University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children's Hospital Colorado Program

The University of Colorado Program in Allergy and Immunology is a two-year ACGME-accredited fellowship located primarily at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and affiliated with the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). This fellowship provides comprehensive training in the field of allergy and immunology, with opportunities for both pediatric and adult populations.

Children’s Hospital Colorado is known for its high standards and has been consistently ranked among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the United States. Importantly, the hospital offers one of the largest facilities dedicated to allergy and immunology treatment in the region, with state-of-the-art clinical and research resources available to fellows. The program was founded in 2014 and started its fellowship training in 2016, with experienced faculty totaling over 100 years in combined expertise across various specializations 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship consists of direct clinical care, research, and educational opportunities designed to produce highly competent allergist-immunologists. The fellowship emphasizes both outpatient and inpatient experiences throughout the two years:

First Year

In the first year, fellows engage in a variety of clinical rotations that include:

• General pediatric and adult allergy & immunology clinics
• Pediatric and adult continuity clinics
• Immunodeficiency clinics

Fellows will gain experience in numerous elective clinics, including pulmonary and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases clinics, broadening their expertise in specialized areas. Additionally, fellows partake in inpatient consult services, collaborating closely with attending physicians and physicians from various specialties 1.

Second Year

The second year focuses primarily on research and scholarly activities, allowing fellows to dive deeper into their interests, pursue research projects, and engage in teaching. Training includes:

• More advanced outpatient clinics, focusing on complex allergic and immunologic disorders
• Consults on hospitalized patients at UCH under adult allergist supervision

By this stage, fellows are expected to develop their research projects significantly and present their findings at regional or national meetings, ensuring they are well-prepared for independent practice or academic roles after graduation 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component of the fellowship, with opportunities for fellows to participate in diverse investigations ranging from laboratory-based studies to epidemiological research. Faculty mentorship is highly emphasized, providing fellows with the guidance needed to help shape their research endeavors.

The program also facilitates a three-month block in the first year for dedicated research activities, ensuring that fellows have protected time to advance their scholarly work. Additionally, the structure promotes involvement in national conferences, providing invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge research in the field 1.

Training Environment

The Allergy and Immunology Center at CHCO features modern facilities, including multiple clinic rooms and dedicated spaces for food and drug challenges, which are essential for comprehensive patient evaluation and management. The center supports a multidisciplinary approach that integrates allergy and immunology with other specialties, enhancing patient care 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The University of Colorado Program supports H-1B and J-1 visas for international applicants. The program aims to attract a diverse range of candidates and is known for being accessible to DOs and IMGs. All candidates are evaluated on a competitive basis; however, the program values diverse backgrounds and experiences, which can enrich the learning environment 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics or Med-Peds. The application requires submission through ERAS, including:

• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae
• USMLE scores (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
• Medical school transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

The selection process is competitive but encourages a broad range of applicants who can contribute to the program's multidisciplinary mission 1.