University of Colorado Program
Location:
Aurora, COSpecialty:
Pediatric transplant hepatologyACGME Code:
3380732001Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship
The Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Colorado is an ACGME-accredited program designed to train future leaders in pediatric transplant hepatology. The program spans one year, with a strong focus on inpatient and outpatient care of children dealing with a variety of hepato-biliary conditions, including those requiring transplantation. Approximately 50% of a fellow's time is dedicated to a mentored research project, alongside opportunities to educate and supervise pediatric residents and GI fellows.
Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus east of Denver, Children’s Hospital Colorado is a 444-bed facility and the only pediatric liver transplant center in Colorado and its neighboring states. The program aims for 12 to 20 pediatric liver transplants annually, currently following 110 post-transplant patients, supported by over 30 years of experience in the field. Fellows are also exposed to a multidisciplinary clinical care team, collaborating with experts in radiology, pathology, anesthesiology, and infectious diseases, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum meets the eligibility requirements for American Board of Pediatrics sub-specialty certification in Pediatric Transplant Hepatology. Fellows spend six months on inpatient and consultation liver/transplant services at Children’s Hospital Colorado. A one-month clinical rotation is conducted at the University of Colorado, providing exposure to adult liver transplant activities. The remaining five months focus on research, either clinical, translational, or basic science, in pediatric hepatology and transplantation medicine. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will also participate in bi-weekly hepatology/transplant clinic at the hospital.
Call Responsibilities and Vacation
The fellowship does not entail formal call responsibilities; however, fellows are expected to observe specific transplant procedures and be on-call for significant emergencies. Vacation allowances include three weeks, which can be taken in one or two-week periods in accordance with ACGME regulations.
Research Opportunities
The program boasts substantial research capabilities, with over $3.5 million in annual grant support. Research opportunities span various topics including but not limited to biliary atresia, cystic fibrosis-related liver disease, hepatitis types, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and complications associated with liver transplantation. Fellows engage actively within this rich academic environment, participating in numerous conferences and collaborative studies.
Educational Conferences
Fellows benefit from a strong educational framework that includes weekly case rounds, topic conferences, and multidisciplinary meetings focused on liver transplant candidates. There are also monthly pathology and radiology conferences aimed at enhancing diagnostic skills. Participation in a Pediatric Liver Journal Club allows fellows to engage in critical reviews of recent literature related to hepatology.
Application Process
Applying to the fellowship requires candidates to be board eligible or certified in general pediatrics and have completed a three-year fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation (including one from a division chief or fellowship program director), and a personal statement outlining career goals and interests in transplant hepatology. The program encourages a diverse fellowship environment and offers visa sponsorship for international applicants, providing a range of visas suited for medical training.
Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements
The Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is highly competitive, considering each applicant's academic performance, research experience, and dedication to the field. Special application requirements include a maximum of two failed STEP exams and an expected graduation date from prior training programs. Selected candidates typically partake in interviews from May through December.
Benefits
Fellows receive salaries based on the CU residency scale alongside standard medical and dental benefits. Additional funds are allocated for travel to medical conferences and educational materials. Call duties are evenly distributed among fellows, ensuring a manageable workload while maximizing educational opportunities.
Website
Director
Amy G Feldman, MD, PhDProgram Director, Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Appointed Since October 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$98,513First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
11XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Aurora, CO
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Living in Aurora, CO
- Crime Rate and Safety: Aurora has a mix of safe neighborhoods and areas with higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before moving. Overall, the city has a moderate crime rate.
- Fun Activities: Aurora offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and parks. The city also has cultural attractions, shopping centers, and dining options.
- Climate: Aurora experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Snow is common in the winter, while summers are sunny and warm.
- Races and Population: The population in Aurora is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.
- Education: Aurora is home to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, providing opportunities for educational and research collaborations.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Aurora is slightly above the national average, with housing being one of the significant expenses.
- Nearby Cities: Denver is approximately a 30-minute drive from Aurora and offers a more extensive range of entertainment, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities.