BSM 441

Duration and Scheduling

• The minimum length for an observership is three days. These days do not need to be consecutive, but all proposed dates must be included in the initial application.
• All requests must be submitted a minimum of 30 days in advance of the proposed start date to allow for proper review and approval.

Sponsorship

• Each observer must secure a faculty member in our department who agrees to serve as their official hosting faculty sponsor. The sponsor is responsible for the observer’s schedule, supervision and adherence to department policies during the observership.
• Applications without a confirmed sponsor will not be reviewed.

Application Materials

To initiate an observership request, the following documents must be submitted to the education coordinator:

1. Completed Observer Application Form. Fill out the items highlighted in yellow.
2. Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
3. A letter of interest detailing the purpose of the observership, specific learning objectives and requested dates.
4. Copy of a current government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
5. Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within the past 12 months.
6. Proof of flu vaccination for the current flu season (typically between October 1 and March 31).

Please note: An observership is not a clinical rotation, an elective or an educational experience for academic credit. Observers will not be allowed to provide any direct patient care, handle patient information or participate in any invasive procedures.

Upon approval, the hosting faculty sponsor will coordinate the observer’s schedule, which may include shadowing in hospital, clinics and observing rounds.

Important Restrictions

• Observers are prohibited from having independent contact with patients.
• Observers are not permitted to access electronic health records (EHR) or handle protected health information (PHI) unless a specific, approved non-patient care exception is granted by the institution.
• All observers must adhere to all institutional policies regarding professional conduct, dress code and confidentiality. Failure to comply with any of these policies will result in immediate termination of the observership.

1. Secure a Sponsor: Identify and confirm a faculty member willing to sponsor your observership.
2. Gather Materials: Compile all six required application documents listed above.
3. Submit Request: Send the complete application packet to the education coordinator listed below.
4. Awaiting Approval: The department will review your application. You will be notified of the decision at least one week prior to the proposed start date.