Electives and Observership/Externship?

Many residency programs look for letters of recommendation from American physicians when reviewing applications. Medical students can get these when they are on electives in US hospitals. It is harder for those who already have their medical degree, since observerships are much less developed that electives.

If you are thinking of trying to come and experience American medical practice as an observer for a few weeks, the best thing to do is to contact the departmental head of your preferred specialty at a hospital that interests you. Your letter should contain an introduction about you, and go on to explain what you hope to achieve by spending time in an American Hospital. You could talk about exploring differences in educational strategies, in medical practice, or system organization. I would not specifically allude to objectives such as getting letters of recommendation or applying to residency. Assure the departmental head that you will obtain your own liability insurance. You should include a copy of your curriculum vitae and a photo. If possible, use contacts from home. If you don't hear back, make personal contact with email or telephone.

Hospitals provide observership or externship in US

American Medical Schools known for providing good electives:

• Harvard Medical School Electives wideranging electives in famous teaching hospitals in Boston
• Mayo Clinic excellent electives in Minnesota
• UPennin Philadelphia
• Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Limited opportunities for international students
• Cleveland Clinic always interested in having visiting students
• Duke University electives in North Carolina
• National Institutes of Health in Washington DC provides both research and clinical electives