Program Overview
The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) International Oncology Observership Program is an educational initiative designed to provide international medical professionals with observational experience in oncology practice in a comprehensive academic cancer center. Observers will have opportunities to observe and learn about the optimal management of patients with solid tumors and/or hematologic malignancies. Internationally renowned oncology and hematology experts, specialized in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and hematology at UMGCCC will serve as preceptors to the Observers as they evaluate and take care of patients in various settings including the outpatient clinic, inpatient ward, radiation planning and treatment units, and infusion administration unit.
The Observership Program is an unpaid, informal educational experience through shadowing of patient care activities and teaching conferences. Duration will vary between 1 to 6 months during which the Observer may focus on 1 subspecialty or a combination of 2-3 subspecialties (Leukemia, Lymphoma, multiple myeloma, cellular therapy, thoracic cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, gynecological cancers, breast cancers, head and neck cancers). The Observer may focus on specific aspects of the management such as medical oncology, surgical oncology or radiation oncology or may choose to gain experience in multiple specialties.
Program Goals
The goals of the Observership Program are to:
- Provide international medical professionals with a high-quality observational experience in oncology at UMGCC
- Enhance understanding of evidence-based management of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies
- Expose participants to multidisciplinary oncology care, including tumor boards and collaborative treatment planning
- Support professional development with the intent of improving cancer care delivery in participants’ home countries
Who is eligible?
The International Oncology Observership Program is open to:
- Medical doctors, pharmacists, or medical physicists who are
- In the final year of residency or fellowship, or
- Have completed training within the past 5 years
- Individuals who have completed training must:
- Be employed full-time at a healthcare institution in their country of residence
- Have documented employer approval to participate
- Medical residents in countries without accredited oncology training programs who are expected to care for cancer patients upon completion of residency may apply with approval from their training program
This program is not intended for international medical graduates seeking entry into ACGME-accredited U.S. residency or fellowship programs.
Financial and Visa Responsibilities
- Participants are responsible for:
- Obtaining and maintaining their own visa
- All living expenses in the Baltimore area
- Administrative Fee: USD $2,000
- 50% due at time of application
- 50% due upon acceptance
How to Apply
Applications for the first cohort of Observers are open! Click below for information and materials:
Applications submitted during the open application period will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants may be accepted as positions become available, up to a maximum of 6 participants per program period.
Applicants must submit the following documents in English:
CV or biosketch
Personal Statement (maximum 1 page) addressing:
Interest in the Observership Program
Desired subspecialty focus
Expected benefits from participation
Specific faculty members of interest (if applicable)
Letter of recommendation or endorsement
Employment verification letter
Application Timeline
Program dates | Application open date | Application close date | Final decision date |
March to August | August 1st | October 31st | December 1st |
September to February | February 1st | April 30th | June 1st |
If approved, Observers will need to provide visa support documents and complete the required medical forms and training prior to the start of the program. This includes:
Health Clearance Form
Immunization records or titers
NOTE Trainee can opt to have University of Maryland Medical Center complete required bloodwork but will need to arrive at least 1 week prior to their start date to allow time for results to come in
TB testing (within 90 days of start date)
Flu vaccination
Online Compliance Training
Background check
Contact
For more information, contact: oncologyobservership@som.umaryland.edu.
