University of Colorado Program

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Colorado, located in Aurora, is dedicated to excellence in training and patient care, building a legacy that spans over six decades. The program’s mission is to cultivate exceptional orthopedic surgeons equipped to make significant contributions to patient care on both local and national levels. The program emphasizes education, accountability, and community service while fostering lifelong relationships among residents and mentors.

The residency program features a robust curriculum designed to provide comprehensive exposure to Orthopedic surgery through diverse training opportunities available across multiple clinical sites in the Denver metropolitan area. Residents experience early exposure to various orthopedic subspecialties which equip them with the skills necessary for successful careers in private practice, fellowships, or rural settings.

Training Sites

The program operates in multiple training facilities to give residents an expansive and varied clinical experience. These sites include:

• University of Colorado Hospital: The cornerstone teaching hospital known for its Level 1 trauma designation.
• Denver Health Medical Center: A primary safety-net institution in Colorado, providing a full spectrum of orthopedic services.
• Children’s Colorado: This facility specializes in the orthopedic treatment of pediatric patients and provides cutting-edge comprehensive care.
• VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System: Focuses on the orthopedic needs of veterans.
• CU Boulder Sports Medicine Colorado Center
• Broomfield Hospital

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency follows a structured five-year curriculum with progressively increased responsibility for residents:

• PGY I: Involves a rotating surgical internship with training in various specialties, including general surgery, musculoskeletal radiology, and orthopedics.
• PGY II: Focuses on developing basic operative skills and includes substantial exposure to trauma orthopedic care.
• PGY III: Emphasizes refining surgical skills with advanced training in upper and lower extremities, spine, and sports medicine. A research rotation is included.
• PGY IV: Considered a senior year, this level provides specialized training across various orthopedic subspecialties.
• PGY V: Residents are expected to demonstrate autonomy in clinical and surgical functions; opportunities for research and international rotations are available.

This well-rounded training ensures residents are competent and independent in orthopedic practice by graduation.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities, with a unique six-year research track available for interested applicants, allowing an additional year dedicated to scientific inquiry prior to transitioning to clinical rotations. This track includes mentor-supported research, and salary is maintained at the PGY-3 level during the research year.

International Rotations

In the fifth year, residents have the unique opportunity to partake in international rotations, funded by the program. Current partnerships include options such as trauma teams in Panama and Peru and pediatric experiences in Guatemala City.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for residents and patients. This includes initiatives like the Diversity Scholarship aimed at underrepresented medical students in orthopedics, providing stipends for visiting rotations which are designed to encourage diversity in the applicant pool.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, typically supporting J-1 or H-1B visa categories. The competitive nature of the program is noteworthy, with applicants needing three letters of recommendation, which must include one from the Chair of the Orthopedics Department. Additionally, the program has no specific limit regarding Step exam failures, promoting a welcoming stance towards DO and IMG applicants.

Wellness Support

Recognizing the stress associated with residency, the program provides a variety of wellness resources, including mental health clinics, crisis resources, and programs designed to promote physical and mental well-being among residents.

Living in Denver

Denver is an attractive location for residents, known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, and high quality of life. The city provides ample opportunities for recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, and community events, making it an attractive environment to live and work during residency.