POLICY FOR OBSERVERSHIP REQUESTS TRHOUGHT THE PSYCHIATRY
POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION OFFICE
The following document outlines the application process for observer requests coming to the
Psychiatry Postgraduate Office and the Director of IMG Training. This process may also apply to
observer requests sent to Postgraduate Psychiatry Site Coordinators within the department, who
wish to re-direct observer applications through this centralized process.
In general, these specific observership requests are aimed at providing observers with exposure
to psychiatry and may be linked to future applications for psychiatry residency training through
Visa-IMG or CaRMS IMG streams.
This policy does not apply to observers applying for observerships directly through designated
hospital PGME offices, specific supervisors or specific psychiatry programs with established
observership opportunities. Supervisors can still complete the observer evaluation form for
observers arranged through these processes, as it can be beneficial for observers applying for
residency.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR OBSERVERSHIP
The process for observership requests made to the Psychiatry Postgraduate Office or Director of
IMG Training involves submission of the following documents:
1. A cover letter by the applicant outlining his/her intent for an observership
2. Postgraduate psychiatry application for observership
3. Applicant’s CV
4. MCEE exam score (if completed)
5. Reference Letters (one or two)
There are a limited number of observership positions available each academic year contingent on
the number of Supervisors available at the site hospital. All applications will be reviewed by the
Director of IMG Training or the Psychiatry Postgraduate Director to determine each applicant’s
eligibility for the Department of Psychiatry observership. The first group of observership positions
will be made available from July to December each academic year (to be reviewed mid April). An
additional group of observership positions will be made available between January-June(to be
reviewed mid October). Observerships will be for 4 weeks and extensions on the observership
with the same supervisor will be at the discretion of the supervisor. Final approval of observer
credentials will occur at respective hospital sites. Please note that there is no guarantee that
incomplete applications will be processed. As such, please submit all required documents with
your application.
EXPECTATIONS OF OBSERVERS
Please see Observer Supervisor Guide for information on the expectations of observers.
FORMS TO BE COMPLETED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE OBSERVERSHIP
The following evaluation forms will be completed at the conclusion of the observership:
1. Observers should complete the observer supervisor evaluation forms
2. Observership supervisors should complete the Observer Assessment Form and submit the
form to the office of the Director of IMG Training