In order to maintain security for the SUNY Upstate Medical University campus, privacy of protected health information, and the appropriate Employee Health clearance, visitors to University Hospital sites of service must be properly logged according to the policy of Visiting Health Care Providers, which covers individuals who are visiting the campus for the purpose of learning, training, observing, or delivering direct or indirect patient care for a brief period of time. Observership Privileges must be obtained for Visiting Health Care Providers through the Medical Staff Office. Observers will not be granted privileges for direct patient care. 

Department application (see links below) and observership request form must be received a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the requested start date to allow for processing. Please indicate on the application the preferred rotations and dates available. Our rotations are a minimum of two weeks in length and maximum of eight weeks. 

Multiple rotations are permitted for a maximum of eight total weeks per application. Each rotation must be two weeks in duration, and must fit within the dates available. There is a $300.00 (US Funds) application fee which is non-refundable. A Certified Check or Money Order needs to accompany the application and should be made payable to the Neurology Medical Service Group, LLP. Personal Checks will not be accepted.

The cost for each 2 week rotation is $1,500. Upon acceptance, and based on number of total weeks of approved rotation, payment must be received and processed prior to the first day of the rotation. You will be notified, in writing, of either acceptance or denial of your application within 4 weeks of initial receipt. You may ask questions or check on the status of your application after four weeks have passed by emailing the Neurology Observership coordinator at [email protected]

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicants must have TAKEN and PASSED (on first attempt) Step 1 CK. Due to the exam change effective January 1, 2022 we look for pass or any score as long as the pass is on the first attempt.
• Applicants must haveTAKEN and PASSED (on first attempt) Step 2 CK with a preferred minimum score of 240 or above.
• Applicants must submit a copy of their Medical School Transcript.
• Applicants must submit a copy of their valid ECFMG Certificate.
• Applicants must provide a Letter of Reference from someone they worked with in a US clinical environment.

We do not accept any observers in late June and July due to new incoming residents and fellows.

Department of Neurology Application Information

• Department of Neurology Observership Application
• Observership Rotation Request Form

Medical Staff Application Information

Once your application has been reviewed and approved you will be sent the medical staff application paperwork. This will need to be received at least 4 weeks prior to your rotation.  All costs associated with the application process (visa processing, travel, health clearance, etc) will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. Upstate Medical University is in no way responsible for processing costs.