How do I know if the CIME education programs are for me?
CIME programs are open to ALL physicians and medical students from all over the world. However, some programs have been exclusively designed to meet the specific needs of fully trained physicians, residents, fellows, etc. We encourage you to carefully review appropriate program information and eligibility.

Can I participate in Cleveland Clinic’s CME conferences during my visit to Cleveland?
Yes, all CME conferences offered at Cleveland Clinic are open to our visitors. For more information, please visit our Center for Education website.

I am interested in starting an education program between Cleveland Clinic and my institution. What is my first step?
We would be delighted to learn about the program you have in mind. Email us at cime@ccf.org with more information.

What is the difference between a Medical Student Clinical Elective and an Observership?
Medical students in their final year who have completed their Step 1 USMLE may qualify to apply to the Medical Student Elective Program, offered through the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. The Elective Program provides a hands-on experience with academic credit.

What is the format for the “letters of recommendation” in support of my observership application?
The letters must be:

  • Issued within the past 12 months
  • Printed on physician’s or dean’s office letterhead with appropriate signatures

Letters of recommendation received from medical activities performed in countries other than your own country are also accepted.

Will I receive a letter of recommendation or be evaluated upon completion of my observership?
No. The limitations of being an observer at Cleveland Clinic do not allow for adequate assessment of clinical and surgical skill sets. As such, observers will shadow under the supervision of a Staff physician without the expectation of receiving a letter, telephone call or any other form of certification. However, CIME presents all observers with a certificate of attendance in the program.

Is there a dorm, or do you provide housing?
No, we do not have on-campus housing. All personal expenses related to participating in an observership program are the visitor’s responsibility.

If I am not accepted into the International Physician Observership Program, can my application fee be refunded or rolled over to the next period?
The program fee is $500. A $200 non-refundable processing fee, which will be applied toward the program fee, will be charged for all applications. Upon acceptance to the program, the remaining non-refundable balance of $300 will be due to hold your place. The non-refundable processing fee cannot be rolled over to a future period.

May I attend an observership program for more than one month?
CIME and our departments generally schedule one-month opportunities because much longer visits yield fewer benefits, and our highly competitive programs have a limited number of spots available per month.

Is it possible to waive the tuition fee or give me a scholarship?
CIME is unable to waive the tuition fees or offer any scholarships to prospective visitors. All international visitors observing in Cleveland Clinic medical departments are responsible for paying the tuition fees.

How do I arrange for an observership at Cleveland Clinic Florida or Abu Dhabi?
CIME facilitates observerships only at Cleveland Clinic main campus, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Get more information on observerships at other campuses:

If I am accepted in to the visitor program, what type of visa do I need to apply for?
If the visitor application is approved, visitors would be receiving an approval letter which could be used as a supporting documentation for a B1/B2 visa.

Will Cleveland Clinic help me get my visa?
Candidates who have been accepted into one of our international visitor programs will be sent an approval letter. This letter may be included in your application for a B1/B2 nonimmigrant “Temporary Business/Tourism” visa. This letter may also be shown to your admitting CBP officer at the port of entry. Please note that we do not support or sponsor any other visa classifications at this time.

How can I arrange for a Cleveland Clinic speaker for an upcoming event?
Cleveland Clinic physician speakers participate in:

  • International conferences to address physicians, nurses, administrators and allied health professionals
  • International Health Talks for patient audiences

They share clinical and surgical innovations through lectures and case presentations, highlighting cutting-edge procedures and novel technologies used — and often developed or refined — at Cleveland Clinic.

Lectures, presentations and Grand Rounds can also be transmitted live via videoconference to any location in the world that has the technical capability to receive it. Inquire by emailing us at cime@ccf.org.