Observership Program

Upstate Medical University is pleased to offer the opportunity for physicians from around the world to observe Department of Urology physicians and residents in practice. The goal of the Observership Program is to provide insight into day to day responsibilities of physicians in their respective specialties and provide a basic overview of the American medical system.

Contact the Observership Program Coordinator for more information:

Upstate Medical University
Department of Urology
Attn: Observership Program
CWB 2^nd Floor
750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210
Email: schulzes@ngskmc-eis.net

Application Process

In order to maintain security for the Upstate Medical University campus, privacy of protected health information, and the appropriate Employee Health clearance, visitors to University Hospital sites of service must be properly logged according to the policy of Visiting Health Care Providers, which covers individuals who are visiting the campus for the purpose of learning, training, observing, or delivering direct or indirect patient care for a brief period of time. Observership Privileges must be obtained for Visiting Health Care Providers through the Medical Staff Office. Observers will not be granted privileges for direct patient care.

Applications and all supporting documents (as noted on the application) must be received 8 weeks prior to the requested start date to allow for processing. Our rotations are four weeks in length. Each rotation must fit within the dates available. There is a $400.00 (US Funds) application fee which is non-refundable. A Certified Check or Money Order needs to accompany the application and should be made payable to Upstate Medical University, Department of Urology. Personal Checks will not be accepted.

The cost for each 4 week rotation is $4,000. Upon acceptance, payment must be received and processed prior to the first day of the rotation. You will be notified, in writing, of either acceptance or denial of your application within 4 weeks of initial receipt. You may ask questions or check on the status of your application after four weeks have passed by emailing the Educational Programs Office, schulzes@ngskmc-eis.net

Department of Urology Application Information

Department of Urology Application for Observership Rotation

Medical Staff Application Information (To be completed if application is approved)

Visiting Health Care Provider (Observer Only)
Certificate of Health Form (halfway down the page)
Downtown Campus Orientation Guide & Completion Certificate (middle of the page)
HIPPA Privacy Rule Education & Completion Certificate

All costs associated with the application process (visa processing, travel, health clearance, etc) will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. Upstate Medical University is in no way responsible for processing costs.

What to Expect

Your request for an Observership will be processed upon receipt of your application (see application form for required documents). Your application will not be processed without all the required documents. We will be in contact with you as soon as we have all the information needed.

Where to Report

Specific reporting instructions will be included in your acceptance correspondence, and will be based on the rotation in which you are scheduled to participate.

Identification Badges

Report to the Payroll Department with a form issued by Payroll (Request for Non-Employee ID Badge), with an approved signature from the appropriate department, and an additional form of photo identification in order to obtain an ID badge. At the completion of your rotation, return the ID badge to Payroll to inactivate the ID Badge. ID badges must be worn at all times.

Dress Code

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. Lab coat must be worn at all times.

Parking

You are responsible for all parking costs. Parking passes must be obtained directly from the Parking Office, located in Room 1519, University Hospital

Lab Coats

It is required that you wear a Lab Coat during your rotation and while on the premises of Upstate Medical University. You are responsible for providing your own lab coat, one will not be provided for you.

Working Hours

Services vary with each specialty. Once approved, the Coordinator in each specialty / department will provide your specific working hours.

Meals

The sponsoring institution does not provide funding for meals. You are responsible for all meals.

Housing

Observers are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Upon approval of your rotation, the Observership Program Coordinator will provide you with a list of possible accommodations in the area upon request.

Cancellation Policy

Once your assignment has been confirmed via e-mail, you are expected to complete the rotation as we will close out that rotation to other learners. As stated earlier, the $400 Application Fee is Non-Refundable under any circumstance.

Termination Policy

Upstate Medical University reserves the right to terminate an Observer’s rotation at any time in the event that the Observer’s performance jeopardizes a patient’s well-being or performance is unable to achieve the objectives of the educational experience. If termination of rotation is warranted, a pro-rated fee will be refunded to the Observer for the time left in the rotation, however, the $400 application fee remains Non-Refundable.

Medical School Library

Your Identification Badge will allow you to gain access as a visitor to the Medical School Library facilities.

Teaching Conferences

Information will be provided regarding regularly scheduled conferences and didactic sessions, based on the specific rotation in which you are scheduled to participate.

General Questions

If you have questions about your rotation, or if a problem arises, please contact the Observership Program Coordinator immediately, schulzes@ngskmc-eis.net.

Absence During Your Rotation

Excused absences are limited to two day per rotation. If a problem arises, please see the Observership Program Coordinator and the Supervising Physician for approval. Unexcused absences may result in termination of the rotation. Please see Termination Policy above regarding refunds of monies paid in the event of termination!

Evaluations

At the completion of the approved rotation, Observers will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation and length of rotation at Upstate Medical University.

Prior to the completion of your rotation, you are also expected to complete a form to evaluate your experience here. Please complete this form and return it to the Observership Program Coordinator before you leave. This feedback is very important as it provides us with critical information about our rotations. Certificates of Completion will not be provided until you have completed the evaluation of your experience.

We look forward to seeing you and hope your rotation with us is educationally rewarding. If you have any question, please feel free to contact the Observership Program Coordinator – we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Information on the City of Syracuse, New York

Please refer to the following websites to learn more about our program and the Syracuse area and for the latest updates on what is happening in the city during the time of your visit.

Upstate Medical University in Syracuse New York shall admit students of any race, color, religion, sex, age, national origins or ancestry, handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam veteran, to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to all of the students involved in any of the Clinic’s educational programs.

Upstate Medical University in Syracuse New York will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, nation origins or ancestry, handicap, or status as a disabled or military veteran, in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, training programs, stipend awards and all other such administrated programs.

Acceptance of an individual to the Observership Program does not constitute a commitment by Upstate Medical University or the Department of Urology to interview or accept the individual for residency training in the Department of Urology or any residency or fellowship program at Upstate Medical University.