University of Pittsburgh SOM International Visiting Student Program
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Clerkship
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM) operates a SEPARATE International Visiting Student Program distinct from its domestic LCME/AOA VSLO pathway (#cmo34f3q).
Eligibility (source page, verbatim): "This program is ONLY for international students who have completed their core clinical training and are in their final year of medical education."
Application is by merged-PDF email to [email protected] (preferred). The AAMC VSLO platform is also accepted, but the paper-application paper-PDF route is the path UPSOM recommends. All materials must arrive at least 3 months before the elective start date.
Duration is 4 weeks per elective; students may apply for up to TWO experiences total.
- Cost
- $4,500 per clinical elective, paid via Flywire after acceptance
- Visa
- UPSOM provides an acceptance letter and invoice for B-1/B-2 or J-1 visa applications
- Slot allocation priority
- (1) UPSOM students fill slots first; (2) domestic visiting students next; (3) international visiting students last. Availability "changes on a daily and weekly basis" per UPSOM
- Contact
- [email protected] — Office of Medical Student Research and International Studies, S594 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261. Phone 412-648-9040
Specialty-specific: Psychiatric clinical electives require a USMLE Step 2 score (not Step 1).
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- LOR eligibilityLetter of recommendation possible at attending discretion
Watch for
- USMLE Step requiredPsychiatry requires USMLE Step 2 (not Step 1). Other specialties: not specified on source page.
- Substantial program fee$4,500 per clinical elective (Flywire, post-acceptance)
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 4-week electives (up to 2 per applicant) of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Multiple Specialties
- 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
International students who have completed core clinical training and are in their FINAL year of medical education. Domestic LCME/AOA M4s should use the separate domestic VSLO row instead.
USMLE / COMLEX: Psychiatry requires USMLE Step 2 (not Step 1). Other specialties: not specified on source page.
Reviews
User-submitted feedback, moderated before publishing. Separate from the verification badges above (which check source-link provenance, not review endorsement).
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.