Application Process
Dear Neurosurgery Resident Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. We request that all candidates complete their application through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and direct the request to our facility. Your application must be received by October 15th for consideration. You will be notified by the beginning of November if you are among the applicants chosen to interview.
During the application and interview process you will learn a great deal about this incredible program, its dedicated faculty, the wonderful facilities and the beautiful area where you would spend the next seven years. Operating as a fully integrated program at University Hospital, The Veterans Administration Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center and the Children's Hospital, trainees are exposed to a wealth of neurosurgical pathology. First and foremost, residents learn fundamentals of surgical skills in general and all subspecialty areas of Neurosurgery, the care of critically ill patients, the principles of neurologic clinical evaluation, differential diagnosis, neuropathology and imaging. This is accomplished in clinical rotations on ancillary services and in the various neurosurgery hospital and clinic services. A rich and graduated surgical experience and close mentorship by the eighteen clinical faculty allow the development and maturation of outstanding operating skills. The technical and clinical experiences are complemented by emphasis on clinical judgment, evidence based outcome assessment, and thoughtful analysis of morbidity. These and core neuroscience educational objectives are covered at scheduled weekly conferences, teaching at the bedside and in the operating room and are well described in our Resident Manual and Brochure. Under the leadership of Dr. Lillehei (chairman), Dr. Breeze (vice chairman), and Dr. Brega (residency program director) there developed a long tradition of the Program encouraging residents to participate in clinical research studies and presenting papers at national meetings, with exposure to emerging concepts and innovations. Numerous Visiting Professors come to Colorado and interface with our trainees, including the highly acclaimed conference "Neurosurgery in the Rockies", hosted each year by our faculty in Beaver Creek. These are particularly exciting times for Neurosurgery in Denver. We are embracing an agenda that will enhance every facet of our already thriving programs. Recognized services in neurovascular surgery, neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, neuro-spine and pediatric neurosurgery are being expanded, and other specialty programs of excellence have been developed through the recent recruitment of additional faculty in neuro-critical care, interventional neuroradiology, spinal neurosurgery and minimally-invasive neurosurgery. All residents will interact closely with our colleagues in neurology and other ancillary services. Our clinical care teams are bolstered by physician assistants and nurse clinicians extending resident coverage and education.
A dedicated research year shall allow each resident to participate in scholarly activities and plan a career path braced to incorporate innovations and evidence-based neurosurgery. All will learn writing and presentation skills. Many will use this experience to launch academic careers. Dr. Michael Graner brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of immunology and biology of brain tumors. Dr. Judith Gault is investigating the genetics of cerebral cavernous malformations, Dr. Nick Foreman is conducting research on pediatric tumors, and world renowned pathologist, Dr. B.K. Kleinschmidt-DeMasters is investigating brain tumor pathology.
On behalf of each of the faculty members of the Department of Neurosurgery and our team of residents, we can affirm that our most sacred mission is training the future generation of neurosurgeons. Specific educational curriculum objectives shall guide your development at every stage. We are committed to adding value to every facet of your training. You shall be taught and individually mentored, evaluated and promoted, and also asked to evaluate us and help the Program integrate numerous innovations. While a student clerkship experience in our Department is not required for application, it is highly recommended, as it will allow us to get better acquainted. These can be arranged at any time during the junior or senior medical student years. All clerkship requests should be initiated through the Externship website.
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly at any stage of the application and matching process if we can answer any of your questions.
Sincerely,
Kerry Brega, MD
Associate Professor & Director of Neurosurgery Residency Program
Department of Neurosurgery