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The Office of International Academics (OI) at Ochsner ONLY accepts those applicants that are referred by an Ochnser Faculty Provider. The Ochsner Health System welcomes only FACULTY SPONSORED International Observer Physicians from across the world.

The Observership program is an educational, shadowing experience that enables participants to watch procedures and surgeries, attend patient rounds and teaching conferences, and have full access to Ochsner’s medical library system. All observers are under direct supervision of an Ochsner sponsoring physician in the department where he/she will be completing an observership.

Federal regulations prevent observers from having patient care responsibilities or involvement in any form of volunteer research.

The following is required for acceptance and review of application:

  • The Office of International Academics (OI) at Ochsner ONLY accepts those applicants that are referred by an Ochnser Faculty Provider. The Ochsner Health System welcomes only FACULTY SPONSORED International Observer Physicians from across the world.
  • Clinical Observer must have a faculty sponsor at the Ochsner Health System who agrees to oversee the period of visitation and who will be responsible for guiding and monitoring the training of the individual. Faculty will not accept "cold call" requests.
  • Clinical Observer must have the sponsorship of a foreign academic institution, agency, foreign government, or have adequate evidence of financial support.
  • International medical students, residents, or fellows (trainees) enrolled in any training program who are actively supported for this observership by their training institution and who will be returning to that institution after the observership
  • International physicians who are employed in their profession and care for critically ill patients and who will be returning to that position immediately following observership
  • Must be fluent in the English language.
  • Must complete an Observership Application. A request for an observership does not guarantee a slot will be available. The APPLICATION FORM will be sent out to the applicant and the sponsor by the International Program Coordinator
  • Applications will not be considered until all documents require are sent.
  • The maximum duration of this observership is 90 days with Ochsner Faculty authorization. No extensions are allowed.

All applicants are required to submit a $500 non-refundable processing fee.

Applicant has to apply within a minimum of ninety (90) days before requested start date.

A request for an observership does not guarantee a slot will be available. In addition, Ochsner Health System may delay the start, terminate early, or cancel an observership at any time at its sole discretion. Ochsner Health System maintains the right to remove an observer from assignment after it has been determined by Ochsner healthcare sponsor provider that such removal is in the best interest of Ochsner and/or its patients and their families. Ochsner shall have the right at any time to take whatever action it deems necessary, including the barring of an observer from its premises, in order to ensure the safety and welfare of its patients and to maintain the operation of its facilities free from disruption.

  • Practice hands-on patient care
  • Write in patient’s chart
  • Answer patient’s questions
  • Receive credit towards any board’s clinical requirements.

  • Attending morning rounds
  • Observing activities in labs, clinics and hospitals
  • Participating in conferences, seminars and didactic programs
  • Use of the Medical Library resources.

Testimonials

2022 Observers by Country

  • Puerto Rico – 2
  • Palestine – 1
  • Colombia – 7
  • Chile – 1
  • Jordan – 2
  • Portugal – 2
  • Peru – 2
  • Kuwait – 1
  • Mexico – 2
  • Spain - 1
  • Pakistan – 2
  • Ecuador – 1
  • Nigeria - 1

2021 Observers by Country

  • Colombia - 1
  • Jordan - 1
  • Honduras - 1
  • India - 1
  • Colombia - 2