University of Colorado Program

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a range of highly specialized fellowship programs under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, catering to both domestic and international medical graduates seeking to advance their careers in women’s health. Fellowships include Complex Family Planning, Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, OB-GYN Hospitalist, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, among others. Each of these programs is designed to provide comprehensive clinical training, research opportunities, and exposure to diverse populations.

Program Features

1. Complex Family Planning Fellowship: This two-year ACGME accredited fellowship focuses on abortion training, contraceptive management, and adolescent health. Fellows receive master’s level training in epidemiology and biostatistics, including direct involvement in clinical rotations at various training sites. The program emphasizes research in clinical studies relating to abortion and contraception; thus, research mentorship is provided through collaborations with various departments, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Public Health. Fellows can also liaise with a research coordinator to navigate IRB requirements and develop their scholarly projects. Low-resource family planning training opportunities are available, particularly aimed at underserved populations, including rural and Native American communities. The application requires an ERAS submission, and the fellowship is noted for being competitive yet friendly toward DO and IMG candidates, limited to one fellow per year.1

2. Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship: This three-year program also has ACGME accreditation and accepts one to two fellows annually. The first year primarily concentrates on basic science and translational research; the subsequent years focus on building clinical skills in the management of gynecologic cancers. The fellowship incorporates training at two major hospital sites, including Denver Health Medical Center, which serves a diverse patient population. This program nurtures future academic physician-scientists and provides structured teaching formats, including opportunities to lead rounds and supervise clinical activities.2

3. Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship: This three-year program integrates a significant research component, allowing fellows to spend at least a year in dedicated research. Training occurs within the high-risk obstetrics clinic and involves collaboration with the Children’s Hospital Colorado, where fellows encounter a range of fetal anomalies. The curriculum includes extensive didactic education and hands-on experience with techniques such as genetic amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling. Candidates applying must hold a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to women’s health.3

4. OB-GYN Hospitalist Fellowship: This one-year fellowship focuses on developing leadership skills within OB-GYN hospital medicine. The training takes place in a high-acuity referral center, providing exposure to a large volume of deliveries and gynecological emergencies. Fellows are encouraged to participate in quality improvement projects, enhancing their skillset in both practical delivery management and procedural competencies.4

5. Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Fellowship: This two-year fellowship aims to cultivate clinicians capable of providing comprehensive care to patients ranging from birth to 25 years. The training emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, focusing on conditions specific to pediatric gynecology. The fellows are expected to engage fully in clinical practice and develop research projects that seek to contribute value to existing knowledge in the field.5

Curriculum and Rotations

Each fellowship has a distinct curriculum with rotations designed to maximize exposure to various clinical settings, including:

• Inpatient and outpatient care in high-risk obstetric and gynecological environments.
• Opportunities to work with diverse patient populations across community health settings.
• Integration of research responsibilities, with the expectation that fellows will contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields through publications and conference presentations.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowships at the University of Colorado offer several unique aspects:

• Strong Faculty Support: Each program is staffed by a diverse faculty with specialized training, enabling tailored mentorship and guidance in research as well as clinical practice.
• State-of-the-art Facilities: Training occurs at a cutting-edge medical campus that is heavily invested in medical education and research.
• Robust Research Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged and supported in their research endeavors, with access to resources for grant writing, collaboration, and dissemination of their findings.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The program actively promotes diversity and inclusion across all fellowship tracks, ensuring a culturally competent training environment.6

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The University of Colorado’s fellowship programs are open to international medical graduates, with visa sponsorship available for J-1 and H-1B visa types. The fellowship programs have a reputation for being competitive; however, they remain inclusive and supportive towards applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs.7

Application Requirements

Each program has specific requirements, typically focusing on ERAS applications, USMLE scores, and the submission of letters of recommendation. Competitiveness metrics may vary by program, but the overall aim is to identify candidates who excel in academic standing and commitment to women’s health.8

Living in Denver

The social and professional environments enrich the fellowship experience. Denver is well-known for its outdoor activities, culture, and diversity, offering fellows a vibrant community to engage with during and post-training. The city provides ample opportunities for leisure activities, including hiking, dining, sports, and arts, contributing to an overall balanced lifestyle for fellows while they focus on their rigorous training programs.9