Information for Physicians and Nurses

Trauma Observation Program

For More Information

Contact Susan Leone at 410-328-6946 or sleone@umm.edu.

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma education initiative provides health care professionals with an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills under the tutelage of world renowned leaders in trauma and critical care medicine.

The goal of this program is to provide observers with a current understanding of the many areas of trauma and trauma systems and more specifically their particular area of interest through clinical interactions, meetings and lectures, rounds, and observation of operational procedures. Observation slots are limited. As a result, an observation will be a maximum of two (2) weeks with special arrangements only made for research associated opportunities.

Program Requirements:

An application must be submitted along with your curriculum vitae, license and color photograph in order to be approved for an observation. In addition, the following letters of recommendation are required. Please be sure that all correspondence is written in English.
1. A letter from the individual who issued the invitation, if applicable
2. Head of Division or Trauma Program Director from your hospital
3. Head of Administration from your hospital
All applications must be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the proposed observation.
An acceptance letter and additional paperwork will be forwarded to you once approved.
All observers are required to maintain confidentiality of the records and files of Shock Trauma and the University of Maryland Medical Center in accordance with applicable law and the hospital’s policies and procedures. To that end, all observers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
The observer is responsible for any and all expenses incurred during his/her observation, including, but not limited to lodging, meals, transportation and parking.

Medical Requirements:

Observers are required to have proof of current immunizations as required by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the hospital’s policies and procedures.
Vaccine and screening documentation are required for the following:
1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella by either documentation of a 2-shot vaccine series or titers that they are immune.
2. Varicella (chickenpox) by either documentation of 2-shot vaccine series or documentation or self-report of having had chickenpox
3. Tuberculosis: documentation of previous positive TB skin test in past, but report of negative chest x-ray in past 12 months (radiology report or physician’s letter) or documentation of negative TB skin test (< 10 mm) in the past 3 months
4. Seasonal influenza vaccination
Both national and international observers must have medical insurance to cover his/her medical expenses in the event of illness or injury while in the Shock Trauma Center and the United States. For international observers, this also includes coverage for expenses of repatriation. If the observer does not have insurance in his/her home country, he/she is required to purchase adequate insurance prior to participating in the observation program.

International Travel Considerations:

Observers may come to Baltimore, MD on a current valid B-1 (visitor for Business) or B-2 (Visitor for Tourism) non-immigrant visa issued by the appropriate authorities. The individual must also be in the possession of an unexpired, valid passport for the entire duration of the observation.
A color photocopy of the visa and passport is required prior to arrival. Observers are solely responsible for any expenses incurred to obtain either document.
An observer may use the invitation letter or other materials regarding the observation given to the individual by Shock Trauma in support of the individual’s application for a B-1/B-2 visa, but Shock Trauma will not sponsor or support the application of an individual for such a visa.
Observers must be able to provide proof of competency in the English language especially in conversational and medical terminology. Any proof of TOEFL or language classes is to be submitted.
For more information on the visa process go to www.travel.state.gov/visa/.

Accommodations:
Applicants will need to make their own arrangements for lodging, meals, transport and parking. The Shock Trauma Center can provide guidance for suitable options close to the hospital. Applicants are also eligible for a University of Maryland Medical Center rate at applicable local hotels.

For more information go to http://www.umm.edu/resources/hotels.htm or www.housing.umaryland.edu.

Program Restrictions:

Observers do not have clinical privileges and are not permitted to participate in patient care or contact.
An observer will not receive any compensation, reimbursement or remuneration for his/her participation in the observation program.
At no time is an observer to be considered a representative, consultant, agent or employee of Shock Trauma or University of Maryland Medical Center.

At the end of your observation, a certificate will be issued by Shock Trauma as evidence of successful completion of the program. You will be asked to complete an exit survey at this time. This is your opportunity to provide feedback on how we can improve our program.

For More Information

Contact Susan Leone at 410-328-6946 or sleone@umm.edu.

Educational Opportunities to Advance Trauma and Critical Care Globally

When Life is on the Line. . .

This page was last updated on: April 13, 2011.

Obtaining emergent consultation or transferring patients to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center takes only OneCall, day or night, to 1-800-373-4111 or 410-328-1234.