Thank you for your interest in the Department of Neurosurgery’s Observership and Shadowing Program.
International physicians, researchers, and medical students who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply for a visiting observership in their area of clinical interest. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis.
Please review the information below, including the FAQ section, for detailed application instructions. After applying, you should hear back with 1-2 weeks on the status of your observership request.
For questions or additional assistance, please contact:
Kate Petriccione – Katherine.Petriccione@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Susan Small – Susan.Small@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Divisions
- Spine and peripheral nerve
- Cerebrovascular and neurointerventional
- Neuro-oncology
- Stereotactic and functional
Local observer requests
Any current US physician/medical student interested in completing an observership through the University of Pennsylvania Department of Neurosurgery.
A Penn Neurosurgery enrichment/observation experience is defined as time spent at the at a University of Pennsylvania Hospital including Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH) or within the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CPUP). During this experience, observers may engage in activities such as observing patient care, expanding medical knowledge, participating in research, or consulting on research-related projects, as appropriate.
Observership opportunities are offered on a case-by-case basis to qualified individuals, including undergraduate students, international medical students, and those who have completed formal graduate medical education or training. These experiences are intended solely for personal and professional enrichment and do not involve the provision of clinical or administrative services to the Department. (Not applicable to CVI.)
A number of our divisions accept visiting observers. Please review the list below and find the division that meets your interests. Then complete the Visiting Observership Application and additional require clearances/paperwork.
- Spine and peripheral nerve
- Cerebrovascular and neurointerventional
- Neuro-oncology
- Stereotactic and functional
Applications should be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of intended observership. After your application and additional paperwork has been submitted you should hear back with 1-2 weeks on the status of your observership request.
For further questions related to observership policies and procedures, please contact;
Kate Petriccione, Medical Education Coordinator – Katherine.Petriccione@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Susan Small, Residency & Fellowship Program Coordinator – Susan.Small@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Immunization records for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chicken pox)
- Proof of PPD test for Tuberculosis with negative results within 3 months
- Influenza vaccine
Prior to arrival, you should make direct arrangements with the division you will be observing in and identify a first-time meeting location.
You will obtain a completed form from the division or section you are visiting. You will be directed to an appropriate security office where IDs are taken. The ID will expire on your last scheduled day of your visitorship.
International observer requests
Any current non-US citizens interested in completing an observership through the University of Pennsylvania Department of Neurosurgery.
A Penn Neurosurgery enrichment/observation experience is defined as time spent at the at a University of Pennsylvania Hospital including Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH) or within the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CPUP). During this experience, observers may engage in activities such as observing patient care, expanding medical knowledge, participating in research, or consulting on research-related projects, as appropriate.
Observership opportunities are offered on a case-by-case basis to qualified individuals, including undergraduate students, international medical students, and those who have completed formal graduate medical education or training. These experiences are intended solely for personal and professional enrichment and do not involve the provision of clinical or administrative services to the Department. (Not applicable to CVI.)
The program supports the exchange of visiting scholars to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and educational partnerships between U.S. and international institutions. Approved participants typically enter the United States on a J-1 visa as exchange visitors. In some cases, individuals observing in a clinical setting for a period of three months or less may enter on a B-1 visa, as permitted.
A number of our divisions accept visiting observers. Please review the list below and find the division that meets your interests. Then complete the Visiting Observership Application and additional require clearances/paperwork.
- Spine and peripheral nerve
- Cerebrovascular and neurointerventional
- Neuro-oncology
- Stereotactic and functional
Applications should be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of intended observership. After your application and additional paperwork has been submitted, you should hear back with 1-2 weeks on the status of your observership request.
For further questions related to observership policies and procedures, please contact;
Kate Petriccione, Medical Education Coordinator – Katherine.Petriccione@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Susan Small, Residency & Fellowship Program Coordinator – Susan.Small@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Criteria: https://global.upenn.edu/isss/scholar_dept
U.S. Government Criteria: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html/visa
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Immunization records for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chicken pox)
- Proof of PPD test for Tuberculosis with negative results within 3 months
- Influenza vaccine
EXTENDED STAY APARTMENTS
AKA University City (close to campus)
2929 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-372-9000
Club Quarters in Philadelphia (use UPENN as the promo code)
1628 Chestnut Street (At 17th Street)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (+1) 215-282-5000
Fax: (+1) 215-282-500
The Franklin Residences
834 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: (+1) 215-629-9900
Homewood Suites by Hilton University City (on campus)
4109 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-382-1111
PROPERTIES ON CAMPUS
The Axis
20 South 36th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-662-0802
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-895-6540 (day), (+1) 215-387-5125 (evening)
HOTELS ON (or near) CAMPUS
AKA University City (close to campus)
2929 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-372-9000
The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel (on campus)
3600 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-222-0200
Fax: (+1) 215-222-4600
Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel (on campus)
3549 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (+1) 215-387-8000
Prior to arrival, you should make direct arrangements with the division you will be observing in and identify a first-time meeting location
You will obtain a completed form from the division or section you are visiting. You will be directed to an appropriate security office where IDs are taken. The ID will expire on your last scheduled day of your visitorship.