Observership
Keck Medicine of USC offers physicians from around the world the opportunity to observe our physicians and residents in practice. The Observership Program provides insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of Cleveland Clinic physicians in their respective specialties. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Observership Program, please email international.clinical@med.usc.edu
Observership Programs (Physicians)
- Cardiology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Critical Care /ICU (Pulmonary)
- Breast Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Nephrology & Hypertension
- Radiology
- Urogynecology
- Urology
- Vascular Medicine
Application Process
The Observership Program offers an orientation to Keck Medicine of USC’s model of health care excellence and teamwork in an environment that, in addition to its clinical focus, includes opportunities to participate in research and education.
On the program application, please indicate your preference of rotations and dates available. Our rotations last 4 weeks and can be renewed for an additional 4 weeks with the consent of the supervising physician. The maximum rotation for observers is a 12-month period.
There is a $150.00 application fee which is non-refundable. Checks should be made payable to University of Southern California. In addition to the application fee we require a weekly tuition fee, varied by departments. This fee can be paid on or before starting your program.
You will be notified in writing either that your request has been accepted or that we cannot accommodate it at the time. If we are unable to fulfill your requested, you will be notified. You may ask questions about the program or check the status of your application by sending email to the Observership Program Office at <a href=”mailto:international.clinical@med.usc.edu”>international.clinical@med.usc.edu</a>
Upon receipt of your application, application fee and required documents to include proof of up-to-date immunizations, Overseas observer need a valid B-1, B-2, J-1, H-1b, or O-1 visa. The required documents include a curriculum vitae (CV) and current photograph (passport size preferred; color or black & white, or a copy of your drivers license/passport). Your application will not be processed until you have submitted all of the required documents. If additional information is needed, you will be notified by email. This process will take approximately 15-30 days from the time received.
As an observer, you may watch procedures, surgeries, patient histories and physicals; and you may attend patient rounds and teaching conferences. You may not scrub in, and you may not participate in patient care or research. You may only observe.
For observers in all specialties, we require proof of the following immunizations:
- Varicella, rubella, titers, and/or immunizations MMR (mumps, measles and rubella)
- Recent documented TB test or recent chest X-ray (<1year) if=”” known=”” tb=””>
- Proof of hepatitis B immunity (serology)
Where to Report
This information will be sent to you in a confirmation letter prior to your start date.
Identification Badges
At your orientation, you will receive a temporary photo ID badge. You must wear this badge at all times while on Keck Medicine of USC premises. A $20.00 deposit is required for the ID badge; this deposit will be reimbursed when you return your badge at the end of your observership.
Dress Code
Observers are expected to dress in a professional manner. T-shirts, jeans, cutoffs, open-toe shoes, and other casual articles of clothing are not permitted. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes.
Observers must wear a white lab coat while on the premises of Keck Medicine of USC. You will be responsible for bringing your own white lab coat.
HIPAA Privacy & Confidentiality
Observers are required to watch the video located below. You will be given a HIPAA attestation form to sign prior to your program.
Parking
Parking is provided at no charge. Observers must register their cars (make, model, year, and license plate number) with Keck Medicine of USC Transportation Office by completing a form on the first day of orientation. When parking at Keck Medicine of USC, you must display your temporary parking permit on your car’s dashboard. Observers must park in the Valley parking lot (please refer to the parking map that you will receive on the first day of orientation).
Working Hours
Clinic (outpatient) services are usually provided from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hospital services vary in each department. Your department coordinator will assign your working hours.
Meals
You will be responsible for paying for your own meals. Keck Caferia, located on the 1st floor of the hospital, is open during the following hours:
Monday – Friday:
7 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Hot Breakfast
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Lunch & Dinner
Weekends & Holidays:
7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Lunch & Dinner
Housing
Housing is not provided for observers. You will be responsible for your own accommodations. At your request, the program coordinator will provide you with a list of accommodations in the area.
Cancellation Policy
Once your rotation has been confirmed by email, you are expected to complete your delegated observership. If cancellation is unavoidable, please submit your notification in writing at least 30 days before your observership is scheduled to begin. Please be aware that your application fee is non-refundable.
Medical Library
The Norris Medical Library is located on the HSC Campus next to Norris Cancer Center. Books and journals do not circulate and are to be used in the library. Computer workstations are available to access Medline and other Internet library resources. The library is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no after-hours access.
Teaching Conferences & Postgraduate Courses
The following conferences are open to observers and visitors of Keck Medicine of USC
General Questions
If you have questions about your program or if a problem arises, please contact the International Programs and speak with the Observership Coordinator. We can be reached at 323-865-XXXX
We look forward to your participation and hope your stay with us is an educationally rewarding one. If you have any questions that we did not answer here, please feel free to contact our Office – we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Keck Medicine of USC reserves the right to terminate an observer’s program at any time in the event that the observer’s performance jeopardizes a patient’s well-being or if the observer is unable to achieve the objectives of the educational experience.
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