The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers an integrated residency program in vascular surgery designed to train exceptional academic and community vascular surgeons who will become leaders in the field. The program is officially known as the Robert B. Rutherford Integrated Residency in Vascular Surgery. It is an integrated (0+5) five-year ACGME/RRC accredited residency program located at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, with the first cohort of trainees having joined in July 2021. The initial accreditation by the RRC was received in April 2021.

This residency encompasses extensive training in both vascular and endovascular surgical techniques as well as comprehensive patient care. Residents are actively involved in the diagnosis, preoperative care, operative procedures, and postoperative management of the majority of patients treated within the vascular service. Senior residents play a critical role in teaching, mentoring junior residents and general surgery residents, and guiding medical students who rotate through the service. This collaborative learning environment fosters a deep understanding of integrating non-invasive vascular studies into the evaluation of patients with vascular disease.

Training and Academic Structure

At the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the vascular surgery residency is characterized by its robust academic structure. Vascular residents participate in the preparation and presentation of cases at regularly scheduled academic conferences, enhancing their clinical knowledge and presentation skills. Moreover, the program offers access to various healthcare disciplines located on the expansive Anschutz Medical Campus, which enriches the educational experience.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research in advancing the field of vascular surgery. Residents have the opportunity to engage in research projects, often in collaboration with fellows, faculty members, and researchers from various disciplines such as bioengineering. The emphasis on interdisciplinary communication encourages innovation in clinical practice and research.

Training Sites

The residency program utilizes a combination of facilities, including a university hospital, a Veterans Affairs hospital, and community hospital settings. This variety of training sites allows residents to experience a broad spectrum of surgical practices and patient populations, ensuring well-rounded training.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible international medical graduates. The types of visas that the program can sponsor typically include J-1 (Exchange Visitor) and H-1B (Specialty Occupation) visas. This support is crucial for those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and wish to pursue their residency training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The vascular surgery integrated residency at the University of Colorado is known to be highly competitive. As such, applicants are advised to demonstrate strong academic performance and clinical experience. Special application requirements may include specifics related to graduation year or USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) thresholds, which align with standard expectations for residency applications. It is important for candidates to be aware of maximum failed attempts on standardized examinations and other prerequisites that may be specified by the program.

The program is welcoming to osteopathic (DO) graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in selecting their residents. This focus fosters a diverse cohort capable of enriching the learning environment.

Eligible candidates interested in the program should prepare to showcase their achievements and readiness for rigorous residency training.