Learning objectives for an Externship / Observership Program:

1. Observation of physician interactions with patients (history, examination, diagnosis, treatment, coding, writing prescriptions and entering information on the patient’s written or electronic chart, etc.)
2. Observation of professional communication and interaction between the physician and all members of the health care delivery team and hospital administration.
3. Exposure to American colloquialisms (slang, euphemisms, etc.)
4. Observation of the delivery of health care in a private practice, hospital or clinic setting.
5. Exposure to electronic medical records and observation of access and entry of data. 

Responsibilities of Physician Preceptors:

1. Effectively intimidate to the observer his/her role and responsibilities while he/she is in the program.
2. Assure that the observer adheres to the requirements of the program.
3. Introduce the observer to the patient and obtain the patient’s verbal consent to allow observation of the clinical interaction.
4. Enter in the patient’s medical record that there was an observer present and that the patient gave permission for the observer to remain in the room.
5. Obtain prior approval from appropriate authority for the observation of surgery or other procedures.

Responsibilities of Candidates:

1. Will not conduct physical examinations, treatments or diagnoses of any patient.
2. Accept no compensation.
3. Follow the rules and regulations of the hospital, clinic or private practice at all times.
4. Adhere to HIPAA (health insurance portability and accountability act) regulations.
5. Participate in any prerequisite training (i.e. HIPAA) at the hospital, clinic or private practice.
6. Pay for actual costs of administrative or prerequisite items (USMLE fees, ECFMG fees, passport, immunizations, etc.)
7. Participate in activities under the supervision of the preceptor (clinical tutorials, ward rounds, clinics visits, procedures, operations, etc.) and participate in a research project or independent study.
8. Observe the use of electronic health records, if available, and be familiar with patient data entry and access.
9. Observe the general structure and organization of U.S. healthcare system as well as private sector and government payers.
10. Review clinical articles, posters and publications according to the discretion of your preceptor.
11. Provide your own transportation, meals and lodging.
12. Keep track of your observership hours and confirm your schedule and responsibilities with your physician preceptor regularly.