Observerships give learners an opportunity to shadow a Baycrest health-care provider in a clinical setting. Observers will have the chance to learn and share knowledge about a particular specialty.

Our observerships are open to:

• Licensed health professionals from Canada or elsewhere
• Non-Baycrest students who have a commitment from a staff member to supervise them

Observers may watch clinical activities while accompanied by their supervisor. They cannot take part in patient care.

We also offer non-clinical observerships in areas that do not involve exposure to patients or patient information, such as engineering or public relations. To request a non-clinical observership, contact [email protected] or 416-785-2500 ext. 2518.

Finding a supervisor

It’s your responsibility to find a Baycrest staff member in your program of interest who can act as your supervisor. You can consult this list of primary supervisor contacts (PDF).

If you don’t have a supervisor, you can email [email protected] with your learning goals and a current curriculum vitae (CV). We will do our best to help you connect with a supervisor, but we can’t guarantee a match.

How to apply

Once you have confirmed a supervisor, we will send you the observership application package.

Please note: There is a non-refundable registration fee for international students and guests. This fee is waived for students enrolled in affiliated educational institutions, with proof of registration. For fee details or questions, contact [email protected].

Please apply at least 90 days before your requested observership start date. The maximum length of an observership is six weeks.

The application steps are as follows:

1. Secure a supervisor (see Finding a supervisor above).
2. Complete and sign the observership application and include:
   • Photo identification
   • Proof of licensure or equivalent (if applicable)
   • Proof of health insurance to cover the observership period
   • Your learning objectives
3. Complete and sign a confidentiality agreement.
4. Complete the health and safety clearance form, including proof of immunization and a two-step tuberculosis skin test.
5. Include a copy of your CV and a photo of yourself.
6. Email all documents together to [email protected].

Once your documents are received, the student coordinator will review your application. If your application is approved, we will email you with your next steps.

You will receive a certificate upon completion of your observership. Letters of recommendation are provided at your supervisor’s discretion.

Please note: Baycrest does not assist with housing or visitor visa arrangements.

Our structured IPE placement gives students the chance to work in small groups with peers from other clinical professions over a five-week period. Each session lasts 90 minutes and focuses on geriatric topics such as successful aging, communication and the “geriatric giants.”

The program uses case-based learning, simulation and other fun activities. Students learn about other professions and how collaboration leads to better care. Participants say the experience has impacted how they interact with older adults and approach teamwork.

Participation is limited, and students must attend all five sessions. Structured IPE placements are offered on an occasional basis and are only available to current students who are doing their placements at Baycrest at this time.

For more information, please email [email protected].

All Baycrest students are welcome to bring their lunch and attend these 60-minute sessions. We introduce students to a range of professional and clinical topics they can apply to IPE values and principles of care. Topics include team building, conflict resolution, motivational interviewing and responsive behaviours.

Lunch and learn sessions are offered on an occasional basis and are only available to current students who are doing their placements at Baycrest at this time.

For more information, please email [email protected].