University of Colorado Program

The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU SOM) offers a robust three-year fellowship training program in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, designed to prepare fellows for academic medicine. This program is located at the renowned Children’s Hospital Colorado, providing fellows with exceptional clinical training and varied research opportunities. The fellowship aims to equip trainees with vital skills in clinical care, research, and teaching, which are essential for a successful career in pediatrics.

In the first year, fellows primarily focus on clinical training, gaining hands-on experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. They also identify a primary research project and select a mentor, which establishes a foundation for their upcoming research years. The clinical training is complemented by didactic learning and exposure to a wide range of infectious diseases, providing a comprehensive education in management and treatment.

Training Structure

The fellowship consists of extensive training pathways that balance clinical service and research activities. The first year heavily emphasizes clinical rotation, wherein fellows spend roughly six months covering the inpatient service and engaging in outpatient care through pediatric infectious disease and HIV clinics. The fellowship is structured to ensure that fellows receive adequate exposure to various clinical issues, including complex infection scenarios.

During the subsequent years, fellows transition to focus more on research while maintaining clinical competencies. Although the second and third years allow more freedom to conduct research, the fellowship remains vigilant in fostering clinical skills and evidence-based practice throughout.

Clinical Training

Children’s Hospital Colorado serves as the clinical base for the fellowship. It operates as a freestanding 564-bed tertiary care facility that caters to a diverse patient population across multiple states. This provides an extensive range of clinical exposure for fellows, who encounter both common and rare infectious diseases in a multi-disciplinary environment.1

Throughout their clinical training, fellows are supported by a dedicated faculty comprising over 20 pediatric infectious disease specialists. This team provides supervision and mentorship, ensuring that fellows master subspecialty knowledge in various domains, such as antimicrobial stewardship, global health, and patient safety initiatives.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program. Fellows engage in impactful research initiatives focusing on areas such as respiratory viruses, epidemiology, and global health. The CU SOM fosters collaboration with various research institutions which provides additional avenues for scholarly activity and interdisciplinary research,2 thereby enriching the academic experience for fellows.

The program emphasizes the importance of publishing findings and grants, preparing fellows for future academic positions. Collaborative projects with established faculty and institutions enable fellows to gain practical skills in research methodology and data analysis, with a structured approach to developing and presenting their research projects.

Unique Program Features

The fellowship incorporates unique training aspects, including opportunities for global health experiences, where fellows may partake in international rotations in locations such as Guatemala. This not only enhances their understanding of global infectious diseases but also aligns with the fellowship's commitment to public health. Additionally, fellows may participate in specialized courses that enhance their learning of infectious diseases, diagnosis, and epidemiology.

Applicant Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants for the fellowship must demonstrate eligibility for a Colorado medical license and, for international medical graduates, hold a valid ECFMG certificate. The program is competitive, with applicants needing to have successfully completed pediatric residency training in a U.S. or Canadian accredited program. A passing score on the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 is also mandated prior to entering the fellowship,3 ensuring that fellows are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support and is able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types for qualified international applicants. This enables a diverse group of fellows to engage in this prestigious training opportunity, contributing to the program's collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

Educational and Professional Development

The curriculum also emphasizes professional development, providing training in leadership, educational strategies, and resilience to combat burnout and promote wellness among fellows. Fellows have opportunities to engage in educational initiatives such as the Subspecialty Excellence in Educational Leadership & Scholarship (SEELS) program, which focuses on enhancing their capabilities as future educators.

Residency and Fellow Demographics

The program aims to recruit a diverse cohort of fellows, fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere. This commitment to diversity ensures that the fellowship is enriched by different perspectives and practices, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience for all involved.4