Observing orthopaedic surgeons offers a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions.
Our observership program is designed for individuals interested in learning more about orthopedic care through structured clinical observation. Participants may observe patient encounters, surgical procedures, and multidisciplinary care while adhering to all institutional policies, privacy standards, and safety requirements.
Completion of these steps is required prior to scheduling an observership experience in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.
- Review guidelines
- Submit a request
- Please allow up to 5 business days for confirmation
Guidelines
Observership opportunities are offered based on provider availability. Please review the information below before submitting your request. Observership requests must be submitted no later than two (2) weeks prior to your desired start date. Because providers may host only one observer at a time in the clinic and/or operating room, applicants are required to provide three preferred date ranges to assist with scheduling. Standard observerships cannot exceed four (4) business days unless otherwise specified by the provider. Observers may have the opportunity to shadow in the clinic setting, the operating room (OR), or both, depending on provider approval and scheduling needs. Observers under the age of 18 are not permitted to shadow in the operating room and may be limited to clinic-based observation only.
Availability varies by provider and month, Requested dates are not guaranteed.
A confirmation email from the supervising physician approving the observership is also required for clearance.
Required documentation depends on your affiliation:
- UAB employees and HSOM students must provide a copy of their UAB badge and a contact phone number.
- UAB Undergraduate Students, External Students, and other personnel not associated with UAB must provide a copy of a student badge or driver’s license, a contact phone number, proof of flu vaccination, and completed observership paperwork.
Once all required documentation is received, the scheduling process will begin.
Please note that approval may take 1–2 weeks to complete. Observers will be contacted by the UAB Ortho Education Team with next steps, and confirmation of their observership details.
Please complete these required documents and submit them to the request form (if required).
New observer form 2026, fillable
Tb observer form
Contact
Questions regarding a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Observership or requests for observership over five days can be directed to the Education Team. Email: OrthoFellRschObsvResGrnt@uabmc.edu