Visiting Students

Program Overview 
This short-term shadowing experience for high school and undergraduate students that provides an introduction to neurosurgery and the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare providers. This brief observational experience typically takes place over a six-month period, is limited to five non-consecutive shadowing dates, and is intended as an introduction to neurosurgery rather than an extended program.  

Eligibility 

• Applications must be submitted 6 weeks prior to desired start date
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have a University of Chicago faculty sponsor 

Required Documents 

• Shadowing Application
• BSD Compliance Form 

Program Overview 
Provides an introductory clinical experience designed to help Pritzker School of Medicine students (M1–M3) interested in neurosurgery gain insight into the daily practice of neurosurgery before participating in formal clinical rotations. This brief introductory experience is designed to provide early exposure to neurosurgery and does not replace the formal neurosurgery rotation available during the M3 and M4 years. 

Requirements 

• Complete the Pritzker Medical Student Shadowing Form 

Program Overview 
This is a short-term observational clinical experience for researchers, medical students, or other qualified professionals. Clinical Observers may observe patient care activities but may not participate in patient care.  

Eligibility 

• Applications for this pathway must be submitted 8 weeks prior to desired start date.
• Must have a UChicago faculty sponsor
• Visitors on B1/B2 visas limited to 9 day visit
• Cannot currently be enrolled in a residency or training program 

Required Documents 

• Clinical Observer Application
• CV (English)
• Home institution chair letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of health insurance
• Immunization records
• HIPAA compliance documentation
• Passport/Visa (if applicable) 

Program Overview 

This pathway is for graduates of international medical schools seeking a neurosurgery observership through a supervised observational experience coordinated by the University of Chicago Office of International Programs. 

Eligibility 

• Applications must be submitted 10 weeks prior to desired start date
• Must have graduated from a medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED)
• Must have a UChicago faculty sponsor 

Required Documents 

• IMG Observer Application Form
• CV (English)
• Passport and visa copy
• Medical license (English)
• 5-Point Faculty Sponsor Letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of health insurance
• Immunization documentation 

Program Overview 

The International Visiting Medical Student (VMS) Rotation at the University of Chicago is thoughtfully designed to provide senior medical students with structured, supervised, high-quality clinical and educational experience. Students participating in this program must be in their final year of medical school, ensuring readiness to engage meaningfully in patient care and academic discourse. 

This pathway is primarily coordinated by the Center for Global Health (CIGH) for students that hold relationships with UChicago faculty that have extended the opportunity to students who wish rotate within their departments. 

Eligibility 

*Please note: All eligibility requirements are mandatory and exceptions cannot be made. 

Applicants must: 

• Be in their final year of medical school
• Be enrolled in an accredited medical school
• Have sponsorship from their home institution
• Have a University of Chicago faculty sponsor
• Hold a B-1/B-2 visa
• Participate in a rotation not exceeding 30 days 

Application Information 

• Application must be submitted at least 4 months before desired arrival
• On-Season Rotations (December - March)
• Home institution must have an active MOU with UChicago
• Off-Season Rotations (April – November)
• Applications must be typed
• Fees:
• $250 application fee
• $26 Student Health Services processing fee
• Start dates are on the 1st or 15th of the month only 

Required Documents 

• VMS Application Form
• CV (English)
• Dean's Letter of Good Standing (official letterhead with original signature)
• Medical school transcript (English)
• 5-Point Letter from UChicago Faculty Sponsor
• AAMC Immunization Form
• Documentation in English for:
• Measles (serology report needed)
• Mumps (serology report needed)
• Rubella (serology report needed)
• Varicella (vaccination report)
• Hepatitis B (titers or 3 shots)
• Tuberculosis screening (within the past 12 months)
• Tdap vaccination (within the past 10 years)
• COVID (most recent)
• Proof of personal health insurance
• Proof of malpractice insurance
• TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Passport copy
• Visa copy (B-1/B-2)
• Headshot on white background 

Program Overview 
Eligible students may participate in fourth-year elective rotations through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program. 

Eligibility 

• Must have completed all required core clerkships
• Must be enrolled in an LCME- or COCA-accredited institution
• Participation is limited to fourth-year electives 

Learn More: https://pritzker.uchicago.edu/academics/visiting-students  

Mission Aligned Trainees to Explore Residency (MATTER) Visiting Clerkship Program 

This is a competitive program for fourth-year medical students that combines clinical rotation opportunities, faculty mentorship, professional networking, stipend support, and community engagement programming while promoting participation among students who are underrepresented in medicine or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Learn More: MATTER Visiting Clerkship Program. 

Department Contact: 

Amy Johnson, Education Manager 

ajohnson1@uchicagomedicine.org