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Observership Programs
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 Medical Center. 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 Medical Center and the sponsoring institution or agency. The George Washington University Medical Center 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 graduate 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 Medical Center.
Eligibility Requirements for "Observer"
For the observer to fully benefit from his or her experience at The George Washington University Medical Center, 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 a copy of each observer's curriculum vitae, 2 letters of recommendation, an objective statement outlining areas of interest and goals, time and length of observership, copy of MD degree, copy of HIPPA certificate (http://inside.gwumc.edu/hipaa/policy.htm), and results from the USMLE steps 1 and 2 four weeks before the training is to begin.
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 Medical Center.
Assignment of Positions
Opportunities are potentially available in the following specialties: Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Medicine and specialties, 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 $1,250 per week for each observer which is the responsibility of the sponsoring institution or government agency. This tuition charge will cover all educational, clinical and administrative expenses required to implement the observer program at The George Washington University Medical Center.
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; access to the extensive literature, journals and research services at Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library.
The George Washington University Medical Center will require payment for services in advance of arrival. All living and housing expenses are the responsibility of the observer and/or the sponsoring institution or government agency.
Formal Letter of Agreement
A formal letter of agreement regarding this specialized program must be signed between The George Washington University Medical Center and the appropriate institution. The letter of agreement will clearly outline the roles and financial responsibilities of each party. In addition, each observer will be required to sign a statement 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
All observers must be provided with appropriate financial support by the sponsoring institution or government. The George Washington University Medical Center does not provide salary or benefits for any trainees accepted under this program.
Health Insurance
The sponsoring institution or government agency shall provide each observer comprehensive health insurance or 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 contact:
Office of International Medicine Programs
The George Washington University Medical Center
2300 I Street, NW, Suite 708
Phone: 202-994-2796
Fax: 202-994-0074
E-Mail: impawt@gwumc.edu