Observe real U.S. medicine in active San Diego practices.
For international medical graduates and students preparing for U.S. residency.
FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES & STUDENTS
The MSK MSO Observership places international medical graduates and students directly alongside U.S. physicians in active San Diego practices, building the kind of clinical experience that strengthens a residency application. Over a minimum of 4 weeks, you'll take part in real outpatient and inpatient care in your chosen specialty. No USMLE required to apply.
From $1,500 / 4 weeks · No USMLE required
4 weeks
minimum
B1/B2
visa works
San Diego
in-person
Flexible
start dates
YOUR TAKEAWAYS
What you'll walk away with
Recognition for the U.S. clinical experience you complete.
Letter of recommendation. A signed letter from a practicing U.S. physician, at their discretion, based on attendance, engagement and professionalism.
Certificate of completion. Documented proof of your clinical hours, dates, specialties observed, and supervising physicians.
Choose your specialty
Pricing by specialty
Every rotation includes both outpatient and inpatient exposure. Pricing varies by specialty availability.
Family medicine
Outpatient primary care across all ages: history-taking, exams, and preventive counseling.
$1,500
PER 4 WEEKS
1 spot left
Neurology
Neurological exams, diagnostic reasoning, and case discussion in an outpatient setting.
$1,500
PER 4 WEEKS
4 spot left
Internal medicine
Diagnostic reasoning of adult medicine: history, exams, work-up, and management.
$1,650
PER 4 WEEKS
2 spot left
Gastroenterology
Outpatient GI consults and endoscopic procedure observation.
$1,750
PER 4 WEEKS
4 spot left
Neurosurgery
Complex neurological and spinal cases: clinic, imaging review, and OR observation.
$2,200
PER 4 WEEKS
2 spot left
General surgery
Pre-operative planning through OR observation across general surgical cases.
$2,200
PER 4 WEEKS
4 spot left
YOUR PLACEMENT
What you'll experience
OUTPATIENT
Clinic time
Patient consults, history-taking, exams, diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning alongside your physician.
INPATIENT
Facility-based exposure
Surgery shadowing in the OR and patient visits at skilled nursing facilities, through your physician's access.
ACADEMIC
Grand rounds, labs & workshops
Grand rounds presentations, cadaver labs, and suture workshops, as scheduled.
MEETINGS
Practice & case meetings
Attend weekly case discussion meetings, where the team reviews upcoming surgical cases, plus in-office practice meetings covering the administrative side of running a practice.
FIVE STEPS
How it works
Five steps from application to your completed rotation.
01
Apply
Submit your application with required documents, preferred specialty and start date.
02
Interview & review
We review your application and speak with you before making a decision.
03
Invoicing & scheduling
Once accepted, we confirm payment and finalize your rotation schedule.
04
Arrive & begin
Start your rotation in San Diego and integrate into the clinical team.
About your schedule
Your weekly activities will vary based on the specialty you select. We share your specific schedule shortly before your start date, including clinic times, OR days, and any academic events for that rotation.
Parents frequently ask
How long is the observership?
The observership lasts a minimum of 4 weeks. To be considered for a strong letter of recommendation from our providers, completing more than 2 months in the program is highly recommended.
What visa do I need?
Most observers attend on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which allows observation only (no hands-on care). We do not sponsor visas, but we provide an invitation letter after acceptance. Please confirm your situation with an immigration attorney.
Is there a job opportunity after the observership?
Job opportunities are not guaranteed. Candidates may be considered for employment in the U.S. if they have permission to work here, or remotely if they return to their home country.
Is there an application fee?
No, we do not charge an application fee for our Observership Program. There is a fee for the observership itself, charged per 4-week session.
Where is the program located?
All activities take place in San Diego, California.
Is housing provided?
No. Observers arrange their own housing, though we can share local rental contacts upon request.
What type of clinical exposure will I get?
You will rotate through both outpatient clinic visits and hospital operating-room days to experience the full spectrum between clinical and surgical care.
Will my home-country vaccination records be accepted?
Yes. As long as you can supply documentation that meets U.S. hospital standards, vaccines and TB testing completed in your home country are valid.
Is this program hands-on?
No. This is a strictly observational program (hands-off). You'll observe physicians, attend clinic, rounds, and procedures, and discuss cases — but you won't provide patient care, perform procedures, prescribe, or write in the medical record.
What did our interns say?
A structured, hands-on clinical training experience in active San Diego medical practices, designed to prepare you for medical or PA school with real skills, real mentorship, and a clear path to a paid position.
My time with this program was something I am truly grateful for. I learned a great deal, especially from being exposed to the different perspectives and approaches of two neurosurgeons, which gave me a much richer understanding of the field.I would highly recommend this program to my colleagues and friends.
It gave me the opportunity to observe surgeries. I would likely never have had the chance to see in my home country, making the experience especially valuable and memorable for me.
Renzo Alva
International Medical Graduate
I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Yoo and gained invaluable exposure to both the clinical and operative aspects of neurosurgery. As a medical student interested in surgery, this experience strengthened my appreciation for the discipline, work ethic, and intellectual rigor required in neurosurgery. I was able to gain exposure in surgical procedures such as: ALIF, PCDF, TLIF, VP Shunt, Hematoma Resection, Intramural Spinal Cord Tumor Resection, Spinal Cord Stimulator Insertion and Removal, as well as Intrathecal pain pump insertion and removal. Shadowing Dr. Yoo was highly educational and inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a physician who exemplifies excellence in patient care, teaching, and surgical leadership.
Aaron Samuel
International Medical Graduate
My four-week neurosurgery elective in San Diego was one of the most formative experiences of my medical training. As my first clinical rotation in the United States and my very first surgical experience, it placed me outside my comfort zone yet confirmed my longstanding fascination with spine surgery. Under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Yoo and his team, I learned to interpret imaging studies and to connect anatomy, pathology, and patient symptoms in a way no textbook could.What made it so meaningful was the trust Dr. Yoo placed in me despite my limited surgical background. He welcomed me into the operating room, where every procedure became a lesson in technique and decision-making, and generously shared his perspective on practicing medicine in the U.S. I am deeply grateful to him and his entire team, and I sincerely hope to return one day.
Mira Dutil
International Medical Graduate
Our Mentors
SDNeurosurgery is Dr. Kevin Yoo’s practice, with 20+ years of experience in San Diego and a holistic approach to advanced spine and brain care. Dr. Yoo and the SDN team deliver personalized treatment using modern techniques and compassionate support from consultation through recovery.
Kevin Yoo, MD
United States
Dr. White provides expert neurosurgical care for brain, spine, and nervous system conditions. The SBNS team delivers personalized treatment using the latest technology to help patients regain health and improve quality of life.
Daniel White, MD
United States
Dr. Kern Brar provides personalized primary care and wellness services. Lien-based urgent care 24/7 for personal injury cases via telemedicine or in-person visits. Dedicated attending physician services for Skilled Nursing Facility patients.
Kern Brar, MD
United States
Dr. Marsh’s Chiropractic Corporation offers comprehensive, team-based care including chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. Their bilingual team provides personalized treatment plans focused on mobility, pain relief, and long-term wellness.
Paul Marsh, D.C., Q.M.E.
United States
Heather Yoo, DACM, L.Ac
Doctor of Acupuncture - UNITED STATES
Kaye Elamparo, NP
NP - UNITED STATES
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