Observership Applications

Observerships will be offered to qualified individuals one time per year, during the month of May only. Observers are expected to be available during the entire month of May.

Applications for the May 2024 observership have closed. To be considered for a May 2025 observership, email Tina Scheib at tlscheib@ucdavis.edu between October 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025 and include the following required materials in your submission:

» Please note: all application documents must be in a .pdf file format.

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Letters of Reference (minimum of 2)
  • Medical Degree / ECFMG Certificate (for International Applicants)
  • Personal Statement of Interest
  • Proof of completion of USMLE STEP exams 1 and 2 CK, or COMLEX exams. Completion of Step 3 is preferred. Step 2 CS is no longer required.
  • Research Interests
  • University Transcript
  • Current Visa, Green Card and Citizenship

Applications will be reviewed in February and applicants will be selected to participate in a web-video interview before final selection is made.

NOTE: We do not have availability outside of the month of May. Often applicants will visit our department in-person, hoping that we can offer additional slots. We kindly ask that you do not visit our department unannounced. If you have any questions about our program, please email Tina Scheib at tlscheib@ucdavis.edu

Observership Details

Our 4 week observership program provides exposure to two weeks each of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Included is the opportunity to attend our resident conferences, grand rounds, tumor boards, conferences, autopsies and brain cuttings. While on Anatomic Pathology individuals will participate in varies types of sign-out (including but not limited to Breast, Cytology, Endocrine, GI, and Gynecology). While on Clinical Pathology individuals will spend one week on Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank and Apheresis) and one week on Hematopathology sign-out. Additionally there are number of tutorials including Molecular Diagnostics, Point-of-Care Testing and Special Chemistry. Observers will present a Pathology case-based presentation to the department near the end of their rotation.

Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS)

Fourth year U.S. medical students can apply for our Pathology Elective courses by utilizing the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS). Students must have a minimum STEP 1 score of 210 and preference will be given to those interested in our residency program. If you have questions about the courses offered in the VSAS catalog, please email Tina Scheib at tlscheib@ucdavis.edu.