FMG Observerships at SBL

Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools may request to participate in the SBL Observership Program. The program is designed to help FMGs become acclimated to American medical practices and help them prepare for residency. An Observership may last up to 4 weeks with one provider. SBL physicians who server as Preceptors volunteer their time to do so. 

SBL Observership Eligibility:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Graduation from a medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) (www.faimer.org)
• Passing score on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, Step 2 CS, and Step 2 CK
• Submission of USMLE transcription, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Status Report, and ECFMG Certificate
• Letter of Support from an SBL Provider, employee, or a community member
• Physician letter of reference

SBL Observership Learning Objectives:

• Monitor how a physician interacts with patients, noting how to take a history, perform an examination and diagnosis, recommend a treatment, code, write prescriptions, and enter information on the patient’s chart.
• Study professional communication and interaction between the physician and all members of the health care delivery team and hospital administration
• Understand and use American colloquialisms (slang, euphemisms, medical jargon, etc.)
• Observe the delivery of health care in a private practice, hospital, or clinical setting
• Gain exposure to electronic medical records, and learn how to access and enter data

SBL Observer Responsibilities:

• Follow the instructions of the Physician Preceptor and don’t spend time in the SBL clinic or hospital unless scheduled and approved by the Professional Development Coordinator and Physician Preceptor
• Do not conduct physical examinations, treatments, or diagnoses of any patient
• Accept no compensation
• Follow the rules and regulations of SBL at all times
• Adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations
• Participate in all SBL required onboarding and pre-requisite training
• Pay for administrative costs required to obtain required documents for application
• Participate in activities (clinical tutorials, rounds, and clinic visits), and observe procedures and operations under the supervision of the preceptor
• Observe the use of electronic medical information systems, health records, laboratory and radiology reports, etc., if availability, and familiarize yourself with patient data entry and access
• Research the general structure and organization of the U.S. health care system, as well as the private sector and government payers
• Review clinical articles, posters, and publications per the discretion of your preceptor
• Arrange your own transportation, meals, and lodging
• Record Observership hours and confirm your schedule and responsibilities with your physician preceptor regularly

SBL Observership Preceptor Guidelines:

• Preceptors are licensed, board-certified SBL physicians who volunteer to be a preceptor for an agreed period of time
• Preceptors are licensed SBL physicians with current hospital privileges and permission to serve as preceptors from SBL Vice President of Medical Affairs and Department Chair

SBL Observership Application Process:

• Applicants will submit all required documents to the Professional Development Coordinator via the SBL website
• The Professional Development Coordinator will share documents with SBL Observership Committee for review and a decision to interview or reject the application
• The Professional Development Coordinator will notify the applicant of the decision via email
• If an interview is requested, the Professional Development Coordinator will schedule a 30-minute interview with the SBL Observership Committee
• The Professional Development Coordinator will notify the applicant of the committee’s decision
• If accepted, the Professional Development Coordinator will schedule the Observership onboarding and rotations.

SBL Observership Application:

SBL Observership Evaluations: (Download form)

• Observers will receive a copy of their written Preceptor evaluation
• Observers will also have the opportunity to evaluate their experiences at SBL
• Observers will receive a signed certificate at the completion of their Observership that contains the number of hours completed

Questions?

• If you have any further questions about the program, please contact:
• Tracey McCord, MSN, BA, RN, NPD-BC
• Professional Development Coordinator
• TMcCord@sblhs.org