University of Colorado Program

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship at the University of Colorado is a robust two-year training program located within the prestigious Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and supported by the School of Medicine's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This ACGME-accredited fellowship trains pediatric physiatrists who are poised to become leaders in the field, equipped to practice in academic, private, or multidisciplinary settings. The program emphasizes education and mentorship, ensuring fellows develop clinical expertise through diverse experiences and resources.

Clinical Curriculum

The fellowship offers an extensive clinical curriculum tailored to prepare fellows for the challenges of pediatric rehabilitation. Each fellow participates in:

• Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation: 3 months per year
• Consultation Services: 2-3 months per year
• Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation: 5 months per year
• Research: 1 month per year, with flexibility to spread out
• Electives: 1-2 months per year

During electives, fellows may rotate through various subspecialties including Neurology, Orthopedics, and Sports Medicine among others.

Research Opportunities

The program provides comprehensive research training, allowing fellows to engage in both clinical and translational research projects. Two dedicated research months within the fellowship curriculum ensure that fellows can develop and complete meaningful research. Fellows collaborate with dedicated mentors and access cutting-edge facilities like the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis, which utilizes advanced technologies for gait analysis and clinical recommendations.

Application Process

Applicants seeking to join the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship must fulfill specific requirements. These include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or a combined Pediatrics/PM&R residency.
• American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation certification or eligibility.

The application process is facilitated through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To be considered eligible for interviews, candidates must submit a personal statement, CV, USMLE or COMLEX scores, MSPE, and letters of recommendation, including one from the PM&R Residency Program Director and one from a Pediatric Physiatrist. International Medical Graduates must have valid ECFMG certification and comply with the program's selection criteria.

Unique Features of the Program

The fellowship values community involvement, encouraging fellows to participate in volunteer activities, such as the Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health (ARCH) Program, which organizes adaptive skiing and outdoor sports for children with varying abilities. Additionally, fellows partake in continuity outreach clinics aimed at underserved populations, enhancing holistic care delivery across diverse communities.

Living Experience in Colorado

Living in Aurora, Colorado, where the program is located, offers a quality lifestyle enriched by a range of outdoor activities. With 300 days of sunshine, fellows can enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. The vibrant city of Denver, just a short drive away, features arts, concerts, and numerous recreational options making it an appealing place for residency. Furthermore, the fellowship experience is enhanced by the opportunities offered by a large metropolitan area with a diverse cultural community.

Stipends and Benefits

The fellowship stipends and benefits package is competitive and includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, retirement savings plans, and professional liability coverage. The financial wellbeing of fellows is monitored by the Graduate Medical Education Office, ensuring fellows receive appropriate remuneration aligned with their level of training. Details regarding leave and additional benefits are provided through the office’s resources.

Visa Support

The University of Colorado Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship is compliant with GME policies and assists international medical graduates in their application process. The program may sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants, supporting them throughout their training period to secure the necessary documentation needed to participate in the fellowship.

Fellowship Competitiveness

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship at the University of Colorado is viewed as a competitive program, attracting a wide array of applicants including U.S. graduates as well as international medical graduates. The thorough mentorship and extensive training environment provide fellows with a solid foundation upon which to build a successful career in pediatric rehabilitation.