International Observership Program in Dermatology

The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology offers an International Observership Program focused in Dermatology for select physicians in other countries around the world. This Program is designed to enhance knowledge in general dermatology, in dermatological subspecialties, new technological advances in dermatology, and to provide exposure to dermatological care as practiced in one of the foremost training centers in the United States.

The Department of Dermatology is recognized internationally as a leader in dermatology. It has one of the largest dermatology faculty in the world, comprised of more than 30 full-time dermatologists and basic scientists and over 100 affiliated dermatologists. Our faculty includes many internationally recognized experts in the fields of pigmentation, immunology, keratin and molecular biology, pediatric dermatology, psoriasis, urticaria, skin cancer and melanoma, contact dermatitis, blistering diseases, lymphoma, dermatologic and cosmetic surgery, laser, vitiligo, and clinical pharmacology. The department's general and specialty clinics provide primary and consultative dermatologic care to over 100,000 ambulatory and hospitalized patients yearly.

The International Observership Program in Dermatology consists of clinical observation, a formal didactic curriculum, and mentoring in clinical research (optional). The International Physician Observer will rotate through the general and specialty clinics at the Charles C. Harris Skin and Cancer Unit at Tisch Hospital and the clinics at the affiliated hospital facilities of Bellevue Hospital Medical Center and the New York Harbor Health Care System -Manhattan Veterans Administration Hospital. Our clinical faculty currently numbers over 100 dermatologists, who along with our staff of 23 residents and 8 fellows, render both generalized and highly specialized skin care to over 100,000 ambulatory and hospitalized patients each year. There are multiple clinic sessions each weekday at each site, in addition to daily morning and noon didactic sessions. The program is directed by Dr. Jean-Claude Bystryn.


International Observer from Chile, Dr. Pedro Lobos lecturing NYU Dermatology Faculty and Residents

General information

  • This program does not offer immersed exposure to the areas of specialty mentioned
    previously. Those applicants wishing such exposure should apply for a dedicated
    fellowship that is currently not available through this program.
  • International Observers will not provide direct patient care.
  • International Observers must hold a degree in medicine and documented training or
    specialization in dermatology.
  • International Observers are required to demonstrate their proficiency of the English
    language, either by a phone interview or satisfactory results of a TOEFL
    examination.
  • Upon successful completion of the program, International Observers will receive a
    certificate from the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York
    University School of Medicine.
  • This Program does not satisfy the eligibility requirements for certification by the
    American Board of Dermatology, which requires three years of training.

Payment & Refund Policy

  • There are 3 program duration options. The one-month program begins the 1st day
    of any month between September and June. The six-month and one-year programs
    begin in September of each academic year.
  • Tuition is the responsibility of the applicant and the fees are as follows:
    • $3,000 for one month
    • $15,000 for six months
    • $30,000 for one year
  • For those applicants wishing to attend for 6 months or less the fee will be $3,000 per month.
  • A 50% tuition deposit is required upon departmental approval of the application.
  • Final tuition installment is required 30 days before arrival.
  • All payments should be made out to "NYU Department of Dermatology" in the
    form of a check in U.S. currency.
  • All cancellation notices must be received in writing 30 days prior to start date for a
    full refund.
  • Tuition is non-refundable if notice is received after the required 30 days.
  • For those observers who are in the 6 months or 1 year program, if for any reason
    a decision is made to cancel half-way through, 50% of the total months left will be
    refunded.

Other Requirements

  • Application should be received no later than 3 months before the requested start
    date.
  • Housing is in short supply in Manhattan and is the responsibility of the applicant. Temporary housing is available around the medical center but is not guaranteed. Additionally, there are numerous web listings and real estate offices which can serve as useful resources.
  • Copy of your CV (curriculum vitae)
  • On a separate sheet of paper describe your career goals and how this Observership will help you attain these goals (approximately 500 words).
  • Please provide the names and addresses of at least three physicians who will be writing letters of recommendation on your behalf. At least one should be a preceptor of your pre- or postdoctoral training and one should be your present Chairman or Chief.
  • All applicants participating in the program must obtain a B1-Visa and upon entering the US your I-94 card must be stamped B1. Nonimmigrants who wish to visit the US for business must obtain a B1 visa to enter the United States. Generally these visas are valid for five to ten years. However, the visa holder is only allowed to remain in the US while his or her I-94 card is valid. B1 holders should return to their home country or apply for a visa extension before their I-94 card expires. Failure to extend the visa or return home can result in the current visa being revoked and future visa applications being denied.

International Observers from Chile, Dr. Pedro Lobos and Dr. Gonzalo Eguiguren with NYU Dermatology Faculty and Residents (5th & 6th from the left)