The Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency is a two-year program located at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. This accredited program prepares residents for board eligibility through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. In addition, residents are awarded a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Environmental and Occupational Health, which provides a solid foundation in public health principles applied to occupational settings.
The program is financially supported through various organizations including the Mountain & Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC), Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Pinnacol Assurance, Workwell Occupational Medicine, and National Jewish Health. This support helps to ensure that residents have access to the necessary resources to complete their training and postgraduate education effectively.
Location
The Anschutz Medical Campus is situated in Aurora, a vibrant part of the Denver metropolitan area. This location provides opportunities not only for education and training but also allows residents to enjoy the diverse cultural and recreational activities available in Denver and the surrounding areas.
Unique Rotations
The program offers unique clinical rotations, including local experiences at OSHA and NIOSH field offices. National Jewish Health, a leading institution in pulmonary medicine, serves as one of the core teaching sites. Furthermore, residents can access clinical research and practice opportunities at miner's clinics and surveillance clinics specifically tailored for legacy energy and defense workers.
Fellowship Opportunity
Another distinctive aspect of this program is the availability of a clinical fellowship in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This fellowship is among the few in the United States and provides trainees with mentorship from specialists in a range of domains, enhancing the learning experience for both residents and fellows.
Curriculum and Scholarly Projects
Residents must complete a scholarly project, and they actively participate in educational experiences such as monthly journal clubs, weekly case conferences, and MAP ERC Research Day presentations. These scholarly activities foster a deeper understanding of current issues in occupational health and allow residents to engage with ongoing research. Potential project topics have included educating employers about chronic disease within the workplace, as well as safety training initiatives within high-risk industries. Moreover, residents have the chance to attend regional and national conferences to present their findings.
Clinical Rotations
The residency includes comprehensive clinical rotations at established locations such as the Center for Occupational Safety (COSH) at Denver Health, the Colorado Division of Workers Compensation, National Jewish Health, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These rotations enrich the practical training experience, ensuring residents are well-prepared for real-world challenges in occupational medicine.
Salary and Benefits
Selected residents receive a stipend supported by the MAP ERC, Denver Health, and National Jewish Health, which also includes a $1,000 incentive for metric achievements under the GME Quality & Safety Partnership Program. The benefits package is robust, encompassing health, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, and vacation time.
Residency Competitiveness
The residency program is competitive, seeking candidates who have completed a prior clinical residency and are eager to integrate their medical training with public health knowledge. The program also accommodates both MD and DO graduates, with a focus on individuals committed to advancing their expertise in occupational health.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. It is capable of sponsoring J-1 visas, which are essential for foreign medical graduates pursuing residency training in the United States. It is advisable to check for any specific requirements regarding visa sponsorship upon application.
Application Requirements
The program typically requires that applicants have completed a clinical residency prior to joining. Specific eligibility criteria regarding graduation year and prior examination attempts (e.g., Step exams) may apply.
Website
Director
Paul Ogden, MDProgram Director, Occupational Medicine Physician Appointed Since September 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$76,446First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Aurora, CO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
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.
Interview Questions
