International medical students will observe the American medical system in action during an observership in medical school. Students observe and participate in clinical activities during observership in order to gain a better understanding of the American medical system as well as practical experience working within it. Strong relationships between the two institutions involved in the observership, as well as between the students of each educational institution, are also encouraged by such programs. An international medical student seeking proficiency and expertise in his or her chosen specialty is referred to as an observer. During the program, observers are usually assigned a faculty member to act as a mentor to ensure that they learn the skills needed.
An international student must have a strong command of the English language in order to participate in an observership. Contact with patients is usually prohibited, but contact with colleagues and faculty is required on a regular basis in order to gain practical experience with cases. In order to participate, the observer will usually need to handle his or her own immigration visas. In order to facilitate the assignment of a mentor, resumes must be presented to the hosting institutions, along with stated goals. Other important requirements may exist, depending on the institution.
At the conclusion of the observership, a certificate is usually issued, detailing the time spent in the program. The duration of such programs varies, but they usually last four to eight weeks. Participation can usually take place in a variety of specialties, depending on what the hosting institution has to offer. Dermatology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery are all common specialties. Depending on the observer’s goals, a rotation may last longer, but such situations will almost always require pre-approval.
Observership costs are also associated with it, and they vary greatly between hosting institutions. All related clinical, educational, and administrative expenses for the program are usually charged. Covering the mentor assigned, time for reviewing cases, access to required library and research facilities, and participation in any lectures or conferences are all examples of these. The observer or the sending institution is usually responsible for arranging housing, meals, and living expenses.
Observership regulations differ from one jurisdiction to the next. As a result, if outside of university medical facilities, all programs must obtain appropriate permission from hospitals and attending physicians while adhering to proper regulations. Privacy under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) extends to observerships, and observers will usually be required to sign a document acknowledging this.