AAPI Clinical Observership Program

This Program has been started in different regions of USA with the help of Regional Chapters of AAPI for the new IMGs who are waiting for a position in Residency Training Program. This Clinical Observership is organized based on the model of the IMG Observership, which is currently in existence in Oklahoma since 1999 and AMA IMG Section observership guidelines. The primary purpose of this Observership will be to familiarize the new IMGs with the style of practice of American Medicine (the methodology, language and phrases commonly used; the method of dealing with patients, nurses, physicians & hospitals; ordering lab, X-rays, other tests, etc.). This helps IMGs prepare them for interviews, helps them in USMLE or CSA tests and provides easy transition into residency training.

The candidate for Observership will submit the aplication along with the necessary documentation, giving details of the educational background, Visa status, USMLE Examination, areas of interest, preferred geographic location and 3 letters of references.

Upon completion of the Observership rotations, the AAPI and local chapter will obtain the evaluation forms from the sponsoring physicians. After this the candidate will be given a Certificate of completion of Observership indicating number of weeks, period of time as well as their performance.

AAPI or local chapter will not pay any salary or stipend to the Candidate. Lodging, Boarding and transportation will be the responsibility of the Candidate.

AAPI observership Program Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the program open to those currently residing outside of the USA?
A: No, currently the program is only open to candidates currently residing in the USA.

Q: What hospitals are available?
A: None. The program is strictly office based and not available in hospital setting.

Q: What specialties are offered?
A: Primary care, Gastroenterology, and Cardiology. Prefered specialty request is not guaranteed and based on availability of Preceptors in your area.

Q: What is the duration of the program?
A: 3 months

Q: Does the required one letter of recommendation have to written by AAPI Members?
A: The letter of recomendation can be written by any physician who is licensed in the USA to practice medicine. It is preferrable to have a letter from an AAPI member but not required.

Q: Do I have to meet all the requirements?
A: Yes, all of the requirements must be met in order for the application to be screened.


Program Outline

Learning objectives for an Observership Program:

• Observation of physician interactions with patients (history, examination, diagnosis, treatment, coding, writing prescriptions and entering information on the patient’s written or electronic chart, etc.)
• Observation of professional communication and interaction between the physician and all members of the health care delivery team and hospital administration
• Exposure to American colloquialisms (slang, euphemisms, etc.)
• Observation of the delivery of health care in a private practice, hospital or clinic setting
• Exposure to electronic medical records and observation of access and entry of data

Responsibilities of Physician Preceptors:

• Effectively communicate to the observer his/her role and responsibilities while he/she is in the program.
• Assure that the observer adheres to the requirements of the program.
• Introduce the observer to the patient and obtain the patient’s verbal consent to allow observation of the clinical interaction.
• Enter in the patient’s medical record that there was an observer present and that the patient gave permission for the observer to remain in the room.
• Obtain prior approval from appropriate authority for the observation of surgery or other procedures.

Responsibilities of Candidates:

• Will not conduct physical examinations, treatments or diagnoses of any patient
• Accept no compensation
• Follow the rules and regulations of the hospital, clinic or private practice at all times
• Adhere to HIPAA (health insurance portability and accountability act) regulations.
• Participate in any prerequisite training (i.e. HIPAA) at the hospital, clinic or private practice
• Pay for actual costs of administrative or prerequisite items (USMLE fees, ECFMG fees, passport, immunizations, etc.)
• Participate in activities under the supervision of the preceptor (clinical tutorials, ward rounds, clinics visits, procedures, operations, etc.) and participate in a research project or independent study
• Observe the use of electronic health records, if available, and be familiar with patient data entry and access
• Observe the general structure and organization of U.S. healthcare system as well as private sector and government payers
• Review clinical articles, posters and publications per the discretion of your preceptor
• Provide your own transportation, meals and lodging
• Keep track of your observership hours and confirm your schedule and responsibilities with your physician preceptor regularly.

Application Fee: $100 non-refundable - The application fee will be required after the candidate's application has been accepted by the AAPI and not before.

Download Application

To submit application and documentation please send in pdf form to observership@aapiusa.org with the subject line "observership application enclosed"

* Application does not gurantee acceptance