University of Colorado Program

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology residency program within its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which encompasses multiple specialized divisions focusing on various aspects of women’s health. This program is committed to providing high-quality clinical training, research opportunities, and community outreach aimed at advancing obstetric and gynecologic care. Each division within the department fosters environments for training future physicians through a robust curriculum that emphasizes both clinical and academic excellence.

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)

The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specializes in the evaluation and treatment of infertility and reproductive disorders. The faculty consists of board-certified physicians with extensive training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Their clinical focus ranges from basic infertility treatments to advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) technologies. The division operates out of Shady Grove Fertility clinics in Greenwood Village and Colorado Springs, providing fellows with exposure to both urban and suburban healthcare settings.1

Fellows in the REI program engage in a dual experience, integrating both clinical practice and research. The division has been recognized for accomplishments in research, including significant findings published in national meetings such as the ASRM prize paper presentations. The REI fellowship began in 2009 and is ACGME accredited, allowing trainees to excel in various clinical and research domains. This fellowship educates the next generation of fertility specialists while also being actively involved in community education and public advocacy for infertility awareness.1

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine focuses on high-risk obstetrics, providing comprehensive care for expectant mothers experiencing complications. Collaborating closely with UCHealth and Children's Hospital Colorado, the division is renowned for its maternal-fetal care services, including prenatal diagnosis and consultations for maternal and fetal diseases. This division supports numerous clinical sites across Colorado and Wyoming and is actively involved in research initiatives including clinical trials.4

Fellows in this division engage in both clinical care and extensive research encompassing a wide array of topics such as fetal growth restriction and maternal-fetal drug interactions. The program emphasizes educational opportunities for residents and medical students through both ward-based experience and didactic sessions, honing the skills necessary for a career in maternal-fetal medicine.4

Division of Family Planning

The Division of Family Planning is dedicated to advancing reproductive health and sexual healthcare. This division offers a Complex Family Planning Fellowship program, which provides clinical training and educational experiences focusing on evidence-based contraceptive management, abortion care, and broader reproductive health policies. The fellowship includes mandatory completion of a Master’s in Public Health and research collaboration opportunities across various departments.7

Division of Reproductive Sciences

The Division of Reproductive Sciences encourages scientific discovery aimed at addressing disorders affecting women’s reproductive health. Faculty members are engaged in diverse research areas, including cancer biology, infertility mechanisms, and gynecologic health. The division has been successful in securing external funding, which significantly contributes to its research capabilities.6

Fellows can collaborate across numerous labs that study topics from placental function to the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and cancer, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to reproductive health research.6

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The application process for the residency is notably competitive, welcoming both MD and DO graduates, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The specific application may require recent graduation from medical school, typically within the last five years, and there are guidelines regarding the maximum number of failed Step exams acceptable for consideration (usually no more than one). The program fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, aiming to engage applicants from various backgrounds.15

Visa sponsorship is available, specifically for J-1 visas, which aid qualified international applicants in pursuing their residency training in the United States.15

Community Impact and Research Opportunities

Each division within the department emphasizes community involvement and educational outreach, enhancing their focus on improving women's health on a larger scale. Research initiatives are robust across the divisions; fellows are encouraged to contribute to ongoing studies, develop their own research projects, and engage with cross-disciplinary teams that promote collaboration within the University of Colorado system and beyond.11