University of Colorado Program

Overview of the Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed for graduates of ACGME-accredited psychiatry residencies. The fellowship provides advanced education and training in psychosomatic medicine, aimed at preparing fellows for leadership roles in delivering integrated health care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Training occurs at two primary clinical sites: The University of Colorado Hospital and Denver Health, allowing exposure to distinct patient populations and a variety of clinical experiences.

Program Goals

The primary goal of the program is to develop fellows' expertise in psychosomatic medicine through structured clinical experiences that also emphasize teaching skills for residents and medical students. The fellowship includes several elective tracks, allowing fellows to customize their training in ways that align with their interests and career aspirations. Tracks include Women’s Behavioral Health, Neurology, Family-Oriented Care, and Organ Transplant Psychiatry.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is divided into six-month blocks, with fellows spending three months at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) and three months at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC). Each institution provides robust inpatient Consultation-Liaison (C/L) services and several subspecialty rotations. During the UCH rotation, fellows are involved in the inpatient C/L service and various elective opportunities tailored to enhance their clinical practice.

University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)

As the leading tertiary care center in the region, UCH offers numerous specialty services and elective experiences. The first five months involve fellows spending half of their time on the inpatient C/L service while the remainder is dedicated to electives and academic responsibilities. The sixth month includes their junior attending month, granting fellows direct leadership experience overseeing the C/L service and supervising junior residents and medical students.

Electives Offered

Popular electives include:

• Non-Epileptic Seizure Clinic
• Huntington's Care Clinic
• Transplant Psychiatry
• Integrated Transgender Clinic
• Neuro-Palliative Clinic
• Inpatient Palliative Care

Fellows are encouraged to pursue electives that amplify their training experience and align with their career goals.

Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC)

DHMC plays a pivotal role as Colorado's primary safety-net hospital, serving a significant portion of Denver's population. Fellows engage in a variety of rotations, including:

• Inpatient C/L service
• Acute Center for Eating Disorders
• Addiction/Women’s Health
• Acute Rehabilitation Unit

Further information regarding specific experiences at DHMC will be available to fellows as part of their training.

Research Opportunities

Each fellow is expected to complete a scholarly project resulting in either a poster presentation or manuscript publication, contributing to the field of consultation-liaison psychiatry. The program encourages engagement in research, fostering a culture of inquiry and academic excellence among its fellows.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program accepts applications exclusively from PGY-5 candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key requirements include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency
• Passing scores on USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, achieved within no more than two attempts
• Active Colorado medical and DEA licenses
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• Formal documentation of residency training

International applicants must provide ECFMG certification documentation.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to provide visa sponsorship for international applicants, supporting those with J-1 and H-1B visa status, provided that they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Colorado is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated not only on their academic credentials and experiences but also on personal qualities such as motivation and professionalism. The selection process is inclusive of U.S. citizens, permanent residents, recommended candidates, and those meeting the necessary training prerequisites.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes collaborative learning, integrating hands-on clinical experiences with research and teaching opportunities. The strong focus on producing well-rounded psychiatrists who are not only skilled clinicians but also educators and researchers sets this fellowship apart from others.

Conclusion and Future Steps

Fellows will leave the program equipped with both the clinical acumen and leadership skills necessary to excel in the field of consultation-liaison psychiatry, contributing to the field through research, education, and direct patient care.