University of Colorado Program

The Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Colorado is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in pediatric pulmonology. This program emphasizes comprehensive training through a mix of clinical, research, and educational opportunities.

Aims of the Program

The program operates under four core aims that focus on providing outstanding clinical training, research opportunities, career development plans, and promoting wellness and diversity:

• Clinical Training: Fellows receive extensive clinical and procedural training across pulmonary inpatient, outpatient, and consult services at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and affiliated training sites, ensuring that they are prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Research Opportunities: The fellowship affords exceptional access to clinical, translational, basic, quality improvement, and educational research projects to prepare fellows for successful academic careers.
• Career Development: The program establishes a career development plan to aid fellows in achieving their individual professional goals and includes connections to leadership and advocacy opportunities.
• Wellness and Diversity: Fellows are taught strategies to maintain wellness, resilience, and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within pediatric care.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The fellowship includes rotations in various specialized areas such as the Aerodigestive program, cystic fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and sleep medicine. Unique programs focused on complex airway, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders provide fellows with exposure to specialized and multidisciplinary cases.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research stands at the core of the fellowship, with approximately 26 months allocated for research activities throughout the three-year program. Fellows have access to over 55 faculty research projects and tools for research career development. Mentorship is provided by dedicated faculty members who support fellows' individual research pursuits and provide continual guidance throughout their research experience.

Educational Conferences and Learning Environment

The fellowship promotes a robust educational environment with regular conferences such as the Pediatric Pulmonary Grand Rounds, Journal Club, and various specialized multidisciplinary discussions. These platforms are designed to foster a rigorous academic atmosphere where fellows engage with faculty and peers on current issues in pediatric pulmonology.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The fellowship program is committed to enhancing diversity within its cohorts and supports applicants from varied backgrounds. The program engages in numerous DEI activities, including a holistic review process for fellowship applicants that emphasizes experiences beyond traditional academic metrics.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants must have successfully completed a residency in Pediatrics from an ACGME-accredited program. The fellowship has a competitive selection process, which considers a range of factors including letters of recommendation, a personal statement regarding interest in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, and other relevant application materials. The program does not set a strict limit on USMLE scores, highlighting its commitment to diversity and holistic review.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa sponsorship for fellowship candidates, specifically for those requiring an H-1B or J-1 visa to practice in the United States. This support facilitates international applicants in pursuing their fellowship training at the University of Colorado.

Benefits and Salary

The Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship provides a competitive salary and benefits package that aligns with other national fellows’ offerings. Additional support may be available for research-related activities and attendance at national conferences, further enhancing the fellows' professional development.