Brookdale Hospital — Psychiatry Externship Program
Brooklyn, New York · Observership
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
Brookdale Hospital Medical Center (part of One Brooklyn Health System) runs a structured Psychiatry Externship Program for International Medical Graduates seeking residency in psychiatry and exposure to US psychiatric practice.
Program structure: full-time, 12 months, volunteer (non-paid) basis. Separate from the ACGME-accredited Psychiatry Residency at Brookdale and not accredited itself. Director: Sahar Abzakh, MD (also Director of the Adult Outpatient Clinic).
On satisfactory completion of the externship, externs may request letters of recommendation. Brookdale is explicit that satisfactory completion does not guarantee acceptance into the residency program.
Application materials: medical degree from accredited medical school, Dean's letter, USMLE certification, CV, personal statement. Contact program coordinator at [email protected] or 718-240-5669.
Caveat for applicants: full-year unpaid clinical externships of this kind are a common but contested USCE model. Evaluate whether the LOR potential and US-psychiatry exposure justify a year of unpaid full-time clinical service in your specific case.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- INTL physicians eligibleOpen to international medical graduates
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 12 months full-time of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Psychiatry
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
How to apply
- Identify a faculty host or coordinator at the program.Many IMG observerships require a faculty sponsor BEFORE you can apply. Use the contact email in the sidebar.
- Submit your application packet directly to the program.Typical packet: CV, USMLE scores or ECFMG certificate, letter of intent, proof of funding, immunizations, and (for INTL) translated medical license.
- Pay any required application or program fee.Many programs charge a non-refundable application fee + per-rotation program fee. See the cost tile above for this program's specific amounts.
- Complete pre-arrival paperwork and visa coordination.Most IMG observerships do not sponsor educational visas — applicants travel on B-1/B-2 visitor status. Confirm before booking travel.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
MD/MBBS, USMLE Step 1, health clearance | Visa: B1/B2
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