The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) International Oncology Observership Program is an educational initiative designed to provide international medical professionals with observational experience in oncology practice in a comprehensive academic cancer center. The Observers will have opportunities to shadow faculty and learn about the optimal management of patients with solid tumors and/or hematologic malignancies. Internationally renowned oncology and hematology experts, specialized in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology or hematology at UMGCCC will serve as preceptors to the Observers as they evaluate and take care of cancer patients in various settings including the outpatient clinic, inpatient ward, radiation planning and treatment units, and infusion administration unit. The Observers will also be able to observe patient management discussions at the multidisciplinary clinic and tumor board meetings. The visiting trainees will have the opportunity to participate in the optimal care of cancer patients with the expectation to use the lessons learned from such interactions to adapt and improve their local practice upon returning home.  

The Observership Program is an unpaid, informal educational experience through shadowing of patient care activities and teaching conferences. Duration will vary between 1 to 6 months during which the Observer may focus on one subspecialty or a combination of 2-3 subspecialties (Leukemia, Lymphoma, multiple myeloma, cellular therapy, thoracic cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, gynecological cancers, breast cancers, head and neck cancers). The Observer may focus on specific aspect of the management such as medical oncology, surgical oncology or radiation oncology or may choose to gain experience in multiple specialties. The participating faculty preceptors and their area of expertise will be provided to those interested in the program.  

Teaching conferences will consist of didactic lectures and activities already scheduled for trainees at the various graduate medical education (GME) programs offered at the UMSOM including residency program in radiation oncology and fellowship programs in hematology and medical oncology, and surgical oncology. No additional didactic lecture will be developed specifically for the Observership program. Therefore, availability of live didactics on certain subjects will follow the already established schedules of activities at the GME programs. However, pre-recorded lectures may be made available to participants and based on their area(s) of interest. These didactics will be separate from scheduled orientation at the beginning and celebration at the conclusion of the experience. During orientation, a compiled list of key manuscripts will be given to the Observer to supplement their education in their area of interest. 

Applications submitted during the open application period will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants may be accepted as positions become available, up to a maximum of six participants per program period. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact OncologyObservership@som.umaryland.edu to discuss eligibility requirements, obtain guidance about any special circumstances or discuss other aspects of the Observership Program.