UAB International Medical Education welcomes requests for Observerships from international physicians, clinicians, researchers, or students who wish to observe our premier hospitals and clinics. 

Purpose

Participation in an UAB International Visiting Medical Observership program will:

• Allow you to shadow outstanding faculty, attendees, and chief residents, to gain insight into the delivery of American Medicine as practiced at UAB Hospitals and clinics.

• Refine and enhance your medical knowledge by observing physical exams, participating in diagnosis and care discussions, and attending daily and Grand Rounds. 

• Develop your professional communication and interaction as you participate in teaching rounds, journal clubs, and conferences.

This opportunity is strictly for observing clinical processes, with no direct patient contact, communication, or hands-on clinical training. Engaging in any direct interactions with patients, including diagnosis or treatment, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Please note: Medical Observerships are not a substitute for formal training and any experience gained will not be creditable towards any medical/doctoral degree nor requirements for any specialty board certification. This observership program does not have any bearing on pending/future residency nor fellowship applications. 

Eligibility

• You must be a recent international medicate graduate with MD or MD Equivalent (MBBS etc..) or an international medical student who will have graduated by their opportunity start date. Students actively enrolled in medical school during the opportunity dates are not eligible for the program.

• You must provide a copy of your Medical Diploma or MD Equivalent (In English)

• You must provide a copy of your final transcript in English

• You must have passed USMLE Exam Step 1. (USMLE Step 2 and Step 3 are preferred but not required.)

• Available observership timeframes are 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Eight-week opportunities will consist of two 4-week opportunities.

• You must take one of the following TOEFL Tests passing with the following minimum scores*:

  • iBT (internet-based) score of 100 with a minimum of 22 on the speaking section
  • Paper-based test score of 600

We will only accept TOEFL scores that have been taken within a two (2) year period from the date that the application was submitted.

*TOEFL is waived only if English is your first language, or if you satisfied the communication skills requirement for ECFMG certification through the 2025 Pathways. You must have achieved a minimum score of 350 on the Listening, Reading, and Speaking subtests, and 300 on the Writing subtest of the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine, all in a single test administration.

Fees

A non-refundable application fee of $350.00 (U.S. Dollars) is required with the application. Payment of a non-refundable application fee does not guarantee acceptance.

Cost per 4-week slot is $4,250.00* (U.S. Dollars) and is due upon notification of observership match. Housing, transportation, and meals are not included in the observer fee.

Observership fee will only be charged if matched and offered a slot.

Payment must be made by major credit card or bank wire.

Please note: Fees cannot be adjusted.

*Cost of observership fee subject to change without prior notice

Application & Deadline

Completed application must be received at least three (3) months before the proposed start of the training.

Applicants that are accepted will be entered into a pool for matching with a UAB Medicine Host.

Upon acceptance and match with a UAB Faculty Host, no changes will be allowed in your matched placement.

International visiting medical observers who wish to observe at UAB hospitals and clinics must submit the below listed documentation through the international visiting medical observers application. Only completed applications will be reviewed.

Required documentation

The following documentation must be compiled into two (2) PDF formatted documents in the listed order and submitted through the International Visiting Medical Observer application. (Application will be rejected if not placed in the following order):

Prepare two (2) PDF files in the following order.

PDF#1 - Career Experience & Recommendations

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
3. Personal Statement.

PDF#2 - Personal & Academic Support Documents

1. Passport-style Photo/Headshot.
2. Copy of Passport (Biographical Page).
3. English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL or OET Medicine).
4. USMLE Step 1 Pass Report (Required).
5. USMLE Step 2 Score Reports (Optional).
6. USMLE Step 3 Score Reports (Optional).
7. Proof of Application Fee Payment ($350).

Important Note for Applicants

All applications are reviewed by the committee to evaluate competitiveness. Only the most competitive applications will be scheduled for a virtual online interview. Selection for an interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

All applicants will receive either an acceptance or denial email. The decision by the committee is not reversable.

All communication is by direct email. Please be sure to include the correct email address.

Applications that fail to match with a UAB Medicine Host after 60 days of acceptance will be removed from the applicant pool. Applicants will need to reapply for further consideration.

Rejected applications will not be eligible for resubmission.

Observership slots are limited.

Policies and Procedures

The same rules and regulations that apply to University of Alabama at Birmingham faculty and students apply to international observers. Your invitation and participation in our observership program are contingent upon compliant behavior and adherence to all UAB policy and procedures. If your behavior or performance is substandard, you may be asked to leave UAB and required to return to your originating country. No refund will be issued if asked to leave.

This opportunity is strictly observational. Accepted applicants will come to UAB as an international visiting scholar participating in observational clinical training and are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from engaging in any form of direct or indirect interactions with patients. Any departure from these guidelines will be regarded as a breach of the UAB policies and may result in immediate removal from the facility and restrictions on any future request to observe in UAB Clinical Facilities.

UAB International Medical Education follows the advice of the U.S. Department of State and Foreign Affairs Manual followed by the U.S. consulates and embassies (FAM) in recommending that students participating in the IVMS Program Enter the United States on a B-1/B-2 Visa with passport stamp for B-1 (Business) per the U.S. Department of State and Foreign Affairs Manual - section - 9 FAM 402.2-5(E) (3) (U).

If you are unable to participate in your observership as scheduled, please contact our office via email as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact observer@uab.edu.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to observer@uab.edu. 

Cancellation Terms

1. Observer-Initiated Cancellations
   • More than 60 days before the start date:
     • If the cancellation is due to a U.S. visa denial by the U.S. Embassy, and the observer submits proof of visa application and official denial, a refund of the observership fee will be issued, minus administrative processing fees.
     • Note: The inability to obtain a Visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy within time to receive Visa prior to Observership start date does not qualify under this cancelation policy for Visa refusal.
   • Less than 60 days before the start date:
     • No refund will be issued. The full observership fee is non-refundable.
2. No-Shows and Withdrawals
   • No refund will be provided for voluntary withdrawal or failure to participate on or after the scheduled start date.
3. Failure to Complete Pre-Arrival Requirements
   • If the observer fails to respond to communication or complete the required pre-arrival documentation at least two weeks before the start date, this will be treated as a cancellation. No refund will be issued.
4. Program-Initiated Cancellations
   • If the UAB host physician or department cancels the observership, and the observer declines an alternative date, a full refund of the observership fee will be provided.
   • The $350 application fee remains non-refundable under all circumstances.
5. Conduct Violations
   • Observers who demonstrate unprofessional behavior, violate UAB policies, or otherwise fail to adhere to program expectations may be removed from the program without refund.

Matched Applicants

If matched, International Medical Education will provide the matched applicant with an Observership packet via email. This Observership packet must be completed in its entirety before arrival to UAB.

Matched applicants should not make travel arrangements or travel to UAB until they have received clearance to come to UAB from International Medical Education.

Matched Applicants will be responsible for completing the following prior to the start date of their opportunity:

• Securing, paying for and providing details of your lodging for the duration of your opportunity at UAB, including your address and US telephone number. Send to observer@uab.edu

• Providing a copy of Visa, OPT, and/or EAD. Send to observer@uab.edu

• Providing and maintaining medical insurance that meets the minimum guidelines as outlined by UAB policy. Please send confirmation of your health insurance to obersver@uab.edu

• Providing the Medical Clearance Packet and all packet requirements to UAB Occupational Health at ehocchealth@uab.edu. Your email subject line to UAB Occupational Health should read: “International Visiting Medical Observer / UAB Faculty Host Name”.

  • Please note the following within the Medical Clearance Packet:
    • You must provide proof of physical exam performed by physician/provider in home country or U.S. within 1 year of opportunity start date. UAB Occupational Health will not perform the physical exam. 
    • Immunization records: Vaccinations must be verified by physician or clinician.
    • Upon arrival to Birmingham, AL, a TB Chest X-ray will be performed on first day – Fee paid by the visiting observer.
• Providing proof of $2,000 US for living expenses and meals
• Providing proof of UAB HIPPA training completion to observer@uab.edu