The second round of observerships in 2024 started off with eight observers accompanying an OMI mentor for the month of September. Five observers from Armenia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Ethiopia joined their mentors at the Medical University of Vienna, two observers from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina spent their monthlong observership at the General Hospital of Salzburg, and one observer from Lithuania observed her mentors’ daily activities and hospital management at the Medical University of Graz.
To get a closer look at what an observership can entail, we asked one of the observers for a report of their day: Dr. Santa Ivanova from Latvia completed her observership under the tutelage of Prof. Georg Stary at the Department of Dermatology at the Medical Hospital of Vienna.
Santa Ivanova, MD
OMI Observer from Latvia
“My experience with the OMI observership was both enriching and educational. I had the opportunity to observe various medical practices and gain insights into the daily operations of the hospital. My day-to-day hospital schedule varied, but it typically included morning rounds with the medical team, followed by shadowing physicians in different departments. I was able to attend various procedures and discussions, which provided a comprehensive view of patient care.”
Within their time at the respective departments, observers have the chance to witness the treatment of rare diseases, the use of state-of-the-art technological equipment, and a standard of excellence in patient care. Dr. Ivanova recalls some of the highlights of her observership:
“During this observership, I learned to recognize many rare diseases, tried administering injections with the DermJet, and became familiar with the Vectra device. This experience is unique and unparalleled. During the observership, I gained new insights into the role of technology in medicine, particularly how tools like artificial intelligence can enhance patient engagement. This experience has motivated me to think about how I can integrate innovative solutions into my future practice. Overall, this experience has not only improved my clinical skills but has also increased my confidence in engaging with patients and colleagues alike.”
These experiences have the most impact once they are applied at hospitals in the observers’ home countries and shared with colleagues and patients. If you are interested in an OMI observership opportunity, the new application round for an observership between the months of September – December 2025 is open from Oct 1 – Nov 24, 2024.
We look forward to your applications!
