Observerships
MUHC Observership Program
The MUHC Observership Program at the McGill University Health Centre offers structured, short-term observational experiences within a leading academic health network.
Observerships allow participants to gain exposure to clinical environments, healthcare delivery, and interdisciplinary team-based practice. These experiences are strictly observational and hands-off. Observers do not participate in direct patient care, procedures, documentation, or research activities.
The program is designed for individuals seeking to better understand clinical practice, professional roles, and the functioning of a tertiary and quaternary care academic institution.
An observation placement does not involve direct clinical care. This means there is:
- no hands-on clinical care
- no patient interaction
- no access to restricted areas within clinical units
- no access to computer applications (OACIS, MedUrge, etc.)
- no chart review
- no research work
Applications for an observation period are only approved if the candidate meets the MUHC's requirements.
Processing times for observership requests (Options A, B, C, and D) may take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Requests submitted with incomplete, missing, or late documentation, or requiring additional documentation, may be declined.
Options A, B and D
Required documents:
- Observership Request
- Agreement form to be completed
- Immunization Record (upon request)
Delay for approval: 2 – 4 weeks
IMPORTANT: Year 3 and 4 students are not eligible.
Required documents:
- Observership Request
- Agreement form to be completed
Delay for approval: 1 week
All interested individuals (provincial, national,international)
Required documents:
- Observership Request
- IMPORTANT: Information regarding required documentation to be sent following receipt of request.
Delay for approval: Your request must be approved by the ESD 6 weeks prior to the start date.
An administrative processing fee of $250 CAD applies. Observership requests will not be processed until payment has been received.
Option C
The MUHC Observership Program offers McGill undergraduate and graduate students in non-medical programs access to observership opportunities through the MEDSPECS Program (Medical Perspectives), a McGill University program supporting students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
The MUHC Education Directorate coordinates requests and oversees the process of application and eligiblity.
The program has been approved by the Collège des médecins du Québec with the clear understanding that participation is strictly observational. Students may observe clinical activities but are not permitted to engage in direct patient care.
Required document
- Observership Request
For additional information:
- MEDSPECS email: [email protected]
- MUHC Education Directorate Observership Program email: [email protected].
The High School and CEGEP Observership Program at the McGill University Health Centre offers motivated Secondary IV and V (Sec 4 and 5) and CEGEP students a unique opportunity to explore careers in healthcare within a leading Canadian academic hospital affiliated with McGill University.
Through short-term, structured shadowing experiences, students observe healthcare professionals in a clinical setting and gain insight into hospital operations, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the realities of patient-centered care. Observerships are strictly hands-off and observational in nature.
This experience is designed to support students as they make informed decisions about CEGEP pathways, university studies, and future careers in the health sciences.
Required document
- Observership Request
Please note: Not all services are accepting Observerships. Please contact us directly to inquire at [email protected].
Location
Glen site (Montreal Children's Hospital)
Glen site (Royal Victoria Hospital)
Montreal General Hospital
Lachine Hospital
The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital)
