International Gynecologic Oncology Observerships

Please note: All positions for the 2025 in-person observership have been filled. We will start accepting applications for 2026 in-person rotations in January 2025. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as we receive them.

The Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) offers two different gynecologic oncology observership programs:

• Virtual International Gynecologic Oncology Observership
• In-Person International Gynecologic Oncology Observership

Under the direction of Annekathryn Goodman, MD, a specialist in the Center for Gynecologic Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School, the gynecologic oncology observerships provide physicians from around the world the opportunity to expand their knowledge and deepen their expertise in caring for women with gynecologic cancers. 

These programs are intended for practicing physicians with prior experience caring for women with gynecologic cancers. There is no tuition cost. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Virtual International Gynecologic Oncology Observership

The MGH Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology offers a three-week virtual observership in gynecologic oncology.

Program Length:

This is a three-week observership. When completing the application form, please indicate two preferred months to observe.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the virtual observership includes remote attendance at daily morning didactics, including:

• Tumor Boards
• Pathology Conferences
• Gynecologic Oncology Journal Club
• Palliative Care Rounds
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds
• Teaching Conferences
• Global Health Conferences, Journal Club Meetings and Grand Rounds

In addition, participants will engage in regular study sessions with Dr. Goodman.

At the completion of the observership, each participant is expected to develop a written research project on a topic related to gynecologic oncology.

Requirements

One three-week rotation will take place each month, with no more than one physician invited per rotation. When completing your application, please indicate your preferred month to observe.

Each applicant must be a practicing physician or physician-in-training who takes care of women with cancer, is on staff at an institution, and is fluent in English.

Please note that each applicant must be able to commit to attending all the didactic sessions listed below (Eastern Time), plus two additional hours/week of independent study.

Monday

• 7:00 - 8:00 am – Gyn Oncology Fellow Journal Club (weekly)

Tuesday

• 7:00 - 8:00 am – Gyn Oncology Didactics (weekly)
• 8:00 - 9:00 am – Global Health Grand Rounds (monthly)
• 9:00 - 10:00 am – Global Health Community Meeting (monthly)
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm – Global Health Journal Club (monthly)

Wednesday

• 7:00 - 8:00 am – Gyn Oncology Tumor Board (weekly)
• 8:00 - 9:00 am – Palliative Care Grand Rounds (weekly)

Thursday

• 7:00 - 8:00 am – OB/GYN Resident Didactics (weekly)
• 8:00 - 9:00 am – OB/GYN Grand Rounds (weekly)
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm – Cancer Center Grand Rounds (weekly)
• 5:00 - 6:00 pm – Ethics Committee (monthly)

Friday

• 7:00 - 8:00 am – Independent Study (weekly)

How to Apply

To apply, please provide the following: 

1. Completed online application form (click “submit” at bottom of form)
2. Completed gynecology oncology assessment (click “submit” at bottom of form)
3. A letter of professional reference from director-level supervisor on hospital or institution letterhead. This letter should include: 

• Applicant and supervisor's positions at the home institution
• That the applicant works full-time and is in good standing at the institution
• Why the applicant is an excellent candidate for this observership
• What skills and interests the applicant will bring to the observership
• How the applicant’s participation in the observership will benefit the home institution

4. A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV)
5. A copy of your medical diploma
6. A copy of your medical license
7. A 500-word essay (in English) describing your current experience in taking care of women with cancer, your personal goals for the observership, and your vision for gynecologic oncology at your home institution

Please email items 3-7 to MGHGynOncInternatObserve@partners.org; alternatively, mail to: International Gynecologic Oncology Observership Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey 9E, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please send them to MGHGynOncInternatObserve@partners.org.

In-Person International Gynecologic Oncology Observership

The MGH Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology offers a two-month in-person observership in gynecologic oncology.

Program Length
This is a two-month observership, with no more than one physician invited for each rotation. There are six available rotations per year:

1. January-February
2. March-April
3. May-June
4. July-August
5. September-October
6. November-December

When completing the application form, please indicate your preferred rotation period.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the in-person observership includes attendance at daily didactic lectures, observation in clinics or the operating room, and work in our simulation center to hone operative skills. Please be advised that, in an observership program, visitors will not physically engage with any patients or advise on any cases; visitors will strictly be observing/shadowing our professional staff.

At the completion of the observership, each participant is expected to prepare and present to the faculty, students, residents, and fellows at MGH a lecture on a topic related to gynecologic oncology. MGH does not award medical education credits for observerships; upon successful completion of an observership program, visitors receive a certificate of attendance.

Requirements

Each applicant must be a practicing clinician on staff at an institution and fluent in English. The observership program is not suitable for students or individuals seeking residency opportunities at MGH or other United States institutions. Participation in our observership program does not have any bearing on any pending or future residency or fellowship applications. The MGH observership program is not affiliated with any Harvard Medical School programs. This position is unfunded. The visiting physician is expected to find their own funding for travel and living expenses and is responsible for making housing arrangements in Boston.

Learn more about living in Boston.

Massachusetts law and the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 require that observers obtain health insurance during their time at Massachusetts General Hospital. The United States government does not provide health care; observers are responsible for purchasing private health insurance.

How to Apply

The following information should be submitted at least 3 months prior to your chosen rotation:

1. Completed online application form (click “submit” at bottom of form)
2. Completed gynecology oncology assessment (click “submit” at bottom of form)
3. Current copy of your curriculum vitae (CV)
4. Two letters of professional reference (from director-level supervisors) on hospital/institution letterhead. These letters should include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Your position at your home institution
• That you work full time and are in good standing at your institution
• Why you are an excellent candidate for this observership
• What skills/interests you will bring to the observership
• How your participation in the observership will benefit your home institution

5. A copy of your medical diploma
6. A copy of your medical license
7. A 500-word essay describing your current experience with taking care of women with cancer, your personal goals for the two months of study and training at MGH, and your vision for gynecologic oncology at your home institution.

Please email items 3-7 to MGHGynOncInternatObserve@partners.org; alternatively, mail to: International Gynecologic Oncology Observership Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey 9E, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Please note that, during the application process, you will also need to provide a copy of your visa to the United States and a copy of your government-issued ID.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please send them to MGHGynOncInternatObserve@partners.org.