University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

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.