Discover the UHealth Clinical Observership Program
Our observership program offers a unique educational exposure to clinical environments at the University of Miami Health System (UHealth). This is a valuable opportunity to observe clinical practice, but it's important to understand this is not a formal training program and does not lead to academic credit, licensure, or board certification.
As an observer, you will not be an employee and are strictly prohibited from providing direct patient care. All participants are required to adhere to our strict guidelines, with patient safety and confidentiality as our highest priorities.
Important Application Details:
This program is solely for UHealth facilities.
If you are interested in an observership at Jackson Health System (JHS), you must apply directly through their separate process. Please email jhs-observership-program@jhsmiami.org for more information.
For departments wishing to host an international observer, or for foreign nationals seeking an international observership at the Miller School of Medicine, please visit the International Medicine Institute's website: Global Observership Miller School of Medicine.
The program is designed to provide valuable educational experiences and insights into the healthcare field by allowing participants to gain firsthand clinical experience and learn about various medical specialties and patient care practices by shadowing experienced healthcare professionals.
No, the program offers educational exposure and is not intended to provide formal training, academic credit, licensure, or board certification. Participation is voluntary and does not constitute employment.
No. Individuals seeking observership opportunities at Jackson Health System (JHS) must apply through JHS's separate process.
For JHS inquiries, contact jhs-observership-program@jhsmiami.org.
Observers may include high school students, medical students, nursing students, pre-health students, healthcare professionals from other fields, or individuals exploring a career in healthcare.
The minimum age for observers is 17 years old, and they must be a rising senior. Some clinical areas or departments may have specific age requirements (e.g., 18 years old).
All observers must successfully complete a background check and health screening, and adhere to a maximum observation period of 3 months per calendar year.
Yes, underage observers are required to participate in the program in pairs (working with another observer). They also need written parental consent and release, and a letter from their current high school on official letterhead verifying enrollment and good standing. A sponsor with Level 2 background screening is mandatory, and observation in operating rooms and procedural areas is not permitted for underage observers.
Employees not directly involved in patient care activities as part of their regular job duties may be eligible. Observations must be approved by both the employee's immediate supervisor and sponsoring physician and must not interfere with primary job responsibilities. Employees must complete the observership application and meet requirements, though some information (like background screening and health) may already be on file.
The completed application form and all necessary supporting documentation must be submitted at least three weeks prior to your anticipated start date. This deadline is firm.
You must first identify a faculty member or healthcare professional in your area of interest who can sponsor your observership. Coordinate with your sponsor to finalize details.
Yes, it is an important reminder that you must have a confirmed sponsor before initiating the online application process. Applications submitted without a confirmed sponsor will not be accepted.
UHealth does not charge an administrative fee for the Observership Program. However, some clinical departments/programs may impose their own fees. You should contact the specific department directly to inquire about potential fees.
Observers are strictly limited to an observation-only role. They are not permitted to participate in patient care, handle medical equipment, take medical history, perform physical examinations, diagnose or treat patients, prescribe or administer drugs, write notes or orders, perform or assist in procedures, or bill for services.
Observers may not directly access patient medical records or computer logins/access codes. Read-only access and review of patient information should only be done collaboratively with the sponsoring clinician and only when necessary.
No photos, voice recordings, videos, or other recordings of any kind shall be taken by observers when in patient areas or areas containing patient data. Observers also agree not to post any patient identifiable information on social media.
Sponsors must co-sign the application, supervise the participant within handbook guidelines, assume responsibility for the participant's behavior, ensure the observer is under direct supervision of listed clinicians, ensure observers are observation-only (no hands-on care), obtain patient consent, prevent direct access to patient records/logins, take full responsibility for the observer's adherence to policies, ensure observer safety, provide guidance, evaluate performance, and provide/arrange orientation and supervision.
Yes, UHealth reserves the right to terminate an observership at any time, without prior notice, if the observer fails to adhere to program policies, engages in unprofessional behavior, or disrupts University of Miami Health System operations.
Observers are responsible for their own transportation, parking arrangements, lodging, and meals. Information on parking options can be found on the Public Safety website.