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Observer Program

Shadowing opportunity for students and professionals to observe Baptist Health clinicians engaging in patient care.

Prospective applicants may choose to shadow under the supervision of a Baptist Health employee or medical staff member, including physicians. Observers may shadow on rounds, watch procedures and attend teaching conferences.

The Observer program is open to anyone over the age of 16 who meets the criteria outlined in the application packet and is intended to provide participants with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of careers in healthcare. The duration of the observership is at the discretion of the clinician and can last up to four weeks. An observership is a voluntary experience that does not constitute employment, compensation, medical education or any training leading to academic credit, licensure or board certification. Baptist Health will not issue grades or written evaluations for this program.

If you are a licensed Physician, please visit our Visiting Physician Program.

Please note, if you are a current Baptist Health employee, you cannot participate in the Observer program in the same entity in which you work.

How to Apply

  1. Collect the required documents.
  2. Contact a prospective sponsoring clinician.
  3. Complete the application.
  4. Return all required documents a minimum of two weeks prior to the intended start date.
  5. Upon review and approval of your application we will contact you with an approval email from the Baptist Health Office of Academic Affairs indicating next steps.

How to Find a Sponsor

The Office of Academic Affairs does not match individuals with observership opportunities. Prospective observers must independently research health care providers at Baptist Health South Florida and secure observership dates with a sponsor. To find a sponsor, please go to BaptistHealth.net and click on “Find a Doctor.”

While many Baptist Health providers enjoy teaching interested individuals about medicine, there is no guarantee or obligation for providers to take on observers. Please be polite and give the potential sponsor plenty of time to set up the observership, as well as the right to refuse.

Administrative Fee

A non-refundable administrative fee must be paid to Baptist Health upon acceptance of your application.

  • High School Students: Waived with proof of enrollment
  • Undergraduate or Graduate Students and Residents: $100
  • Working Professionals not enrolled in school: $250
  • Additional fees may be collected at the discretion of the receiving department that the observership experience will take place.
Baptist Health Office of Academic Affairs

Program Administrator

Baptist Health Office of Academic Affairs
786-467-2633
Observer@BaptistHealth.net


Eligibility Requirements and Application Schedule

Our program attracts, educates, and retains exceptional healthcare talent to serve the South Florida community. Program participants will be trained in the Baptist Health Way with a focus on quality, inclusion, compassion, and collaboration.

Eligibility Prerequisites

  • Participants must be aged 16 or older as of the start of the program 

Application Requirements

  • Complete program application
  • Baptist Health Supplemental Health Form (vaccinations, Flu and Tb verifications)
  • Sponsor Approval Form
  • Health insurance
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of current enrollment with student name (Class schedule or unofficial transcripts)
  • Confirmation of Successful Background Check within 1 year (Only for 18+ Applicants) or Non-US Citizen/Resident: Letter of support from sponsor, academic institution, or employer.

 

International Applicants

  • International Eligibility form (Non-US Citizens/Non-US Residents)
  • Letter of support and good standing from current academic institution or employer (Non-US Citizens/Non-US Residents)

Acceptance and admission to the program is contingent on submission of all requested materials and meeting all eligibility requirements as determined by the program.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Application Timeline

  • Where do applicants go to apply?

    Please download and complete any required forms before filling out application

    Application
  • When are applications accepted? All year
  • When are candidates matched/notified of acceptance? Within 2 weeks of receiving a completed application     
  • When does the program start? All year
     

Application Forms

Please download and complete any required forms* below before proceeding to the online program application.

*Required Forms

Supplemental Health Form

Sponsor Approval Form

International Eligibility Form

References & Guides

Observer Handbook

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