Program Overview

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Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at CU

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at the University of Colorado is a comprehensive program designed to provide fellows with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become proficient in the practice of pediatric emergency medicine.

Overview

The program provides comprehensive training in the subspecialty of Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM). Graduates learn to independently manage all medical conditions that would fall under the purview of a Pediatric Emergency Medicine subspecialist. The program includes numerous integrated longitudinal curricula involving research, critical appraisal of literature, quality, toxicology, simulation, EMS/transport, DHEI, self-directed and facilitated educational activities.

Program Aims

• To produce physicians who are clinically proficient in the practice of pediatric emergency medicine, especially in the management of the acutely ill or injured child, in the setting of an emergency department (ED).
• To produce physicians who are knowledgeable and have experience in clinical research and research methodology, quality improvement/patient safety, and skills in teaching and life-long learning.
• To provide useful tools to combat burn-out and encourage wellness and resiliency among trainees, inform trainees of available departmental and institutional resources to address trainee needs.
• To build and maintain an infrastructure to provide an inclusive learning environment that promotes and celebrates differences.

Clinical Training

The primary focus of the clinical training is to provide comprehensive training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) to allow the graduate to independently manage acutely ill and injured children. Fellows are directly supervised by Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medicine faculty during their clinical ED rotations.

First Year

During their first year, fellows function as direct care providers, focusing on honing clinical and procedural skills. The First Year for Pediatric-Trained Fellows Includes:

• Pediatric ED (6 blocks)
• Anesthesia
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Toxicology
• General Emergency Medicine and Trauma month at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC)
• Ultrasound
• Research

For Emergency Medicine-Trained Fellows:

• Pediatric ED (5 blocks)
• Pediatric Anesthesia
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Neonatology and Newborn Nursery
• Pediatric inpatient and primary care clinic
• Research (2 blocks)
• Pediatric ultrasound

Second Year

During the 2nd half of their second year, fellows begin the transition from caring for patients directly to becoming the supervising physician in charge of an ED team. The Second Year for Pediatric-Trained Fellows Includes:

• Pediatric ED (2 blocks)
• Research (6 blocks, during which fellows have decreased clinical shift load)
• Emergency Medicine Services/Transport
• General Emergency Medicine and Trauma month at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC)
• Elective (2 blocks)

For emergency medicine-trained fellows, clinical responsibilities during Year 2 transition to 3rd year fellow expectations of Pediatric-trained fellows.

Third Year

During their third year, fellows become proficient in running a large, urban, Level 1 Trauma Pediatric ED. Fellows take primary responsibility for patients, trainees, and other providers on the ED team, referral and transfer calls, and are expected to maintain an effective working relationship and communication with the charge nurse, nursing and ancillary staff.

Research Infrastructure

The Section has a full-time research coordinator and biostatistician who are available for assistance with study design, IRB applications, database management, statistical analysis, and grant submissions. Fellows have access to Professional Research Assistants (PRAs) who can assist with study enrollment and data collection in the Children's ED.

Didactic Learning

Learning from direct patient care is augmented by a comprehensive series of lectures and conferences focused on Pediatric Emergency Medicine and associated longitudinal curricula. Fellows participate in several educational seminars focused on Pediatric Emergency Medicine, including:

• Didactic lectures from current and guest faculty
• Flipped classroom research curriculum
• Case Review
• Toxicology Curriculum
• Quality Improvement Curriculum
• Simulation
• Ultrasound didactic, quality review and hands-on education
• EMS/Transport
• Health Equity and Inclusivity topics and workshops
• Radiology Review

Fellowship Tracks

New to the curriculum are optional fellowship tracks designed for those fellows who desire additional training with concentration in the following areas:

• Ultrasound
• Quality
• Research
• Medical Education/Simulation
• Emergency Medical Services/Transport

Application Requirements

All application material should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by July 31st. Required application materials include:

1. Completed ERAS common application form
2. Curriculum vitae
3. USMLE (or COMLEX/ECFMG) transcript
4. Personal statement addressing interest in Pediatric Emergency Medicine
5. Letters of recommendation: A maximum of 3-4 letters of recommendation should be obtained, including 1 from the residency director and at least one from PEM-trained faculty.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Colorado offers salary and benefits packages that are competitive with other fellowship programs across the country. Current salary levels can be found at the School of Medicine - Graduate Medical Education Stipends.