INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM 

Program Overview

The ITSDP International Observership Program (IOP) allows participants to observe various components of trauma and emergency systems at the VCU Department of Surgery, the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services, the Richmond Ambulance Authority, and the VCU Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education.

Scope of the International Observership Program -IOP

The goal of the IOP is to facilitate knowledge transfer from VCU Health System experts to foreign medical professionals through an informal shadowing program. Observers have exposure to the latest information, technology, clinical protocols, and best practices. 

Target Audience

The IOP offers international medical students, physicians, and fellows the opportunity to observe surgeons, physicians, and residents in training and to participate in discussions, patient-oriented activities, and academic sessions. 

Expectations

Timeframe

Rotation Areas and Sites

Observers may rotate through different areas of trauma and emergency systems, including:

1.     Pre-hospital services/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
2.     Trauma Bay
3.     Acute Care – surgery, trauma, Intensive Care Unit
4.     Post-Hospital Care
5.     Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education (CTCCE)
6.     Performance Improvement Program
7.     Ultrasound in emergency and trauma

ITSDP collaboratively partners (Host institutions) include:

Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA USA:

1.     Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgical Services
2.     VCU Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education
3.     MCVH Performance Improvement Program
4.     VCU Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety
5.     VCU Trauma Center
6.     International Trauma Systems Development Program (ITSDP)

Other Partners in Richmond, VA, USA

1.     Chesterfield Fire/EMS Richmond Ambulance Authority
2.     Life Evac

Other medical centers in the USA offering observership opportunities:

1.     University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pennsylvania)
2.     University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock Trauma Center  
3.     University of Miami

Standard Program Activities at the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services within the Department of Surgery at VCU.

Participants may have the opportunity to observe activities related to:

1. Trauma Surgery – ICU. The participant may observe critical care management during ICU rounds and discussions. The Observer will also participate in the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services' weekly teaching seminars.
2. The ACSS Trauma Systems, EMS, and the Center for Trauma, Critical Care, and Education (CTCCE). The Observer will learn about EMS systems in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including medical air services and emergency rescue services, and will ride along with the rescue squad. They will also attend trauma and EMS training sessions and continuing education events conducted by CTCCE. At CTCCE, the Observer has the opportunity to observe the skills and personnel needed for program planning and management, as well as curriculum development. All the knowledge and information gained through this program are crucial for planning, developing, and enhancing EMS systems.
3. The ACSS Trauma Performance Improvement Program (PIP) and the Trauma Registry. At VCU, the participant will observe the activities of the Performance Improvement/Trauma Registry Coordinator, who uses clinical expertise to extract data, assign abbreviated injury scores, and identify, report, and follow up on data quality issues. The PIP/Registry Coordinator analyzes data and develops reports for statistical, research, and planning purposes. The Observer will gain insight into the importance of the trauma registry as a tool for performance monitoring and continuous quality improvement. Moreover, the Observer will learn the structure and operational processes of a Trauma Medical Audit Committee and the value of establishing a peer-review committee to analyze preventable pre-hospital and in-hospital factors contributing to trauma deaths.
4. Ultrasound in Emergency & Trauma. In addition to the activities mentioned above, the observer's rotation may include training in Ultrasound in Emergency and Trauma, with an emphasis on echocardiogram and FAST. 

Program Requirements

Observers must comply with the following requirements.

• Minimum education - Observers must be graduates of a medical school.
  
• English proficiency - Observers must be proficient in English and provide proof of English skills (TOEFL test scores or a language school certificate).
  
• Visa - Observers must have a B-1 (Temporary Business Visitor) visa. Please note that ITSDP is unable to assist with visa processing.
  
• Application- Interested participants must apply at least three months before planning their visit to the observership site.
  
• Program fees - Observers will be responsible for their travel, accommodations, living expenses, and an application processing fee.

 Contact Information 

NOTE: The ITSDP/VCU Observation Program is strictly observational. During the observership, the participant may not, under any circumstances, engage in patient care, direct contact, physical examinations, research, or any other work.