Residency Training

Application, Eligibility, & Selection

Entry Requirements

The Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado does not discriminate with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or Veteran status. 

The Department of Anesthesiology has both advanced and categorical positions. Therefore applicants may need to complete a PGY 1 year prior to entering the program. The PGY 1 year must be in direct patient care in accordance with RRC specifications (see the ACGME for more information). 

Certification by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the National Board of Osteopathic Medicine (NBOME), or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is required. 

International medical graduates must hold a valid ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certificate, or have a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. licensing jurisdiction, or have completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school.

The University of Colorado School of Medicine recognizes that housestaff enrolled in its program are trainees, not employees. As such, applicants also must be able to meet the conditions of the school’s Houseofficer Training Agreement. Specifically, they must: 

1. Be a U.S. citizen or hold a valid U.S. resident alien card;

2. Possess (or be eligible to obtain) all three of the following:  

  • valid passport
  • valid 1-94 card (obtained upon entry to the U.S.) that indicates D/S J-1 (Duration of Status for J-1 visa);
  • J-1 visa sponsorship from the ECFMG to train at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Selection Criteria

  1. We look for ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity, and the ability to function within parameters expected of a practitioner in the specialty.
  2. To determine the appropriate level of education for individuals wishing to transfer from another training program, the program director must receive written verification of previous educational experiences and a statement regarding the performance evaluation of the transferring resident prior to acceptance into the program.
  3. We will review and select applicants in a manner consistent with provisions of equal opportunity employment and will not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability or any other applicable legally protected status.
  4. Acuity Insights Assessments – Comprehensive Admissions Assessments - All applicants applying to the Anesthesiology Residency program, at the University of Colorado are highly encouraged to complete Acuity Insights Assessments for the 2023/2024 cycle.
    • Acuity Insights Assessments is a standardized, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The assessments will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Acuity Insights Assessments, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
    • Acuity Insights Assessments consists of:
      • Casper: 90-110 minute online, open-response situational judgment test
      • Duet: 15-minute value-alignment assessment
    • Access AcuityInsights.app to create an account and for more information on important dates and requirements.
  5. We will consider program signals in the application review process.
  6. We participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Application Deadline

The application deadline, except for the MSPE letter, is October 21. We encourage applicants to submit their application by September 26, 2023, as the program will begin initial review on September 27, 2023. Interviews are scheduled from the end of October through January. The Department has categorical, advanced, and “R” positions in the Match.

Interview Process

If selected to interview, candidates will be contacted and scheduled for a virtual session for the 2023-2024 season.

Research Track

We are pleased to offer a Resident Clinical Research Track for trainees who plan a research-focused career and might consider the T32 fellowship and/or a career as a clinician-scientist. To help us identify residency candidates who may be interested and successful in such a track, we invite you to fill out this Qualtrics Form by September 26, 2023 to ensure this is part of your review packet.

CACCM Track

The Combined Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine Track is an innovative program combining residency training in Anesthesiology and fellowship training in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine. Two positions are offered for this program yearly. Learn More