Observer (Shadowing) Program

Congratulations! You have chosen to explore one of the most important specialties in medicine: radiology. Radiology is a fundamental component of medical care; most patients need some sort of imaging study at some point in their lifetime. Radiology is not only a powerful diagnostic tool, radiology also is used to guide and even provide clinical care or treatment for patients of all ages, including infants and children.

An observer or shadowing experience is an opportunity to see firsthand what a typical day in radiology is like, observe the breadth of care provided by radiologists, and learn about career paths in medicine. Observers do not provide any medical care and do not engage directly with patients. This is exclusively an opportunity to shadow a clinical radiology faculty member as they go about their day. Clinical faculty members may be teaching medical students, residents, or fellows as part of their workday. When such activities occur, the observer simply observes unless directly asked to participate.

An observer experience is typically once a week for several weeks. The length of the observer experience is negotiated between the observer and the prehealth liaison.

A faculty sponsor is a member of the Emory Radiology clinical faculty who will supervise and mentor the student throughout the observer experience. Sponsors are members of the EROP Committee who represent their division.

In order to minimize potential favorability of applicants, individuals serving on the selection committees for the Department of Radiology's residency programs do not serve as sponsors unless a well-defined prior professional relationship exists.

Our observer program is designed to benefit Emory University undergraduate students who are pursuing a pre-medicine or pre-health program and may use the experience to enrich their medical or other professional school applications. Observer experiences also help build relationships with faculty who may be willing to write letters of recommendation.

General Requirements:

• Applicants must be 18 years old at the time of the observer experience.
• Applicants must be in good standing with the university.
• Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Students should be classified as current, full-time or part-time enrolled students.
• Complete all elements of the application process, including completing required training courses (see below).

Undergraduate students should contact Naadia Bakhit, Assistant Director in the Emory College of Arts and Sciences Pre-Health Advising Office, for the application process.

The following are the costs associated with an Emory Observer Experience (financial aid may be available):

• $15 observership fee is required by the Emory University School of Medicine
• $10 security badge fee required by Emory Healthcare

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.