Pediatric Critical Care Observation Program

**Please be aware that this observation program is paused effective immediately until further notice.**

The Pediatric Critical Care Observation Program is designed to provide health care professionals and trainees from other academic institutions with an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills under the tutelage of well trained and experienced physicians in pediatric critical care medicine. The goal of this program is to provide observers with a current understanding of pediatric critical care through clinical interactions, meetings and lectures, and rounds. Observation slots are limited. As a result, each observation period will be a maximum of four (4) weeks.

Program Requirements

• An application must be submitted along with your curriculum vitae, driver's license and/or passport in order to be approved for an observation. Please be sure that all correspondence is written in English.
• All applications must be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the proposed observation.
• An acceptance letter and additional paperwork will be forwarded to you once approved.
• All observers are required to maintain confidentiality of the records and files of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the University of Maryland Medical Center in accordance with applicable law and the hospital's policies and procedures. To that end, all observers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• The observer is responsible for any and all expenses incurred during his/her observation, including, but not limited to lodging, meals, transportation and parking.

Medical Requirements

• Observers are required to have proof of current immunizations as required by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the hospital's policies and procedures.
• Vaccine and screening documentation are required for the following:
  1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella by either documentation of a 2-shot vaccine series or titers that they are immune.
  2. Varicella (chickenpox) by either documentation of 2-shot vaccine series or documentation or titers that they are immune.
  3. Tuberculosis: documentation of previous positive TB skin test in past, but report of negative chest x-ray in past 12 months (radiology report or physician's letter) or documentation of negative TB skin test (< 10 mm) in the past 3 months
  4. Tdap Adult Dose vaccination
  5. Hepatitis B: Documentation of 3-shot vaccine, document immunity or physician statement
  6. Seasonal influenza vaccination
  7. COVID Vaccination
• Both national and international observers must have medical insurance to cover his/her medical expenses in the event of illness or injury while in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the United States. For international observers, this also includes coverage for expenses of repatriation. If the observer does not have insurance in his/her home country, he/she is required to purchase adequate insurance prior to participating in the observation program.

International Travel Considerations

• Observers may come to Baltimore, MD on a current valid B-1 (visitor for Business) or B-2 (Visitor for Tourism) non-immigrant visa issued by the appropriate authorities. Pediatric Critical Care will not sponsor or support the visa applications.
• The individual must also be in the possession of an unexpired, valid passport for the entire duration of the observation.
• A color photocopy of the visa and passport is required prior to arrival. Observers are solely responsible for any expenses incurred to obtain either document.
• Observers must be able to provide proof of competency in the English language especially in conversational and medical terminology. Any proof of TOEFL or language classes is to be submitted.
• For more information on the visa process go to U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Accommodations

Applicants will need to make their own arrangements for lodging, meals, transportation and parking. Pediatric Critical Care can provide guidance for suitable options close to the hospital. Applicants are also eligible for a University of Maryland Medical Center rate at applicable local hotels. For more information go to Hotels and Long-Term Housing Near UMMC or UMB Housing.

Program Restrictions

• Observers do not have clinical privileges and are not permitted to participate in patient care, procedures or contact.
• An observer will not receive any compensation, reimbursement or remuneration for his/her participation in the observation program.
• At no time is an observer to be considered a representative, consultant, agent or employee of Pediatric Critical Care or University of Maryland Medical Center.
• At no time will an observer be permitted to take any pictures or video recordings during his/her observership.

At the end of your observation, upon request a certificate can be issued by Pediatric Critical Care as evidence of successful completion of the program. You will also be asked to complete an exit survey at this time. This is your opportunity to provide feedback on how we can improve our program.

For more information, please contact:

• Program Coordinator Desri Lashley-Rogers at 410-328-6957.
• Program Director Adrian Holloway, MD at 410-328-6957.