Sponsored Clinical Observers

Clinical Sponsored Observing Experience

This program is for a student that already has the sponsorship a physician that agrees to allow the student to observe their clinical practice in the hospital (Erlanger).  At the discretion of the supervising physician, this could include time in the physician's private office.  Observing experiences with UT faculty must be approved by the department in which the physician holds a faculty appointment.  UTCOMC and Erlanger Health System provide the needed regulatory education and documentation so that the student (and physician) can remain HIPAA-compliant.

Typically, the University of Tennessee and Erlanger do not offer a formal observing experience for students wanting to observe physicians within the hospital.  Erlanger does offer job shadowing with Erlanger employees but has asked that the UT College of Medicine Chattanooga handle requests to observe physicians who hold faculty appointments and/or are members of the Erlanger Medical Staff.   Each UTCOMC department may consider an application from a high school or college student for a limited one half-day up to a two-day observing experience.  The Department of Medicine permits only one half-day up to one full-day observership.   The Department of Radiology suggests at least three days for an optimal experience.  Approval and availability of any observership are subject to the individual department.  The department may deny the request due to other medical student and resident demands as well as faculty schedules.  At this time, the UT College of Medicine Chattanooga does not have nurse practitioners or physician assistants on staff and cannot accommodate nurse practitioners or PA students needing clinical rotations. 

If your observing experience is approved, Erlanger requires that we receive copies of an immunization record that includes proof of MMR and Chickenpox immunity as well as a negative TB skin test within the last 12 months. 

Erlanger also requires observers to attend a brief HIPAA orientation session.  These are only scheduled the first Thursday of each month from 3 - 4 PM, in the Erlanger Compliance Conference Room (B Elevator in the Erlanger Medical Mall nearest Subway and the Uniform Shop, up to Suite B-1111).  HIPAA training dates for 2013-2014 are:

Once the student has been been approved by the department and the supervising physician, credentialed through the Erlanger process, and has attended the required HIPAA orientation sessions, he/she will be free to observe the sponsoring physician on a mutually agreeable schedule.   Please note:  If you do not have a specific physician in mind, please click on the Medical Explorations link to the left and complete that application.  Dr. Kent Hutson or his designee will be in touch regarding possible placement.

Click on the link to the left to view and submit and online application for a Sponsored Clinical Observer.

At this time, the UT College of Medicine Chattanooga does not have nurse practitioners or physician assistants on staff and cannot accommodate nurse practitioners or PA students needing clinical rotations. 

Revised 10/3/2012