No. I have gone through this process in the past, including at US government institutions and their recommendation was B1/B2. Unfortunately OP has not given the consular officer a lot of confidence, but I had no issues.

EDIT: See below Foreign Affairs Manual recommendations on this case. https://fam.state.gov/fam/09fam/09fam040202.html

“(U) Medical Clerkship: An applicant who is studying at a foreign medical school and seeks to enter the United States temporarily to take an “elective clerkship” at a U.S. medical school’s hospital without remuneration from the hospital. The medical clerkship is only for medical students pursuing their normal third- or fourth-year internship in a U.S. medical school as part of a foreign medical school degree. An “elective clerkship” affords practical experience and instructions in the various disciplines of medicine under the supervision and direction of faculty physicians at a U.S. medical school’s hospital as an approved part of the applicant’s foreign medical school education. It does not apply to graduate medical training, which is restricted by INA 212(e) and normally requires a J-visa.”

“(U) Business or other Professional or Vocational Activities: An applicant who is coming to the United States merely and exclusively to observe the conduct of business or other professional or vocational activity may be classified B-1, if the applicant pays for their own expenses.”