Clinical Observership

Discussions

add a comment

Best time of year for clinical observerships?

Is there a best time of year to do observerships? When should I start applying?

artificial-scare11
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Observerships for non-clinical roles?

Are there observerships that focus more on healthcare management and less on direct patient care?

manipulative-veteran
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Observership prep advice?

Got any advice on how to prep for my first upcoming clinical observership?

uninformed-boarding3
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Brush up on common procedures and terminology of your specialty. Also, show enthusiasm and be proactive in learning. Good luck!

shocked-hotshot19
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

15

How to stand out in a clinical observership application?

Any tips on making my application stand out for a competitive observership?

grueling-revolution5
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Highlight unique experiences, focus on your personal statement, and if possible, get a respected clinician to recommend you. That always helps.

two-bit-pigtail82
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

0

Documentation advice for observerships?

What kind of documentation should I ensure I have in order before starting an observership?

adjoining-feminist23
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Definitely a valid ID, your CV, proof of your educational qualifications, and any necessary visa or permit if you're international. Make sure to have your immunization forms handy as well!

alright-reading59
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

Virtual observerships worthwhile?

Are virtual observerships worth the time and potentially the money? Or should I wait for in-person opportunities to open up?

rhetorical-toy70
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

If you’re aiming for something soon, virtual can be a good alternative. It’s usually less expensive and still provides some level of clinical insight. But if you can, def wait for in-person for full impact.

implacable-indignity
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

13

Combining research with observerships?

I’m thinking about combining a research position with observerships. Good idea or too much on the plate?

red-cloak82
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

If you can manage your time well, combining both can really enrich your application and provide a comprehensive learning experience. Just be sure not to burn out!

closing-melodrama80
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Renewing contacts post-observership?

What’s the best way to keep in touch with the contacts I’ve made during my observership?

unspeakable-railing7
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

LinkedIn is your friend! Also, a brief thank-you email post your observership can set a great tone for future communications. Don't forget to check in once in a while or share interesting articles/research with them.

derisive-realm81
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

8

Realistically, how much effect does observership have on residency?

Does observership make a big diff when it comes applying for residency? 🤨 Experienced insights needed!

cold-jolt52
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Major impact, buddy. Shows commitment to your field, and it’s a great way to NETWORK. Plus, it fills gaps in practical experience which is a big plus for your CV.

investigative-seatin
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

8

Post-observership: Next steps?

So after finishing my observership, what should be my immediate next steps?

million-dollar-hotbe
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Observership without US clinical experience?

Is it viable to apply for observerships if I've got zero US clinical exp? Will that affect my chances?

written-dynasty28
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

It’s definitely tougher but not impossible. Focus on building a strong application in other ways. Maybe also consider looking for research positions that can lead to clinical exposure.

modern-chopper78
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7

Tips for finding good clinical observership programs?

Hey folks, where do u usually look for decent clinical observership opps? Struggling to find quality ones 🤔

parental-overlap20
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Hey! I usually check with alumni or my school’s career services. Sometimes the connections there can give you a lead to some hidden gems. Also, check hospitals’ websites directly, they often list observership opportunities.

odious-morality32
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

3

Don’t forget to network! Attending conferences and workshops can also help you connect with professionals who can recommend or offer you observerships.

consular-lug18
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

3

Observerships in rural vs urban settings?

Is it better to do an observership in a rural setting or an urban hospital? What’s the pros and cons?

moving-brushfire22
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Urban hospitals offer more exposure to diverse medical cases, but rural can give you a lot of hands-on experience due to lesser staff. Depends on what you value more.

bony-blastocyst51
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

11

Affordable observership recommendations?

Can anyone recommend affordable observership programs? Some of these fee structures are crazy!

assumed-frostbite47
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Check out community hospitals, they sometimes offer observerships at a lower cost compared to the big institutions.

beaded-agglomeration
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

Observerships for specific specialties?

Anyone know how to find observerships focused on dermatology? Having a tough time locating specialty-specific opportunities.

balmy-teenager52
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

It’s slim, but reach out directly to dermatology clinics and ask if they offer or might consider offering an observership. Many places are open if you present a strong case on what you can bring to their team.

retrospective-archbi
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

How long should my clinical observership be?

What’s the ideal length for a clinical observership if I wanna really benefit from it?

alarming-junction78
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Do I need LORs for clinical observership?

Quick q, guys... do I need letters of recommendation for applying to observerships or is that primarily a residency thing?

damn-farce30
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Some programs defo ask for at least one, especially the competitive ones. It’s better to have a couple ready just in case.

surface-to-air-impal
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

5

Can international med grads do observerships?

Hey, does anyone know if there are any restrictions on IMGs doing clinical observerships in the US? 😓

demanding-embezzler4
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

No major restrictions! As long as you fulfil the visa reqs and hospital specific criteria, you should be good to go. Just make sure to check the specific program details!

human-bolt89
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Impact of Covid on observerships?

With the whole Covid situation, how’s the impact on clinical observerships? Still worth pursuing them?

narrative-damsel26
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Still worth it, but definitely harder to find opportunities due to health and safety restrictions. Virtual shadowing might be an option to look into too.

harried-lunge86
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

9

Finding observerships with housing provided?

Any leads on observerships that offer housing? Hard to find and manage on a student budget 😅

arms-control-grin13
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Such programs are rare but some hospitals associated with universities sometimes have arrangements. Also check for any stipends or allowances that might help cover living costs.

rainy-proton53
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

9