Observerships

A medical observership allows individuals to shadow a physician and observe clinical practice to better understand the healthcare environment. This is not a training appointment and should not be considered as a credential on any certification application. Observerships offer insight into healthcare delivery and organizational operations and may include opportunities to observe procedures and patient care processes.

Eligible Participants

• Individuals currently enrolled in post-graduate medical science programs
• Domestic and internationally trained postgraduate trainees (Residents and Clinical Fellows)
• Licensed Physicians.

Not Eligible

• High school students
• Industry representatives
• Year 1 and 2 Schulich Medical Students (see Optional Clinical Learning Opportunities)
• Credentialed Professional Staff, Residents, or Clinical Fellows awaiting clearance to begin clinical work at St. Joseph’s

To begin, you’ll need a Sponsor—a physician with current hospital privileges at St. Joseph’s. Contact the Department Head’s assistant in your area of interest. Assistant contact details are available on the Clinical Departments page.

Departments must submit all required documentation to Medical Affairs at least two weeks before the planned start date.

When an Observership Sponsor has been identified, the Observer is to complete all Observership Package appendices (described below) and return them to Medical Affairs at @email.

• Appendix A: Observer Request Form (signed by Observer, Sponsor, and Department Head)
• Appendix B: Confidentiality Agreement + Privacy eLearning completion page
• Appendix C: Two-Part Health Evaluation
  • Part I submitted with application
  • Part II retained by Observer
• Appendix D: Infection Prevention & Control Training: Complete all three modules, no login required
• Current CV

Observers are not permitted to provide patient care under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Taking medical history
• Performing physical exams
• Diagnosing or treating conditions
• Administering or ordering medications
• Documenting health records
• Accessing health records independently
• Participating in procedures or interventions
• Obtaining consent
• Interacting directly with patients or substitute decision-makers
• Offering healthcare advice