Office of Surgical Education | Observerships

An Observership is an unpaid experience in which a visiting Practitioner (physician, dentist, oral surgeon, or podiatrist) shadows a member of the Medical Staff (the Host Practitioner) in a clinical setting. It may be an opportunity to learn firsthand about recent innovations in surgery and medicine, but it is not a hands-on clinical experience.  The Observer is to be strictly supervised at all times, shall not be granted independent access to AHS facilities and resources, shall not provide any services, and shall not be left unattended at any time. All observers must also comply with patient safety and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements.

Alberta Health Services does not permit participation in hands-on patient care during job shadow experiences. Observers are to identify themselves by status and may observe the patient interview and examination. They are not to perform or assist in any hands-on procedures or activities. Alberta Health Services does not provide any financial support or compensation for Observers.

Hands-On Student Experiences Not Described by This Process

As our educational mandate is delivered through a relationship with the University of Calgary, any formal learning experiences would occur through a student placement registered with either the Undergraduate Medical Education Office or Postgraduate Medical Education Office. Additionally, visiting physicians for specific, short-term learning may be eligible for hands-on experiences under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Courtesy Register.

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.

Request an Observership

To enquire about enrolling in a surgery observership, please email Surgery.Observership@AHS.ca.