NYU Langone’s Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology offers an International Observership Program in Dermatology for physicians from countries around the world. The program is designed to enhance knowledge in general dermatology and dermatologic subspecialties, increase familiarity with technological advances in the field, and provide exposure to dermatologic care as practiced in one of the foremost training centers in the United States.

Our department, recognized internationally as a leader in dermatology, has more than 35 full-time dermatologists and basic and translational scientists, as well as more than 100 affiliated dermatologists from the New York metropolitan region. Our faculty includes many experts recognized widely in the fields of pigmentation, immunology, stem cell biology, pediatric dermatology, psoriasis, urticaria, melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, contact dermatitis, connective tissue diseases, lymphoma, dermatologic, laser and cosmetic surgery, hair disorders, and photomedicine. The department’s general and specialty clinics provide primary and consultative dermatologic care to more than 100,000 ambulatory and hospitalized patients yearly.

The month-long program is offered between September and June. It begins the first day of the month in which you are scheduled to observe. You receive a certificate from our department upon successful completion of the program.

We offer two international observerships: one for general and medical dermatology, and one for hair.

General and Medical Dermatology Observership

The General and Medical Dermatology Observership consists of clinical observation and a formal didactic curriculum that also includes grand rounds and Tuesday Night Conference. Please note that Tuesday Night Conference is not offered during July, August, and September.

As a participant in this observership program, you rotate through the general and specialty clinics of the Skin and Cancer Unit of the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center East 38th Street. There are multiple clinic sessions each weekday at this location, in addition to didactic sessions each morning. You also have opportunities to rotate at some of the physicians’ private practice offices. We do our best to customize your schedule based on your clinical interests.

Business casual attire is required for the clinical observership, and black scrubs are required for the procedural observation. Observers do not provide direct patient care.

Hair Observership

During the Hair Observership, you spend the majority of your time observing the evaluation and management of patients with hair loss and scalp disorders including a variety of procedures performed in the faculty practice of Jerry Shapiro, MD. You do not provide direct patient care. Dr. Shapiro is an internationally renowned expert who has authored hundreds of research articles and numerous textbook chapters. He has also mentored many dermatologists who have gone on to establish successful careers in the field.

Observership Eligibility

International observers must hold a degree in medicine and have completed documented formal training in dermatology at least equivalent to a residency or in another subspecialty or area of interest relevant to the practice of dermatology, such as public health or infectious disease.

Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through satisfactory results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.

Visa Requirements

All applicants must currently reside outside the United States. NYU Langone requires all international observers to obtain either a U.S. B-1 visa or visa waiver business status (dependent on your country of citizenship).

If you do not qualify for a visa waiver, you will need to enter the United States with a valid B-1 visa issued by a U.S. consulate abroad. Once you have obtained a valid B-1 visa, you may request admission to the United States as a visitor for business.

Following entry into the United States, you should review and retain a copy of your I-94 admission record and ensure your status is indicated as “B-1” if you do not qualify for a visa waiver, and “WB” if you do quality for one.

Before international observers may commence any activities, NYU Langone’s immigration services staff will review and verify visa and I-94 documentation for clearance.

How to Apply

To apply to the International Observership Program in Dermatology for either observership, please complete the application, which must include the following:

• a copy of your current CV that includes your current address
• a personal statement, approximately 500 to 600 words, which includes your current position, career goals, and how the observership will help you achieve these goals
• the names and addresses of at least three physicians who will be writing letters of recommendation on your behalf
• documentation of your medical degree and dermatology training
• a copy of your medical school diploma
• a copy of your residency diploma
• proof of English proficiency on the TOEFL examination
• a copy of a government-issued picture ID, such as a driver’s license or passport

Your application should be received no later than three months before your requested start date. Please email your completed application to Craig Burke, program associate, and Norma Elliott, residency program coordinator, to craig.burke@nyulangone.org and norma.elliott@nyulangone.org. You can also fax your application to them at 212-263-8752 or mail it to the following address:

NYU Langone Health
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology
240 East 38th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10016

If you have any questions, please call 212-263-5313.

Our observership program is not a fellowship and does not offer immersive exposure to the areas of specialty mentioned previously. Applicants seeking such exposure should apply for a dedicated fellowship in the particular specialty of interest.

This program does not satisfy the eligibility requirements for certification by the American Board of Dermatology, which requires three years of training.

Observership Program Fee and Housing

The program fee for the General and Medical Dermatology Observership is U.S. $4,000 and is the responsibility of the applicant. The fee for the Hair Observership is available upon request from Dr. Shapiro at jerry.shapiro@nyulangone.org.

A deposit equaling 50 percent of your fee is required upon approval of your application by our department. The second and final installment is required 30 days before your arrival.

All cancellation notices must be received in writing 30 days before your start date for a full refund.

Housing is the responsibility of the applicant. Temporary housing is sometimes available around our campus but is not guaranteed.