"Great physicians are developed by the magnitude of support that they’ve received from the attendings whom have successfully achieved goals prior to aspiring medical professionals within the field. The observership program at RUSH University Medical Center’s Neurosurgery Department, provides medical students, both domestic and/or international, an opportunity to witness Neurosurgeons use their highly remarkable skills within the clinical setting. Giving the medical students the chance to learn additional neurosurgical data while simultaneously networking with seasoned and future providers."
Rozoree Neal, BSBA, MPH
Administrative Manager
Observership Coordinator
As an observer, you are able to come to Rush to participate in a “day-in-the-life” experience with a Neurosurgical physician at Rush. The qualifications to be an observer are as follows:
- Observer must be a medical student or credentialed medical professional
- Observer must have a Curriculum Vitae / resume
- Observer must be accepted by a sponsoring attending within Rush's Neurosurgery Department
- Observer must obtain medical clearance from the Rush Health Department
International Students
As an observer, you are able to come to Rush using a B-1/B-2/ESTA (tourist/visitor) visa. However, there is still a travel ban for individuals attempting to enter the U.S. from the Schengen Area (including Portugal) within 14 days of their attempted entry to the U.S. You will need to apply for and receive a National Interest Exception in order to enter the U.S. Currently, the U.S. Consulates are not currently providing exceptions to individuals attempting to enter on B-1/B-2/ESTA as the travel is not deemed essential. Please note, observerships have a maximum of 3 month time frame.
Please find the list of required documents:
- Department B-1/WB Visa Request Form
- Volunteer checklist (student will be provided this form after entering the U.S.)
- Copy of renewed passport
- Renewed ESTA Application
- Copy of individual’s Form I-94 (once student arrives in the U.S.)
Example of International Student Checklist
The following documentation is required of ALL foreign visitor Volunteers or Observers, regardless of departmental sponsorship status:
- Department B-1 / WB Visa Request Form (if B-1 or ESTA only)
- Letter of Introduction
- Job Description
- Passport Photo page – must be valid and clear copy in PDF format
- Visa page (unless here on Visa Waiver/ESTA) – must be clear copy and PDF format
- Most recent Form I-94
- If you entered the U.S. after April 15, 2013, please go to www.cbp.gov/I94 to print your I-94.
For the following categories, please provide PDF copies in the email of:
- Tourist
- F-1 Student/OPT STEM
- Other categories (i.e. EAD , H-1B, TN):
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- Current & unexpired Form I-20 (all 3 pages); and
- Visa Photo page
- Current & unexpired DS-2019; and
- Visa Photo page
- Approval notice; and
- Visa Photo page
- OR
- B1/B2 Visa Photo page
- EAD card; and
- Visa Photo page
- EAD card; and
- Visa Photo Page
- EAD card; and
- Visa Photo page
More Information about Rush Volunteer Service
If you have any questions, please email Rozoree_A_Neal@rush.edu.