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International Medical Education Heersink School of Medicine

International Medical Education

International Visiting Scholar Clinical Observership

Program Overview

  • Duration: Up to 3 months

  • Participants will be classified under the UAB HR Assignment Category 60 (Volunteer), with the Job Title of “Visiting Scholar”

  • Observerships are unpaid.

  • This opportunity is strictly for observing clinical processes, with no direct patient contact, communication, or hands-on clinical training. Engaging in any direct interactions with patients, including diagnosis or treatment, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. 

Application

UAB Faculty: To invite and host a visiting scholar, access the IVS Portal.

Access IVS Portal Opens an external link.

The UAB Host Application and IVS Application must be submitted to the UAB IVS Office at least 6 weeks prior to the opportunity begin date.

A non-refundable application fee of $350 is required upon submission and must be received along with your application. Please note that payment of this fee does not guarantee acceptance into the IVS program.

Your application fee is valid for 6 months, from the date of payment.  

All requests (including both the UAB Host application and IVS application) submitted with only 5–14 days’ notice will incur an additional $75 expedited processing fee. Requests submitted with less than 5 business days’ notice cannot be processed.

UAB Faculty Host

To begin the process, the UAB Faculty Host must complete the host application through the IVS Portal.

Access IVS Portal Opens an external link.

International Visiting Scholar Clinical Observer

Observers will need to provide the following documentation. You will receive an email inviting you to start your IVS application via the IVS Portal. 

  1. Payment of the non-refundable international visiting scholar application fee of $350

  2. Copy of the Biographical page of your passport

  3. Updated CV/Resume

  4. Copy of your Medical Diploma or certificate of highest degree earned (Original and in English)

  5. Verification of funds from a personal bank statement and/or financial scholarship to support you while in the U.S. (You must show proof of a minimum of $2,000 per month of your opportunity).

    • If you’re receiving an international scholarship, please ensure this document outlines how much you will be paid, as well as what months you are approved to participate in your research opportunity at UAB. Please note, the dates listed within your scholarship must match your UAB Offer Letter.

  6. Proof of English Language proficiency (Must be one of the listed accepted documents)

Fees 

A non-refundable application fee of $350 is required upon submission and must be received along with your application. Please note that payment of this fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The application fee can be paid using a major credit card or via bank wire transfer.

Your application fee is valid for 6 months, from the date of payment.  

If the UAB Host/Department wishes to cover the non-refundable $350 application fee for the visiting scholar, please complete the Department/Division Agreement within the host application.

All requests (including both the UAB Host Application and IVS Application) submitted with only 5–14 days’ notice of start date will incur an additional $75 expedited processing fee. Requests submitted with less than 5 business days’ notice cannot be processed.

Clearance

Once the IVS application has been processed, all clearances have been obtained, and the IVS offer letter has been produced, the IVS offer letter will be sent by the IVS Office to the visiting scholar and UAB host via Adobe to sign. Once the offer letter has been signed by all parties, the IVS Office will send the visiting scholar an email with a list of clearance items needed prior to the visiting scholar being cleared to begin their opportunity at UAB.

Additional items needed prior to the start date of your opportunity:

  1. Proof of health insurance coverage that will be bought by the start date of your opportunity, and meets the minimum guidelines as outlined in the “Proof of Major Medical Insurance” statement within your IVS application. Please send confirmation of your health insurance to IVS@uab.edu.

    • For a list of commonly used insurance providers that have policies which meet the minimum requirements, please see here: Health Insurance.

  2. A copy of Visa, CPT, OPT, and/or EAD. Send to IVS@uab.edu.

  3. Details of your lodging for the duration of your opportunity at UAB, including your address and US telephone number. Send to IVS@uab.edu.

  4. Provide the Medical Clearance Packet and all packet requirements, if you haven’t already, to UAB Occupational Health at ehocchealth@uab.edu. Your email subject line to UAB Occupational Health should read: “International Visiting Scholar – Your Name”.

    • Please note the following within the Medical Clearance Packet:

      • You must provide proof of physical exam performed by physician/provider in home country or U.S. within 1 year of opportunity start date. UAB Occupational Health will not perform the physical exam.

      • Immunization records: Vaccinations must be verified by a physician or clinician.

      • Upon arrival to Birmingham, AL, additional TB screening may be needed - Fee paid by the visiting scholar. Please follow the guidance of UAB Occupational Health for any / all medical requirements needed.

  5. UAB HIPAA Training Completion

    • Please send an email to uabhipaatraining@uabmc.edu as follows:

      • Subject Line – “International Visiting Scholar Request for HIPAA Training – Your Name”

      • Send your HIPAA training completion to IVS@uab.edu when received.

Prior to Beginning Your Opportunity

Once the IVS Office receives all clearance items, they will email the department HR, UAB ISSS, and the visiting scholar, informing all parties that the visiting scholar is cleared to begin their opportunity.

You are prohibited from beginning your opportunity, regardless of the start date listed on your offer letter, until the IVS Office fully clears you to begin.

Your department HR will then assist you in obtaining your UAB Badge, setting up your email address, providing information surrounding where to report/when, and expectations of your IVS opportunity.

Applicants should not travel to or arrive at UAB until you have received notification to come to UAB by the IVS Office. The IVS Office does not provide housing and is not responsible for any travel accommodations needing to be changed.

As Your Opportunity Concludes


International Visiting Scholars

  • Please return your UAB ID/Badge to the IVS Office, 201 Volker Hall, at the conclusion of your opportunity at UAB. Failure to do so may impact your eligibility to visit UAB in the future.

  • The IVS Office will send you an exit survey for you to complete, outlining your experiences at UAB. Please complete this survey within 5 business days of it being sent to you.

Department HR

  • Please ensure the IVS Office is notified of any/all changes in any visiting scholar opportunity at UAB, including but not limited to, if a visiting scholar leaves or resigns prior to their opportunity end date, termination of a visiting scholar, change in opportunity dates, etc.