Request to become a Physician Preceptor under AAPI Clinical Observership Program
Click here to download form

Dear AAPI Member/ Well Wisher,

As you are aware, AAPI has recently established Clinical Observership Program for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from India seeking US Hospital experience before starting their Residency in the United States. The purpose of this Clinical Observership Program is to help the IMG learn, among many things, the American methodology of obtaining a patient’s medical history and conducting a patient examination, as it may differ from their medical training.

As we all know, certification by ECFMG and eventual medical license includes an assessment of clinical skills test (USMLE step 2 CS) to evaluate clinical competence and the ability to communicate effectively in English. This standardized patient examination requires the candidate to take a history, complete a physical examination, communicate directly to the patient, answer the patient’s questions, summarize findings and propose a differential diagnosis and diagnostic workup plan. This test requires a working knowledge of commonly used terminologies, effective communication with the patient and an understanding of the appropriate method of conducting a physical examination of the patient, among other things. All of these skills can be learned effectively in an Observership Program.

The IMG will learn by observing the Physician Preceptor without examining, taking a history, treating or diagnosing any patients. Physician Preceptors are licensed Physicians in their State of Jurisdiction in USA. Observership period is for a period of 90 days.

The Observer accompanies the Physician Preceptor to the office and/or hospital and shall remain under the supervision of the Physician Preceptor. Hospital work might need permission from Administration/Department chair. He/she does not directly engage in any physical examinations, perform any procedures on a patient or make any entries in the patient’s charts. The preceptor will provide feedback on a continuing basis during the Observership.

IMG Observers of Indian origin WHO ARE ALREADY LIVING HERE IN USA shall submit application form along with their educational background, VISA status, USMLE scores, areas of interest and availability dates for the Observership Program. AAPI Observership Committee shall review the applications and make appropriate assignments based on our selection criteria and the availability of Physician Preceptors.

Upon successful completion of the Observership Program, the Physician Preceptor will be asked to complete and return an evaluation form. After the evaluation form has been received, the Observer will be given a Certificate of Completion indicating the number of weeks and hours spent in the program and his/her level of performance, based on the Physician Preceptor’s submitted evaluation. AAPI cannot pay the Physician Preceptor or the Observer. Lodging, Meals and Transportation are the sole responsibility of the Observer.

As the Chairman of AAPI Clinical Observership Committee for 2009-10, I herewith request you to participate as a Physician Preceptor under this program. Please complete and return the preceptor application form. In addition, if you know any IMGs from India WHO ARE ALREADY LIVING HERE IN USA awaiting residency training and who are interested in AAPI Clinical Observership Program, please ask them to contact AAPI office at (630) 990-2277 or visit AAPI website www.aapiusa.org.

To download the Preceptor Application please click here.

With Regards,

Mohan Mallam; MD, FACP, CMD
Chair, AAPI Clinical Observership Committee 2009-10

Vinod K. Shah, MD, GACC      
President, AAPI