University of Colorado Program

Program Overview

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine encompasses a comprehensive three-year post-residency training program designed for pediatrics graduates who are board eligible or certified. This fellowship, situated within the Anschutz Medical Campus, collaborates with Children's Hospital Colorado and the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect. The primary objective of the fellowship is to cultivate leaders in the subspecialty of Child Abuse Pediatrics through rigorous clinical training, education, and research initiatives 1.

The fellowship program is integrated with the Kempe Center, which has a long legacy of impact in child protection initiated by C. Henry Kempe, a pioneering figure in the field. The center provides a robust interdisciplinary faculty composed of pediatricians, social workers, legal experts, and mental health professionals, fostering an environment conducive to comprehensive child welfare training 1.

Clinical Training

Fellows gain extensive clinical exposure through participation in the Child Protection Team, the only multidisciplinary child abuse team in Colorado. This team addresses the evaluation and treatment of children suspected of being victims of abuse, collaborating across a spectrum of healthcare professionals, social services, and law enforcement. Clinical responsibilities include diagnosing and treating serious injuries associated with physical abuse or neglect and attending specialized clinics dedicated to child abuse evaluations 1.

Training includes hands-on experiences such as conducting forensic autopsies and participating in local child fatality review teams. Fellows are also trained in collaborating with social service and law enforcement entities, thus ensuring a well-rounded approach to child protection and legal processes surrounding child abuse cases 1.

Research and Educational Opportunities

Research is a pivotal aspect of the fellowship, requiring fellows to engage in projects that contribute to knowledge in child abuse pediatrics. Fellows participate in formal educational training in research methodologies, biostatistics, and epidemiology, with the expectation to produce scholarly work suitable for presentation at conferences and publication in relevant journals 1.

Moreover, fellows can opt into additional educational tracks such as the Subspecialty Excellence in Educational Leadership & Scholarship (SEELS) program, focusing on developing academic careers in medical education through mentorship and community engagement 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants aspiring to enroll in the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics. Applications necessitate submission of an ERAS common application form, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, USMLE or COMLEX scores, a personal statement articulating interest in child abuse pediatrics, and three letters of recommendation. Prospective fellows should aim to demonstrate both motivation for academic learning and a commitment to child advocacy 1.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa support and is able to sponsor J-1 visa types for international medical graduates (IMGs) who qualify for the fellowship. The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse group of candidates, including U.S. graduates, DOs, as well as IMGs. The program emphasizes creating an inclusive environment that values diversity in learners 1.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Colorado offers a competitive salary and benefits package for fellows. Detailed information regarding stipends can be found within the program's administrative resource centers.

Summary of Training Sites

Training is primarily conducted at Children’s Hospital Colorado, a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center that is integral to the program, offering advanced support in pediatrics that ensures fellows can engage with a wide variety of cases involving child maltreatment 1.