University of Colorado Program
Location:
Aurora, COSpecialty:
Child and adolescent psychiatryACGME Code:
4050711021The program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado focuses on producing leaders in the field with a robust clinical and educational foundation. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a comprehensive two-year program, dedicated to improving clinical skills as well as scholarly and advocacy competencies among its fellows.
Program Mission
The mission of the program is to enhance the lives of children and families through evidence-based, family-focused mental health care. The program is committed to delivering high-quality care while ensuring patient safety as a top priority, including services offered both in-person and through telehealth modalities 1.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum is designed to develop clinical expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents across a wide spectrum of mental health issues. Fellows participate in rotations that cover various clinical settings, gaining experience in providing evidence-based interventions with graduated clinical autonomy.
Rotations and Clinical Exposure
Fellows engage in a variety of comprehensive clinical experiences that encompass inpatient, outpatient, and integrated mental health services. The program includes rotations at key clinical facilities, such as the Child Psychiatric Unit and adolescent units, which provide a hands-on environment for learning through both direct care to patients and collaborative inter-professional practice 1.
Research Opportunities
The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to participate in mentored scholarship projects. They are required to produce a poster and/or a manuscript based on their research findings. There is also a dedicated track for psychiatry residents interested in pursuing research opportunities alongside their clinical training, further integrating research into the education process 1.
Research areas focus on intervention and implementation, neuroscience, and clinical phenotyping, with investigations aimed at optimizing mental health treatment practices for youth. The program emphasizes community engagement in research, reflecting the unique needs of Colorado populations and contributing to national advances in child psychiatry 1.
Training Sites
The core training sites for the fellowship include the Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and various community-based clinics. These sites provide a diverse and rich resource for experiential learning, enabling fellows to address multifaceted health and wellness needs among children and adolescents 2.
Special Programs
Additionally, the fellowship supports rotation opportunities for residents seeking an interest in child and adolescent psychiatry. Residents can explore clinical experiences in related fields such as pediatrics and pediatric neurology, providing them with a well-rounded educational experience 1.
Community Outreach and Advocacy
Community outreach is a significant aspect of the program's mission. The fellowship includes various initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and well-being through educational programs and partnerships with local organizations. This engagement ensures that fellows not only develop clinical skills but also learn the importance of advocacy for systemic changes to improve mental health care services for children and families 1.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas supported typically include J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international candidates wishing to apply. The program is known to be competitive; however, it remains friendly to qualified DO and IMG candidates who demonstrate aptitude and commitment to the field 2.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to have completed their general psychiatry residency and to demonstrate proficiency in relevant examinations with no more than one failed attempt on any of the STEP exams. Moreover, the program seeks candidates who exhibit initiative and a strong desire to advance their expertise in child and adolescent mental health 1.
Website
Director
Anne Penner, MDAssistant Professor, Program Director Appointed Since July 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$87,002First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Aurora, CO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Aurora, CO
- Crime Rate and Safety: Aurora has a mix of safe neighborhoods and areas with higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before moving. Overall, the city has a moderate crime rate.
- Fun Activities: Aurora offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and parks. The city also has cultural attractions, shopping centers, and dining options.
- Climate: Aurora experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Snow is common in the winter, while summers are sunny and warm.
- Races and Population: The population in Aurora is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
- Education: Aurora is home to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, providing opportunities for educational and research collaborations.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Aurora is slightly above the national average, with housing being one of the significant expenses.
- Nearby Cities: Denver is approximately a 30-minute drive from Aurora and offers a more extensive range of entertainment, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities.
Interview Questions
