How to get Observership?

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jayswame

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Hi,
I have done Medical School in India and I'm here in US as permanent resident (have green card). I have just completed USMLE step 1 and now studying for Step 2. Meanwhile I have to do 3 different observership lasting one month each (if I understand correctly) in order for me to apply for residency program. I'm in VA and the medical schools here do not allow observership. Can anyone help me what should I do?
 
Look up various residencies in NY - you can see which ones are FMG friendly and contact their PD's for observership and if you are willing to spend a few hundred dollars you can apply for paid externships but you have to find one by looking around - if you have some friends in residency can try through them - frankly from what I've seen and heard having them is a big burden as they have to get cleared by hospital and they seem to come in everybody's way...hospitals don't get anything in return etc etc.- not trying to discourage you - my advice would be to work in a lab doing clinical research in a field of your choice if yu are planning on doing a fellowship etc.
 
Ok, I'm curious.

What is an observership?

Think shadowing. The IMG medical observer is supposed to learn about the nuances of the US health care system and pertinent medical knowledge and clinical skills through observation of practicing attendings. The key here is observation only. The observer is not permitted to have any direct patient care or research responsibilities. So, no direct clinical or research experience is gained through observerships.
 
Thank you very much for your advise. I will start looking in New York.
 
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