Please Note: It's flu season, which means you are required to have a flu vaccine if you are scheduled to shadow between 10/1/2024 - 3/31/2025. This must be noted on the Health Summary document, or a vaccine receipt must be uploaded to the application. If you are exempt, please upload an exemption document from a physician to the application.
How the Program Works
The VOE program allows students and working professionals to learn about careers in health care. This program is strictly observational only; there is no hands-on activity permitted. No observations with physicians will be scheduled on the evenings, weekends or holidays.
Applicants may request one observational experience per calendar year, not to exceed eight (8) hours. Additional hours may be requested based on school program requirements; however, accommodations may not be feasible and are made on a case-by-case basis and only if a preceptor is confirmed in advance.
Observers are limited in some clinical areas for the safety of patients and observers. No high school students are permitted in the operating rooms, cath labs, emergency departments, pediatric intensive care units or the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
The VOE program requires at least a one-step TB test completed in the past; it doesn't have to be current. A one-step test is required if you've never had a TB test.
The last section in regard to blood-borne pathogens as required by OSHA is not applicable to the VOE Program. You can leave that blank.
If you are ill (cold symptoms, fever, etc.) on the day of your observation, please email VOE@vumc.org and/or call your preceptor to let us know and reschedule for a later date. If you come to the observation with cold/flu-like symptoms, you will not be able to participate.
