Denver Health Medical Center Program

The Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine educates, trains, and prepares emergency medicine residents to become exceptional clinicians and future leaders in the field. The program is strategically located at Denver Health, the oldest continuously operating hospital in Colorado, and the only Level I Trauma Center within the city of Denver. Having been established in 1860, Denver Health is renowned for its commitment to provide level-one care to all individuals, irrespective of their ability to pay.

As a comprehensive integrated healthcare organization, Denver Health emphasizes providing exceptional care to underserved populations. The facility serves approximately 150,000 residents in Denver, with a substantial focus on the health needs of those marginalized by socioeconomic factors. This setting provides a rich environment for residents to gain breadth and depth in emergency medicine across diverse clinical environments.

Program Structure

The residency program spans four years and incorporates clinical training across various emergency departments, including the Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC) and the University of Colorado Hospital. Additionally, residents rotate through community and specialized medical facilities, enhancing their exposure to different patient demographics and clinical challenges.

Curriculum

The core educational philosophy focuses on clinical excellence, with the program featuring a graduated responsibility model. This approach encourages residents to take ownership of patient care while developing their skills progressively throughout each year.

During the initial intern year (EM1), residents will build their clinical toolbelt through rotations across disciplines such as Medical and Neurologic Critical Care, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, and various emergency medicine rotations. The subsequent years (EM2 to EM4) emphasize increasing responsibility, clinical leadership, and teaching, culminating with senior residents managing the overall emergency department operations during their final year (EM4).

Didactic Training

Residents benefit from structured didactic sessions, held every Wednesday morning, creating an environment of collective learning among peers and faculty. The curriculum is designed to incorporate frequent small group discussions and hands-on skill labs to enhance knowledge retention and practical skills. Professional development, including workshops on research methods and evidence-based practice, form a significant component of the didactic training.

Clinical Rotations

Training is diverse, with rotations that not only cover emergency medicine but also critical care, pediatrics, and anesthesia, as well as community-based healthcare experiences. The volume of patients served in these rotations at the DHMC alone is substantial, approximately 120,000 annually, contributing to a well-rounded residency experience.

Residents rotate through additional sites, such as the Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Highlands Ranch Hospital, providing exposure to specialized care and different patient populations.

Research Opportunities

The program strongly encourages research participation, offering residents the opportunity to delve into clinical questions and contribute to advancements in emergency medicine. A dedicated research fellowship is available, designed not only to foster research capabilities among residents but also to complement clinical training with research skills.

Support for International Medical Graduates and Visa Sponsorship

The Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine is open to international medical graduates and supports J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, making the program accessible to a diverse applicant pool. This inclusivity reflects the program's dedication to enhancing diversity within its ranks, mirroring the diverse population of its served communities.

Unique Features

The program emphasizes health equity through its unique support structures, including mentorship opportunities targeted at underrepresented minority groups in medicine. Engaging in community outreach and service is fundamental to the residency's culture, fostering a deep understanding of the social determinants of health.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a comprehensive application through ERAS, including letters of recommendation, clinical experience, and any research involvement. The program does not set a minimum USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 score requirement and accepts COMLEX scores in lieu of USMLE scores. Attention to holistic evaluation during application processing ensures that all candidates are considered fairly based on their complete profile.

The Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine stands as a leader in training future emergency medicine physicians, emphasizing clinical excellence, diversity, community engagement, and a commitment to health equity.