Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program

Thank you for your interest in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program offered through the Mobile Infirmary Internal Medicine Residency Program. This unique educational experience is designed for medical observers seeking to gain valuable exposure to the practice of medicine in the United States.

Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to shadow faculty and residents, observe the day-to-day operations of a U.S. clinical setting, and deepen their understanding of internal medicine.

Observers will:

• Be assigned to a Faculty Physician for direct observation and mentorship.
• Have a Resident Mentor assigned for the duration of the observership.
• Witness physical examinations and clinical workflows
• Participate in case discussions and diagnostic reasoning (observational only)
• Attend daily educational sessions, including morning report and teaching rounds
• Have an end-of-observership meeting with program leadership to review the experience of the visiting observer program

Please Note:
This program is strictly observational. Medical observers will not have any direct contact with patients or engage in clinical care activities. Hands-on training, diagnosis, treatment, or any form of patient communication is not permitted.

We look forward to supporting your learning journey and helping you gain meaningful insights into U.S. clinical practice.

*Note: Participation in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program does not guarantee an invitation for a residency program interview. Invitations to interview are provided at the discretion of Mobile Internal Medicine Residency program.

Before submitting an application to the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program, please review the following eligibility requirements carefully.

Eligibility Requirements

• Recent international medical graduates (MD or equivalent, such as MBBS).
• International medical students who will have graduated prior to the start date of the observership.
• Note: 4th-year international medical students who are still enrolled in medical school are not eligible to apply.

• A copy of your medical diploma or equivalent, translated into English.
• A final academic transcript, also translated into English.
• Proof of passing USMLE Step 1.

• Observerships are offered for either 2 weeks or 4 weeks.
• English Language Proficiency
  • Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:

• Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT):
  Minimum total score of 100, with at least 22 in the speaking section.
• Paper-Based TOEFL:
  Minimum score of 600.

*Note:The TOEFL requirement is waived if English is your first language or if you have met the communication skills requirement for ECFMG certification through the 2025 Pathways.

Fees

• A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 USD is required.
  • Payment must be made by check or money order from a U.S. funding source.
  • Make checks or money orders payable to:
    Mobile Infirmary Internal Medicine Program
  • Send payment via shipping carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL) to:
    • Mobile Infirmary Internal Medicine Residency Program
    • 1720 Springhill Avenue, Suite 202, Mobile, AL 36607
• Email tracking information to:
  mobile.imresidency@infirmaryhealth.org
  Subject line: Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program Application Fee – [Applicant Name]

*Note: Payment of the application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Fees

• A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 USD is required.
  • Payment must be made by check or money order from a U.S. funding source.
  • Make checks or money orders payable to:
    Mobile Infirmary Internal Medicine Program
  • Send payment via shipping carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL) to:
    • Mobile Infirmary Internal Medicine Residency Program
    • 1720 Springhill Avenue, Suite 202, Mobile, AL 36607
• Email tracking information to:
  mobile.imresidency@infirmaryhealth.org
  Subject line: Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program Application Fee – [Applicant Name]

*Note:Payment of the application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Observership Fees

• 2-week slot: $2,250 USD

Fees are due upon notification of acceptance into the program, you will be notified directly by the residency program office on the process to submit your observership fees.

Cancellation Policy

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to
  mobile.imresidency@infirmaryhealth.org at least 60 days before the start of the observership.

Refund Terms

• Cancellation > 90 days before start date
  • Full refund of observership fee (minus administrative/processing fees) only in cases of Visa refusal by the U.S. Embassy.
  • Proper proof of registration and proof of refusal must be submitted.
• Cancellation > 60 days before start date
  • 50% refund of observership fee (minus administrative/processing fees).
• Cancellation < 60 days before start date
  • No refund will be provided.

No Refund Will Be Given If:

• You fail to respond to emails or miss required deadlines.
• You choose not to participate or drop out of the program.
• Notification of non-participation is received on or after the observership start date.
• Unacceptable behavior is exhibited—Mobile Infirmary reserves the right to withdraw your participation without refund.

*Note: Participation in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program does not guarantee an invitation for a residency program interview. Invitations to interview are provided at the discretion of Mobile Internal Medicine Residency program.

Application Specifics

To prepare for applications opening, prospective medical observers must be ready to submit the following required documents via the online application using this link: https://form.jotform.com/250694820729162
All documents must be compiled into one (1) PDF file in the order listed below:

Required Documentation

1. Personal Statement
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Copy of Medical Diploma or MD equivalent (must be in English)
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
   • Should be written by a physician familiar with your clinical abilities and career goals
   • Letters must be emailed separately to:
     Mobile.IMResidency@infirmaryhealth.org
5. USMLE Step 1 Score Report (Required)
6. Final Transcript (must be in English)
7. Photograph / Headshot
8. Copy of Current Unexpired B1/B2 Visa or EAD
9. Biographical Page of Passport
10. Copy of Immunization Record
11. Proof of Current PPD (TB Test)
12. Copy of COVID-19 Vaccination Card
13. Copy of Flu Vaccination Documentation
14. TOEFL Test Score Report or OET Statement of Results
15. Proof of Payment of the International Visiting Medical Observers Program application fee

Academic Year Timeline

concludes 2 weeks later on a Friday in full week increments (excluding holidays).

*Note: Once observership dates have been confirmed, changes in or rescheduling assignments are not permitted.

Submission

Submit completed application with required documentation by the deadlines indicated in the academic year timeline. The residency program office will begin reviewing applications and promptly make decisions on the first of the month following the application deadline.

*Note: Applications received after the submission deadline may not be reviewed by the residency program office.

Acceptance

• Medical Observers accepted in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program will be notified via email from the residency program office and must successfully complete all post-acceptance requirements and adhere to all Mobile Infirmary Medical Center policies, including, but not limited to background checks, immunizations, and required documentation.

• Post Acceptance Documentation includes:
  • Completed Student Intake Form
  • Observer Orientation Manual
  • Review Infirmary Health System (IHS) Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) and submit completed Ineligibility Certification (IA) Form
  • Signed Adult Observer Acknowledgment Form

*Failure to complete or adhere to any post-acceptance requirements will result in the cancellation of the observership

*Note: Participation in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program does not guarantee an invitation for a residency program interview. Invitations to interview are provided at the discretion of Mobile Internal Medicine Residency program.

Important Information

• Observership fees are non-negotiable
• Fees do not include housing, transportation, or meals.

• Observership fee amounts are subject to change without prior notice
• All applicants will receive either an acceptance or denial email.
  • Decisions are final and non-reversible.
• All communication will be conducted via direct email.
  • Please ensure the correct email address is included in your application.
• Rejected applications are not eligible for resubmission.
• Observership slots are limited.

• If unacceptable behavior is exhibited by any international visiting medical observer, we reserve the right to withdraw the international visiting medical observer’s acceptance in the program with no refund given.

*Note: Participation in the Visiting Observer Learning Opportunity Program does not guarantee an invitation for a residency program interview. Invitations to interview are provided at the discretion of Mobile Internal Medicine Residency program.