Clinical Observership Programme

The Clinical Observership Programme at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is an educational experience that allows students, graduates, and healthcare professionals to observe clinical care in a real-world hospital environment.

This programme is strictly observational. Participants do not engage in direct patient care or perform clinical procedures. The observership programme is designed to promote academic growth, enhance clinical understanding, and introduce learners to multidisciplinary healthcare delivery at SSMC.

SSMC Building

Who Can Apply?

MEDICAL STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES

NURSING STUDENTS, GRADUATES, OR LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES (RNS)

HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS AND GRADUATES FROM ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMMES

HEALTHCARE GRADUATES OR PROFESSIONALS SEEKING OBSERVATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Education Centers & Duration

Education Categories
Observership Duration
Medical Student Education
Up to 4 weeks
Graduate Medical Education
Up to 8 weeks
Health Sciences Education
Up to 8 weeks
Nursing Education
Minimum 4 weeks

Application Timeline

Observership Period Starting In
January – March
April – June
July – September
October – December
Application Period
September 1 to September 30
December 1 to December 31
March 1 to March 31
June 1 to June 30

> Applications must be submitted during the designated window for the desired rotation period.

> Late or out-of-window applications will not be reviewed or accepted.

> Applications are reviewed starting the first day of the month following the deadline.

> Applicants will receive a decision within four weeks from the start of the review period.

Examples:

Applied in September
Reviewed from October 1
Feedback by October 29
Applied in March
Reviewed from April 1
Feedback by April 29

For Nursing Education Center

Observership Period
Year-round (flexible)
Applications Period
Applications open any time

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements (All Applicants):

  • Submit application within the designated time window.
  • Submit all required documents listed in the checklist (mentioned below).
  • Abide by all SSMC policies and behavioural expectations.

Additional Criteria for Medical Student Applicants:

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited medical school.
  • Have completed at least six months of clinical training.
  • Submit academic transcript and proof of active student status from university (English and/or Arabic language only).

Nursing Students/Graduates Applicants:

  • Currently enrolled in or graduated from an accredited nursing programme, or licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Submit proof of active student status if currently enrolled.
  • Hold a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Application Checklist

  • Completed online application form.
  • Updated CV/resume.
  • If a student, proof of active student status.
  • Academic transcript.
  • Valid medical insurance.
  • Copy of passport.
  • Copy of Emirates ID (if applicable).
  • Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (for nursing applicants).

> Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed.

Program Onboarding

Upon acceptance, all observers will:

Receive a conditional acceptance with department assignment, start date, and next steps.

Attend SSMC orientation and compliance training.

Receive a temporary SSMC ID badge.

Be provided with uniforms (scrubs/lab coat).

Be assigned a supervisor and schedule by your host department.

Return all SSMC items after completion.

Clinical Observership Programme Expectations

During your observership and if applicable, you are expected to:

  • Observe daily clinical rounds, huddles, and academic activities.
  • Demonstrate punctuality, professionalism, and respectful behaviour.
  • Always wear your badge and comply with dress code.
  • Maintain strict patient confidentiality.
  • Refrain from performing clinical procedures or patient care.

> Note: You are here to learn by observing, not practising.

Completion & Recognition

At the end of the programme:

A formal Certificate of Completion will be issued.

A post-programme feedback survey to help us enhance the experience.

Ready to Apply?

Click below to access the application form and begin your observership journey.

Apply Now
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