Minor Observer Program

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Individuals between the ages of 15-17 may apply to shadow under the supervision of a Tucson Medical Center employee or medical staff member, including physicians, if and when appropriate opportunities are available.THMEP’s Minor Observer Program is an educational experience that is restricted to watching and listening during patient histories, physical examinations, procedures, surgeries, outpatient appointments, teaching rounds, and educational conferences. An observer is under direct supervision by a THMEP clinical faculty member or staff member. An observership DOES NOT include participation in direct or indirect patient care or management, nor does it constitute medical training. An observership is NOT a clerkship, and it does not confer academic credit.THMEP may delay the start, terminate early, or cancel an observership at any time at its sole discretion. THMEP maintains the right to remove an observer from assignment after it has been determined by THMEP that such removal is in the best interest of THMEP, Tucson Medical Center and/or its patients and their families. TMC, and THMEP on its behalf, shall have the right at any time to take whatever action it deems necessary, including the barring of an observer from its premises, in order to ensure the safety and welfare of its patients and to maintain the operation of its facilities free from disruption.

Minor Observer Program Requirements:

The following is required for acceptance and review of application:

Must be fluent in the English language.

If enrolled in High School, must be in good academic standing.

Must be 15 or over.

Must complete an Observership Application, including completion of:

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) Compliance Agreement

THMEP Teacher-Learner Compact

Information Services Confidentiality Agreement

Infection Prevention and Control for Observation Experiences Agreement

NOTE: The application and all agreements must be signed by the observer and a parent or guardian if under the age of 18

Must provide an up-to-date immunization record and/or agree to any required immunizations. This will include proof of Covid vaccination, a TB test (within the last 365 days), flu vaccination (during flu season), and MMR records

Submission of an application for an observership does not guarantee that a slot will be available. Applications must be received at least one month prior to the proposed start date.

Restriction:

Participants in the clinical observership program are not allowed to directly participate in clinical care, physically contact patients, perform procedures, write orders, or access the TMC Epic electronic health record.You can observe for up to 16 hours per annual quarter. This may be repeated quarterly if and when approved by supervising THMEP clinical faculty and THMEP.

To submit your interest in the THMEP Minor Observation Program, please complete our interest form. Once availability is confirmed, we will email you the application to complete.

Interest Form