Office of Surgical Education | Observerships

Observerships

DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, MANY JOB SHADOW AND OBSERVATIONAL EXPERIENCES ARE CANCELLED.
PLEASE REVIEW THE CURRENT GUIDELINES FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 

The Department of Surgery supports individuals who wish to participate in observership opportunities. Observers join a host physician in one of our healthcare facilities to observe them while they provide patient care, which may include observing a surgical procedure. Observerships/Job Shadowing is usually a one-day opportunity, though additional days may be granted. There is no patient contact.

Observership Limitations

  • No physical contact with patients.
  • No scrubbing in on surgeries.
  • No being left unattended with patients. 
  • No charting/dictating.
  • Access to systems (e.g., P.A.C.S.) is NOT permitted for these purposes.

Observership Policy

Please review the Alberta Health Services Job Shadow/Observership Policy before applying. This policy applies to all applicants.

Required Documentation

After reviewing the requirements of your observership type, please complete the necessary documentation. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Surgery Observerships.

  1. Observership Enrollment

  2. Immunization Requirements

  3. Information Privacy and IT Security Training (IPITSA)

    • Confidentiality and User Agreement document
    • Complete IPITSA Video and Online Learning Module. Afterwards, you will be prompted to fill out the AHS Confidentiality and User Agreement. The certificate must be submitted.

  4. AHS Security Check

    Security Check is only required if your observership is longer than 5 days

    • AHS Security Check document
    • If the criminal record check is in another language, you will also need to provide a certified translated to English copy.
    • Please note that you are required to bring the original with you on your observership, and it will need to be verified by the host physician.

  5. Document Submission

    • Once all documents are complete, please send to the Department of Surgery via email to Surgery Observerships or via fax 403.270.8409.
    • Final approval will be given by the Department Manager, followed by a memo to yourself, the OR managers, and the host physician.
    • For further information, please contact Surgery Observerships.

  1. Observership Enrollment

  2. Immunization Requirements

  3. Document Submission

    • Once all documents are complete, please send to the Department of Surgery via email to Surgery Observerships or fax 403.270.8409.
    • Final approval will be given by the Department Manager, followed by a memo to yourself, the OR managers, and the host physician.
    • For further information, please contact Surgery Observerships.

  1. Current CV & Letter of Interest

    • Interested participants will need to submit a copy of their Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest stating the purpose of the observational experience (describing clinical services, new techniques or procedures, sites, and anticipated dates).
       

  2. Observership Enrollment

  3. Immunization Requirements

  4. Information Privacy and IT Security Training (IPITSA)

    • Confidentiality and User Agreement document
    • Complete IPITSA Video and Online Learning Module.  Afterwards, you will be prompted to fill out the AHS Confidentiality and User Agreement. The certificate must be submitted.

  5. AHS Security Check

    Security Check is only required if your observership is longer than 5 days

    or

    • Statutory Declaration document
    • If the criminal record check is in another language, you will also need to provide a certified translated to English copy.
    • Please note that you are required to bring the original with you on your observership, and it will need to be verified by the host physician.

  6. Document Submission

    • Once all documents are complete, please send to the Department of Surgery via email to Surgery Observerships or by fax 403.270.8409.
    • Final approval will be given by the Medical Education Office.
    • For further information or any questions, please contact Surgery Observerships.

Visiting Medical Learners & Visiting Clinicians

Visiting medical learners and visiting clinicians may contact Marie Praestegaard for additional information.

Required Documentation

After reviewing the requirements, please complete the necessary documentation. Contact Marie Praestegaard if you have questions or require additional information.

  1. CPSA Practice Permit - Visiting Medical Learner or Visiting Clinician

    With Practice Conditions Attached

    Visiting Medical Learner - in Alberta for up to 90 days in a calendar year to receive medical instruction, which may involve direct patient contact.

  2. CMPA Statement of Protection

    Proof of malpractice coverage insurance

  3. Sponsorship Form for Temporary Registration

  4. Information Privacy and IT Security Training (IPITSA)

  5. AHS Security Check

    Visiting physicians

  6. Work Permit or Temporary Resident Visa

     


     

  7. Additional Information

    • Visiting learners and visiting clinicians are also required to complete a Request for Non-Appointed Medical Staff NAMS Privileges form. It will be processed along with the other required documentation.
    • For information, please contact marie.praestegaard@ahs.ca