Clinical Observation Process for the
University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC)
Thank you for your inquiry about how to set up a clinical observation experience at UWMC. Although we
recognize the value to local, national and international students and visitors of being able to see state of
the art medical care as an incentive to career plans, UWMC has only a limited capacity to offer these
opportunities due to the overwhelming demand for these experiences and the potential interference they
can create for our patient care activities. Therefore, due to limited space and availability, the Medical
Director’s Office is unable to guarantee your participation in observational activities at UWMC.
Clinical observational activities must be arranged by the individual seeking observational privileges. The
Medical Director’s Office does not coordinate the process or make any other arrangements.
The UWMC Medical Director’s Office the current version of the UW Medicine Application and Agreement
for Observational Activities form is found here: https://depts.washington.edu/comply/docs/PP_04_D.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. The Observer must find a physician sign the Agreement. If a specific physician has yet to be
identified, the Observer may contact the department in the area of interest to discuss setting up an
observational experience.
2. Observational privileges will not be granted without the agreement of a UWMC physician to take full
responsibility for the Observer’s time at UWMC.
3. Complete the Application and Agreement for Observational Activities form. Please be sure to include
the anticipated date(s) of the visit. If the Observer is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must
sign the application.
4. Applications with incomplete immunization forms will not be approved. Provide proof of immunization
by filling out or attaching relevant document(s). Please be aware that the TB test results must be less
than a year old. In the case of a positive TB test, a chest x-ray must be performed and results
recorded on the immunization form.
5. The Application is then signed by the sponsoring Genetic Medicine Clinic Director or Co-Director..
6. Send the Application, which has been signed by the sponsoring physician, to the Medical Director's
Office by fax at (206) 598-4021, campus mail to Box 356330, or email medirect@uw.edu, for the
Medical Director's review, approval, and signature.
7. Once the Application is approved and signed by the Medical Director, it will be returned to the
Observer, coordinating department, or sponsoring physician, whichever is appropriate. Please include
instructions on how, where and to whom application should be returned.
8. A copy of the completed Application must be retained by the department of the sponsoring
physician. The Observer must bring the completed Application and memo that will be provided by the
Medical Director’s Office to Public Safety in order to be issued a temporary identification badge. This
badge will allow the Observer into patient care areas and must be worn visibly at all times.
Please be advised that this application applies to observational activity only. No patient care or training
will be conducted and there will be no compensation provided. The observer or sponsoring
physician/department is responsible for arranging any travel and accommodations.
If you have questions or need further information please contact the UWMC Medical Director’s Office at
medirect@u.washington.edu or (206) 598-6600.