University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

The Preventive Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is designed for physicians at the PGY-2 level or higher, integrating both academic and practical experiences in public health and preventive medicine. This comprehensive program operates through the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine, offering a two-year training curriculum that emphasizes hands-on practicum experiences alongside coursework.

This residency offers a unique opportunity for residents to engage deeply with public health challenges in a diverse environment. The majority of time spent over two years is dedicated to practicum experiences at a variety of affiliated public healthcare and community organizations, combined with release time allocated for MPH coursework and other residency-related activities. For those who already hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an equivalent degree, a two-year practicum-only track is also available.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes various required and elective rotations tailored to ensure residents meet all competencies necessary for graduation as well as eligibility for the American Board of Preventive Medicine examination. Residents will practice in settings such as public health agencies, community health clinics, hospitals, research centers, and more. Both rural and urban health settings are available, with targeted practice opportunities for underserved populations.1

Required Rotations

Residents will complete at least one rotation with a public health agency, including options like:

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
• Denver Public Health
• Jefferson County Public Health
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center

In addition to public health practice rotations, clinical rotations include:

• Concentra Occupational Health Clinic
• Denver Public Health Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Tobacco Reduction and Cessation and Skin Clinics

Elective Rotations

Numerous elective options allow residents to tailor their training. Electives may include placements at:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Clinica Family Health Services
• Kaiser Permanente Colorado

The program supports resident participation in various seminars, including an introduction to preventive medicine and public health activities alongside weekly seminars throughout the two-year training period. This comprehensive educational structure not only develops clinical skills but also fosters innovative research capabilities related to public health interventions.

Research and Career Development

Residents engage in research projects as part of their training, contributing to higher-level analysis and solutions in public health. They are afforded the opportunity to present their work at national and regional meetings, including an annual STD Prevention Conference. This environment enables them to grow into experts adept at navigating the intersections of public health and clinical practice.1

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, typically sponsoring J-1 visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from outside the United States can still apply and successfully integrate into the residency training environment, enhancing diversity and perspectives in the program.

The application process has specific competitive aspects, and the program is generally considered highly selective. It welcomes applications from both DO and IMG candidates, affirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the medical community.1

Applicants should be aware of any special requirements, such as the year of graduation and maximum allowable fails on board examinations (e.g., USMLE Step exams). Prospective residents are encouraged to prepare their applications comprehensively to meet all listed criteria.

Salary and Benefits

Residents are provided competitive salaries along with a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance coverage, paid leave, and funding for continuing education activities.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

One notable feature of the program is the emphasis on individualization of the residency experience to suit the varied backgrounds and professional aspirations of its residents. This flexibility has been integral in building a well-rounded physician workforce prepared to tackle modern public health issues.1

In summary, the Preventive Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a robust training framework that equips physicians with essential skills for success in public health and preventive medicine, aiming to meet the challenges in health promotion and disease prevention for communities nationwide.