Welcome

The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes visiting scholars interested in observerships, research, and volunteer (without salary, WOS) temporary positions. Visiting scholar appointments are available to individuals who hold an active appointment at another institution as a health care professional or are learners in a health profession–related course of study. These appointments allow scholars to observe patient care and/or participate in research at UCSF. All appointments—domestic or international—require a faculty sponsor and an official invitation to become affiliated with UCSF.

Observerships

There are different types of observerships with specific requirements and processes. These include visiting peer faculty/MDs, fellows, and undergraduate or graduate students.

International visitors require a self-sponsored B-1 visa, which must be obtained independently.

MD (Peer Faculty) Visitors

• Maximum visit: 90 days (non-consecutive)

• Processing time: 45 days

Student (Undergraduate/Graduate) Visitors

• Maximum visit: 5 days (non-consecutive)

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Processing time: 45 days

Research Opportunities for Visiting Scholars

Research appointments are available for scholars on leave from an academic appointment or students enrolled in an accredited degree-granting program who wish to participate in a short-term educational research project under the supervision of a faculty sponsor.

APM 430 Visiting Scholars (required to be on-site) may participate in research if they are:

• Affiliated with an institution and on leave, or

• A student enrolled in an accredited degree-granting program

Processing Timeline

• Domestic visiting scholars: 45 days

• International scholars: 6 months, including faculty-sponsored J-1 visa processing

Appointment Period

• Standard appointment: up to 1 year

• May be extended for an additional year
  Note for UC students: Review instructions and requirements before applying.

APM 430 Requirements

• Resume/CV: Required

• Medical Insurance: Visiting scholars must provide proof of and maintain health insurance for the duration of their appointment. International students with appointments longer than 90 days require faculty-sponsored health insurance.

• Self-Funding: Scholars must provide proof of funding: $3,141/month. Additional $375/month per dependent is required for dependents. If supported by someone else (e.g., parent/guardian), a letter of support and proof of funds (bank statement, etc.) is required.

Additional Requirements for International Undergraduate Visitors (J-1 Visa Sponsorship)

• At least 51% of funding must come from a non-personal source (e.g., home institution, government, scholarship, or grant)

• J-1 visa required for scholar and dependents

• Faculty sponsor provides invitation letter for visa process

• More visa information: UCSF International Students & Scholars

Verification of Enrollment: Students Only

Required documentation:

• Copy of Student ID

• Enrollment form or Letter of Enrollment from the university registrar

UC Student Visitor

• Affiliation granted to students currently enrolled at a UC campus

• Appointments must align with current enrollment

• Summer affiliations: Proof of both Spring and Fall enrollment required

• Extensions: Permitted at the end of each semester, but a new application is required for each extension

Campus Staff Volunteer

• Eligible volunteers must be at least 16 years old

• Volunteers assist with approved projects under supervision of an academic appointee or staff member

• Volunteer work is intended to supplement, not replace, staff or faculty duties, except incidentally

• Volunteer appointments are limited to one year and may be renewed only if initial appointment was less than one year

For more information: orthovisitingscholars@ucsf.edu