University of Colorado Program

Pediatric 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.