Clinical observership programmes

These programmes give a healthcare professional the opportunity to observe clinical work in our hospitals.

Please note that the window for new applications for the international medical education observership programme is now closed. Please submit your application once the new application process opens again. Information regarding new application period will be published on this website. Thanks.

These programmes give a healthcare professional the opportunity to observe clinical work in our hospitals for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Each clinical observer is paired with a supervisor, who acts as a mentor throughout the programme. The supervisor will work with the observer to create a tailored experience, ensuring that our visitors make the most of this unique opportunity.

What does the placement involve?

During the placements, doctors can observe and participate in a range of activities including:

• Multi-disciplinary team (MDTs) meetings: specialist teams of health professionals who together with the patient and the specialist doctor decide diagnosis, care and treatment
• Clinics and ward rounds
• Management meetings
• Quality improvement activities
• Teaching sessions
• Observing surgery in theatres
• Corporate induction
• Local induction

Who is eligible?

The programme is for postgraduate medical doctors. They must be qualified and registered in their home country. UK professional registration is not required. Therefore no hands-on activities are allowed.

Documents required

In order to apply for observership programmes candidates will complete an application form and provide the following documentation:

1. Passport
2. National ID or driving licence (and translation)
3. Visa (if Non-EU)
4. Proof of qualification and professional registration (and translation)
5. DBS / CRB / Criminal Records check from home country (and translation)
6. Completed Fitness to practice and criminal investigations declaration
7. One proof of address in the UK
8. Occupational Health Clearance
9. Two professional reference letters
10. Passport size photo

Language requirements

Candidates must achieve IELTS level 7 or above (in each part).

Candidates must allow a minimum of 3 months in order to process their request.

Letter of authority

A letter of authority is issued for a maximum of three months. In order the letter of authority to be issued:

• the candidate must pass all the relevant Occupational Health checks
• the candidate must provide the necessary documentation
• the candidate must meet the agreed payment schedule
• consultant supervisors and their head of speciality or clinical directors need to sign a supervision agreement form

During the corporate induction at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust observers must do the following:

• Complete corporate and local induction
• Show original documents are checked
• Sign Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement
• Sign the Letter of Authority 

Find out more

If you would like to know more about our observership programmes, please contact the international education team.

Email: imperial.int.education@nhs.net