a clinical setting;
2. Observe professional communication with patients and members of the health care delivery team;
3. To gain experience working in a multidisciplinary healthcare team;
4. To learn how to interpret basic lab tests and radiology data such as blood, urine, serum, X-rays, etc.;
5. See the delivery of health care in an outpatient and hospital settings;
6. Observe how electronic medical records are used to document health care and communicate with patients and
7. Learn from academic and departmental conferences and meetings:
   • Noon conferences
   • Teaching rounds
   • EKG sessions
   • Medical mortality and morbidity conference
   • Journal club
   • Sim lab sessions (depending on availability)
   • Clinical case presentations

Commitment to participants

Admission to the Observership program at Nazareth Hospital provides you with the following experience:

1. Clinical time with a licensed board-certified physician who works as a faculty member within our Internal Medicine Programs.
2. Opportunities to observe patient care activities, although individual patients have the right to choose not to include an observer during their clinical care.
3. Feedback by the precepting physician.
4. Learning opportunities that include didactics, journal clubs, simulations, rounds or other workshops as available.
5. Opportunities to talk with residents (international medical graduates or U.S. graduates) about their experiences.

Permitted & restricted activities

To ensure the safety of patients, the community, and colleagues, and to comply with accreditation requirements, the following are permitted and restricted activities.

Permitted activities

• Attend educational sessions such as lectures, case conferences, workshops, grand rounds;
• Observe educational activities taking place in the community, clinical, or research setting;
• Observe clinical encounters on the floor and in the clinic.

Activities not allowed

• Hands-on patient care such as engaging in physical examinations, performing procedures, or obtaining a patient history;
• Access to electronic and other medical records;
• Conduct or perform research.

Parking

Free parking is available on site.

Housing and transportation

Candidates are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from observership sites. Please be aware that public transportation may be limited.

Dress code

Observers are expected to dress professionally. T-shirts, cutoffs, open toe shoes, etc. are not allowed. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes. White lab coat must be worn at all times.

Health insurance for international visitors

Observers/volunteers health insurance must include evacuation and repatriation benefits.

Acceptance

Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed.