Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about our Externship & Observership opportunities. Click on each question to see the answer, or scroll to the bottom to see all answers.

1. What Is The Application Process?
2. Where Are The Externships & Observerships Held?
3. What Specialties Are Available To Me?
4. What Will My Schedule Be Like?
5. Will I Get School Credit For My Externship or Observership?
6. Will I Get Letters Of Recommendation From My Physician?
7. What Is The Investment Required To My Externship or Observership?
8. When Is The Deposit And Tuition Due?
9. Is My Experience Going To Be Hands-On?
10. When Should I Apply For A Position?
11. What Supporting Documents Do I Need To Supply?
12. Can I Delay My Start Date?
13. Do I Need My Step 2 CK Scores Before Starting?
14. When Will I Get My Physician’s Name And Information?

1. What Is The Application Process?

In order to apply for either an Externship (if current student) or an Observership (if Graduate), go to our registration page to learn more and apply. You can go to this page HERE.

2. Where Are The Externships & Observerships Held?

All of our Externships & Observations are held around the Greater Chicagoland Area. Our Physicians practice in both clinics and hospitals around the area, and you will have access to both.

3. What Specialties Are Available To Me?

We have physicians who practice all medical specialties, including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Surgery. We are able to offer exposure to most surgical sub-specialties as well.

4. What Will My Schedule Be Like?

Every Physician’s schedule will be different depending on many different factors, for this reason it is impossible to give you an idea of your schedule beforehand. When you are accepted, we will give you the contact information for your Physician and you will be able to discuss this in advance if you like.

5. Will I Get School Credit For My Externship or Observership?

Our Externships/Observerships are designed to be adjunct work performed by you as a student or graduate in order to boost your knowledge, attain quality letters of recommendation, and strengthen your Residency application. You may however contact your school in order to determine if your Externship can be used as school credit, however we cannot make an promises that this will be the case in advance. For Observerships, you are required to be a graduate, so this is not an option.

6. Will I Get Letters Of Recommendation From My Physician?

Our goal for you is to get the best possible Letter of Recommendation, and all of our Physicians are happy to write you an exceptional LOR as long as you put forth the best effort possible. As with any rotation you have in your clinical years, an excellent effort is the surefire way to getting a great LOR from your Physician. We will consult with you throughout the duration of your Clerkship in order to help you to standout as an exceptional candidate for Residency. All Letters will be professional and on Hospital Letterhead.

7. What Is The Investment Required To My Externship or Observership?

If you are accepted into our Externship or Observership program, a 1-month Clerkship costs $3000USD, while a 2-month Clerkship costs $5000USD. Upon acceptance into the program, you are required to deposit 25% of the final fee within 48hr in order to reserve your spot.

8. When Is The Deposit And Tuition Due?

The deposit is due within 48hr of being accepted into the program. The remainder of the tuition is due no later than 4-weeks before your anticipated start date.

9. Is My Experience Going To Be Hands-On?

Whether your experience is hands-on depends greatly on your status as a student or graduate. As a student in an Externship, you are allowed to participate in patient treatment under the supervision of a licensed Physician, just as you would as a medical student. As a medical graduate doing an Observership, you are not legally allowed to perform hands-on duties. Your Attending Physician will let you know what you can and/or cannot do depending on your status. You will, however, still gain excellent experience and excellent Letters of Recommendation from your Physician as long as you put forth a solid effort and demonstrate your competence as a future Resident. We provide Liability Insurance for all students in order to protect them should any unforeseen legal issue arise.

10. When Should I Apply For A Position?

The earlier you apply for a position the better, and the better chance you will have in attaining a position you want. It is highly recommended that you apply at least 6 weeks in advance of your available start date so that we can arrange for the appropriate Clerkship to fit your needs.

11. What Supporting Documents Do I Need To Supply?

In order to apply, we need to see proof of citizenship or visa status, CV/Resume, one LOR, and your updated Immunization Records. You can supply your immunization records at a later date, but at least 4 weeks prior to starting. Upon being accepted into the program, you may be required to supply a Police Clearance before starting.

12. Can I Delay My Start Date?

It is highly discouraged since our Physicians are going out of their way to take you on for 1-2 months, but in cases of emergency we can arrange for a date change if available. There is a 5% fee for making changes to your start date at any time.

13. Do I Need My Step 2 CK Scores Before Starting?

It isn’t necessary to have these scores, but it is highly recommended.

14. When Will I Get My Physician’s Name And Information?

You will get all of the information you need at least 14 days before your start date. In order to get a definite starting date and your Clerkship Physician’s information, full tuition must be paid.