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Observer Training Program
Goals of the Observer Training Program
The goal of this program is to provide a strong clinical experience as well as a basic overview of the American medical system as it is carried out at The George Washington University. Observers can expect to participate, with their American colleagues, in the work of a medical center that enjoys an outstanding international reputation for interdisciplinary coordination of education, research, diagnosis and treatment.
This program will allow important relationships to develop between The George Washington University and the sponsoring institution or agency. The George Washington University believes that an important goal of international collaborations is to exchange knowledge and develop and maintain relationships with their colleagues from around the world.
Definition of "Observer"
"Observer" will be the term used for all international medical graduates who wish to update their clinical and educational skills in a particular specialty. Each observer will be matched with a faculty member who will serve as their mentor during their observer training at The George Washington University.
Eligibility Requirements for "Observer"
For the observer to fully benefit from his or her experience at The George Washington University, it is imperative that the observer has command of the English language. Patient contact is prohibited as an observer. Each observer must obtain his or her own visa. The GWUMC does not issue visas for observers.
To match the physician with an appropriate faculty member, The Office of International Medicine Programs will require: CV; objective statement outlining areas of interest and goals, time and length of observership; 2 letters of recommendation, copy of medical degree, copy of medical transcripts; USMLE 1 and 2 score sheets; copy of PPD test (done within 12 months from the date of the observership); copy of HIPPA certificate (www.goodoutcomes.com); and a copy of passport at least four weeks before the training is to begin. Sponsored applicants must submit Financial Guarantee from their sponsoring institution before their applications are processed.
Certification of Training
At the end of their training, all observers will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation and length of rotation at The George Washington University.
Assignment of Positions
Opportunities are potentially available in the following specialties: Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Surgery. Availability of positions will depend upon the availability of faculty mentors and is subject to change throughout the year. Each observership must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the department, in which the department chairperson and/or residency program director will designate a faculty member to mentor the observer.
Length of Appointment
Observers will be eligible for assignment to The George Washington University Medical Center for a period of 4—8 weeks in any given specialty. Special accommodations for longer rotations may be made on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to faculty availability.
Program Cost
There will be a tuition fee of $1,450 per week for each observer which is the responsibility of the applicant or the sponsoring institution if the observer has financial sponsorship. This tuition charge will cover all educational, clinical and administrative expenses required to implement the observer program at The George Washington University.
Services included in the tuition are: assignment to a faculty member; participation in department activities; review and discussion of cases; participation in conferences, lectures, and grand rounds; and access to the extensive literature, journals and research services at Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library.
The George Washington University will require payment for services in advance of arrival. All living and housing expenses are the responsibility of the observer or the sponsoring institution.
Formal Letter of Agreement
Each accepted observer must sign a Memorandum of Understanding acknowledging that he/she will have no patient contact and that no liability, disability, worker's compensation or educational credit will be provided.
Financial Benefits to Participants
The George Washington University does not provide salary or benefits for any trainees accepted under this program. All costs incurred with this program must be paid by the observer or the sponsoring institution.
Health Insurance
The applicant or the sponsoring institution shall provide each observer with a comprehensive health insurance, a health benefits plan offered by an insurance company, or managed care organization authorized to do business in the District of Columbia.
For Additional Information please visit our website
http://www.gwumc.edu/imp/
Phone: 202-994-2796
Fax: 202-994-0074
E-Mail: impinfo@gwu.edu