Observerships

Observerships are facilitated through an extremely selective process. Only applicants that are sponsored by a current faculty member are permitted to observe the respective surgeon in the operating room. Interested applicants should first contact their faculty sponsor and subsequently complete the attached application ensuring precise adherence to the instructions.

Observers are:

  • Required to have a Mount Sinai Department of Surgery faculty sponsor.
  • Limited to14 days in the Department of Surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System.
  • Not eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Not permitted to have any patient contact.
  • Not allowed to receive any compensation while they are here.
  • Required to clear HIPAA, Employee Health Service health screening and toxicology.

Application Process

Observership Fees

  • Residents, Visiting Physicians, others - $750 per rotation
  • Rotation fees are due 14 days prior to start date.

Required Documents

  • ISMMS Observer Application.
  • The following supplemental documents must be submitted along with application:
    1. A copy of a government-issued biographic photo identification (Passport or US Driver’s License)
    2. Your current curriculum vitae or two-page summary of educational and professional accomplishments (must be translated into English)
    3. Letter of support from your current institution (must be in English)
    4. Letter of recommendation
    5. Copy of your current medical license (must be translated into English)
    6. Documentation of tests administered within three (3) months proving that you do not have tuberculosis (e.g., a negative PPD) and if a positive PPD, chest X-ray must be done within six (6) months of coming to Mount Sinai
    7. Proof of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) immunity within five years
    8. Documentation stating that you have had a physical exam indicating good general health in the past year
    9. Copy of your medical diploma (must be translated into English)

Review Process

  • Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis in consultation with the sponsoring faculty member.
  • Applicants will be provided with a letter outlining the parameters of the observership and the length of time they are permitted to be on campus.

International Applicants

  • Once a faculty member in the Department of Surgery has approved you for an observership, all correspondence should be forwarded to International Personnel, Hamel Vyas, at hamel.vyas@mountsinai.org to review and advise. 
  • An observership rotation is limited to 14 days in the Department of Surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System.