University of Colorado Program

The University of Colorado's Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship program provides a comprehensive training experience for medical professionals seeking to specialize in this critical field. This 12-month fellowship is ACGME accredited and emphasizes both clinical training and scholarly research, fostering the development of skilled consultants in pediatric anesthesiology. The program is designed to ensure that fellows can provide compassionate and safe care for infants and children with complex health needs, as well as contribute to advancements in pediatric anesthesia practices.

Clinical Training

The primary clinical site for the fellowship is Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO), a leading tertiary care children’s hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. As a regional leader in pediatric care, CHCO has a network that spans seven states and includes a Level IV NICU and the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center in the area. The hospital is consistently ranked in the top 10 Children’s Hospitals nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and it serves as a vital training ground for fellows, administering approximately 35,000 anesthetics annually across a variety of pediatric surgical subspecialties. Fellow rotations encompass a wide spectrum of surgical procedures, including but not limited to pediatric cardiac surgery, complex neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and fetal interventions, contributing to a robust clinical experience.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship program features a well-rounded didactic curriculum, which consists of various educational activities aimed at preparing fellows for the Pediatric Anesthesiology Board Exam. These activities include:

• Twice-weekly morning conferences on core pediatric topics.
• Weekly fellows’ conferences, which incorporate journal clubs, workshops, and career development sessions.
• Grand rounds and monthly morbidity and mortality conferences.
• Access to online educational resources through platforms such as the Anesthesia Toolbox.
• Opportunities for multidisciplinary simulation exposure.

The curriculum is designed to ensure comprehensive learning and preparedness for board certification.

Scholarly Activity

A significant aspect of the fellowship is the commitment to scholarly activity. Each fellow is granted approximately 30 days of protected academic time annually to pursue research projects, presentations, and publications. Requirements include two presentations for morning conference series, participation in a Quality Improvement project, and opportunities for submitting work to prestigious conferences and journals, such as the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. This focus on research allows fellows to develop their academic skills and contribute to the field of pediatric anesthesiology.

Stipend and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive stipend, which for the 2024-2025 academic year is $90,473. Additional benefits include travel and education funds (up to $2,500), vacation days (15), sick days (5), and scheduled education or conference time (5 days). Fellows are also entitled to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, disability and life insurance plans, and a voluntary retirement savings plan.

Application Process

The program accepts up to seven fellows each year through the San Francisco Match system. Applications must include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and exam scores. All interviews are conducted virtually, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.

Eligibility and Visa Support

Eligibility requirements stipulate the successful completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and a passing score on the USMLE or COMLEX step 3 exam. The program can sponsor J1 visas for international applicants but does not support H1B visas. Applicants must also have authorization to work in the United States.

The University of Colorado Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship is characterized by its supportive learning environment and commitment to fostering excellence in pediatric anesthesiology.