International Physician Observership Program
Policy & Procedures
1. Introduction
Baptist Health South Florida and Baptist Health International Center of Miami are pleased to offer the International Physician Observership Program of continuing medical education opportunities.
BHSF is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation and Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.
Under the accreditation standards, certain rules apply for accepting “International Observers” for training programs. This policy has been developed to establish some uniformity and to provide guidance to clinical departments that choose to offer International Physician Observership in Baptist Health South Florida.
2. Definition
“Observer" is the term used for all physicians from outside the United States who wish to update their clinical and educational skills in a particular specialty.
“Observership” is an abbreviated period of time, typically 1-3 months, occupied in observing clinical practice in a health care setting, without patient contact.
3. Goal
The goal of the “Observership” is to provide a strong clinical experience as well as a basic overview of the American medical system as is practiced at BHSF. Observers can expect to participate, with their American colleagues, in the daily operation of a medical center that enjoys an outstanding international reputation for interdisciplinary coordination of education, diagnosis and treatments. Baptist Health International Center of Miami believes that an important goal of international collaboration is to exchange knowledge, develop and maintain relationships with physicians from around the world.
4. Eligibility for Requirements
Observership may be granted to all international physicians who are specialist and staff member in one of the affiliated hospitals with Baptist Health International Center of Miami.
Those who are not a staff member of the affiliated hospitals must present two reference letters from a colleague of the same specialty that works in one of the affiliated hospitals.
5. Application Process
The following requirements must be met and submitted to Baptist Health International Observership Medical Director. The documents must be written in English or Spanish.
• Fill out the “Observership Application Form” and mail it to 8940 North Kendall Drive, Suite 601-E, Miami, FL 33176, or e-mail it to olintol@baptisthealth.net.
This application should be sent at least 3 months in advance of date requested.
• Each observer must obtain his or her own Visa that will be in force for the entire duration of the observership, such as: B-1, B-2, J-1, H-1b, or O-1 visa.
• Evidence of proficiency in English or Spanish.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Reference letter.
• Copy of the medical school diploma
• Evidence of health insurance to cover accidents, illness, etc. while performing the observership.
• Health screening with documentation of immunization status.
6. Rules for Observership
1. The observer must obtain prior written authorization from Baptist Health International Observership Medical Director.
2. Before beginning the Observership, the observers must go to Baptist Hospital of Miami, Medical Arts Building, at 8940 North Kendall Drive, Suite 601-E, Miami, FL 33176.
3. The observer must sign the Baptist Health South Florida “Acknowledgement of Confidentiality”.
4. A temporary ID badge will be issued and must be worn all times while on the Baptist Healthcare premises. Observer must abide by all policies, rules, regulations, and bylaws of Baptist Health South Florida.
5. The supervisor or coordinator in each department will provide the specific working hours.
6. It’s required that all observers wear a white Lab Coat while in BHSF facilities. Observers are expected to dress in a professional manner. T-shirts, cutoffs, open toe shoes etc. are not allowed. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes.
7. The observer must be supervised by a faculty physician or designee (other faculty from the same department at all times when in the presence of patients).
8. The observer must introduce him/herself to the patient as an observer, and must request the patient’s permission to be present at the time of clinical visit, procedure, or other patient services. If the patient declines to allow the observer’s presence, the observer must leave the area.
9. The observer is not allowed any other direct patient contact. Contact is defined as physically touching, talking with, performing a medical history and/or examination, counseling (patient or patient’s family/friends), assisting in surgery or any other procedure, or otherwise interacting with patients, either individually or in the presence of others.
10. The observer cannot make patient chart entries (electronic or hard copy). The observer cannot make copies of patient charts (paper or electronic).
11. No stipend support, compensation, insurance coverage, benefits, meals or housing will be provided by Baptist Health South Florida.
12. The observer is not a student, resident, medical staff member at BHSF, and must not represent him/herself as such. The experience is properly characterized as an “Observer”.
13. The following activities are permissible for observers:
a. Participation in grand rounds, seminars, or other didactic activities.
b. Participation in case conferences or chart rounds. Observers who are engaged in this activity may be asked to sign a document acknowledging the responsibilities of confidentiality.
c. May observe walking rounds with the supervising faculty physician or designee.
d. May view and discuss patient interactions with the supervising faculty physician or designee, if the patient has agreed to permit observation.
e. May view and discuss videotapes of patient evaluations, if the patient has agreed to permit observation and videotaping.
f. May utilize software and hard copy educational resources (teaching software, books, and journals) from our Medical Library. Access to the internet from computers in the library, or departments will be in accordance with current standard.
14. The International Physician Observership time period will be from two to four weeks per individual. However, the timeframe may be determined and approved according to the needs of the observer and the availability of staff.
15. Upon completion of at least two weeks or 80 hours of the observership program, the sponsor will provide the observer with a certificate of completion.
For additional information, please contact Ana Viamonte-Ros, M.D., at International@baptisthealth.net or 786-596-2373. You may also contact Paola Santizo, Physician Relations Specialist, at MSantizo@baptisthealth.net, or 786-596-2373