Externship/ Observership
We can assist with applications for B1/B2 visas.
In common use, there is flexibility regarding what is meant by observership and externship. The primary difference between the two is the amount of interaction the student has directly with patients and the healthcare team. An externship is a hands-on experience. An observership is more of a shadowing experience.
At our office, the externship is very much a hands-on experience. International medical graduates are given the opportunity to interact, interview and triage patients both in the office and via telehealth. They give presentations to the attending regarding the patient’s chief complaint including their differential diagnosis and possible treatment plans. Externs use the electronic medical record to create a progress note, create prescriptions for medications, and write requisitions for lab tests and imaging. Participants in the observership participate remotely, often offshore. All participants received the coaching on best practices, communication skills, and writing a personal statement for the match application.
Yes. In California, the Medical Board of California strictly regulates the unlicensed practice of medicine. In our externship, only the attending is practicing medicine. The responsibilities and activities of the extern do not exceed those of a medical assistant, and are therefore legal. Many of our former externs have gone on to match, even in California.
Yes. Upon completion of the four-week program, all participants are eligible to receive a letter of recommendation. Participants will be endorsed based on their performance. Ordinarily, the letter will be uploaded as a part of the ERAS application in late August.
The experience we offer is meant to assist international medical graduates only who have attained their medical degree increase their knowledge of the US healthcare system and obtain a letter of recommendation to enhance their ERAS application.
No.
Most participants start in a batch on the first Monday of the month. However, we are flexible about your start and ending date?
Applicants for the externship are asked to submit a brief personal statement regarding your expectations, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, Copy of USMLE, Copy of passport.
Applicants for the observership are asked to submit their Curriculum Vitae and copy of passport.
Please, bring to your appointment a copy of your passport or driver’s license, proof of your health insurance if you have any, and any vaccination records you may have. Most adults do not have vaccination records, and it will not be a problem. Everyone must show proof of Covid 19 vaccination at the time of the appointment.
Yes. Absolutely! International medical Graduates may join via a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform. They see and hear the clinical proceedings and lectures as if they were on-site. Virtual participants also receive a letter of recommendation.
Immigration I-693 procedures
Less than seven days is the usual turnaround time.
Health insurance will cover the cost of the required lab tests and vaccinations only. The cost of the exam and documentation is not covered by insurance. However, you can use your HSA to pay for the exam and documentation.
Please, bring to your appointment a copy of your passport or driver’s license, proof of your health insurance if you have any, and any vaccination records you may have. Everyone must show proof of Covid 19 vaccination at the time of the appointment. Most adults do not have vaccination records, and it will not be a problem.
You will receive a duplicate of the completed and sealed I-693. It contains the lab results.
You are welcome to bring your lab results, but it is unlikely to expedite the process. The lab work done during the immigration exam is different than labs done as part of the annual exam.