Pediatric Clinical Observer Program

Eligibility:

This program is aimed at graduates of foreign medical schools who intend to apply for residency in the United States.

Program Description:

The West Virginia University Department of Pediatrics Clinical Observer Program is a structured opportunity for international medical school graduates to observe clinical practice. Observers in the program will participate in daily teaching rounds, observation of patient care, discussion of patient care, and teaching conferences. Participants will not have direct patient care responsibilities.

(All International Observerships are temporarily paused for a policy review.  Anticipate an update in mid-September, 2023)

Requirements:

• Completed Application for Pediatric Clinical Observer Program
• Completed Rotation Request Form
• Completed Visiting Clinician Information and Release Form
• Completed Visiting Clinician Release Form
• Applicant cover letter describing desired program observership
• Applicant CV 
• USMLE or its acceptable equivalent score report for Steps 1,2 CK and CS, and if available, Step 3.

All documents must be received no later than 100 days prior to the requested Observation Start Date.

Available Pediatric Rotations:
(Potential opportunities. Subject to change. Not all  rotation opportunities are available at all times.)

• Critical Care
• Endocrinology
• Hematology/Oncology
• Infectious Disease
• Nephrology
• Allergy/Immunology
• Cardiology

Rotation Duration:

Rotations are 2 week blocks
Maximum of 3 rotations (6 weeks) granted to any one applicant

Policies:

1. All costs associated with the process (travel, housing, meals, health clearance etc) are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
2. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete.
3. Requests for final decisions before the expected notification date listed above will not be accommodated under any circumstances.
4. The Pediatric Clinical Observer Program reserves the right to request additional information or verification of information. Applicants assume all costs associated with this process.
5. The Pediatric Clinical Observer Program is unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not accepted into the program.
6. All documents must be received no later than 100 days prior to the requested Observation Start date.
7. Working hours will vary based upon rotation.
8. Upon successful completion of the rotation, Pediatric Clinical Observer Program participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. West Virginia University Pediatric Faculty are not required to provide letters of recommendation or references for Pediatric Clinical Observer Program participants.
9. The Pediatric Clinical Observer Program reserves the right to terminate a rotation when:

• Participant behavior jeopardizes the well- being of a patient
• Participant behavior is unprofessional
• Participant performance does not meet program objectives

Contact Information:

West Virginia University School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Clinical Observer Program
PO Box 9214
Morgantown, WV 26505