Griffin Hospital (Yale-affiliated) Clinical Observership
Derby, Connecticut · Observership
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut, a Yale New Haven Health affiliate, runs a structured clinical observership focused on foreign medical graduates pursuing US training. The program is tightly gated: applicants must be graduates (not students), must already hold ECFMG certification, must have passed USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt, and must have scored at least 230 on Step 2 CK on the first attempt. Three observer slots are offered at a time across General Medicine, a Neuro-Cardiac Telemetry service, and a Flex Team. The rotation lasts four weeks and costs $900, payable six weeks before start; the fee is non-refundable. Applicants submit a completed application or ERAS common form, cover letter, CV, USMLE transcripts, ECFMG certificate, medical school diploma, at least one recent clinical reference, proof of health insurance, and a full immunization workup. English proficiency (TOEFL) is encouraged but not universally required. Griffin does not sponsor visas and does not provide housing. Observers bring their own white coat and clinical instruments. The program does not automatically produce LORs; observers must build relationships with preceptors and request them independently.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- Tier-A recommendedFlagged as a top program in our directory
- LOR eligibilityLetter of recommendation possible at attending discretion
Watch for
- USMLE Step requiredUSMLE Step 1 first-attempt pass; Step 2 CK ≥230 first attempt
- ECFMG certificationYes — required
- No visa sponsorshipINTL applicants must self-arrange B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 1 month (4 weeks) of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Internal Medicine / Multi-specialty
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
- Letter of recommendation eligibility (attending discretion)
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
ECFMG-certified IMG graduates only; USMLE Step 1 first-attempt pass, Step 2 CK ≥230 first attempt; valid visa and immunizations required.
USMLE / COMLEX: USMLE Step 1 first-attempt pass; Step 2 CK ≥230 first attempt
ECFMG: Yes — required
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