Welcome to the CU OB-GYN Residency Program

The University of Colorado Residency Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology has a long and proud history going back 60 years. We pride ourselves on training exceptional individuals who will make a difference in the lives and health of patients for generations both locally and across the country. Our training program is dedicated to providing opportunities for residents to experience the breadth and depth of Obstetrics and Gynecology through varied training sites throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Denver is an incredible place to live where our residents find time to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

In addition to basic Obstetrics and Gynecology training, we offer further training in quality improvement, palliative care, interprofessional education, advocacy and research through innovative curriculum developed by our committed faculty. Residents may choose to participate in a global health elective during their dedicated research rotation. The residents have early exposure to many of our subspecialties offering the opportunity to explore every facet of obstetrics and gynecology.    

Our clinical experiences are outstanding and prepare our graduates to succeed in their future careers, be that rural, private practice or as a fellow in any of the subspecialities. We utilize three hospitals under the auspices of the University of Colorado School of Medicine (University of Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center and Rose Medical Center) to provide varied clinical training and exposure to a large, diverse population of patients. Residents rotate through each of these hospitals for obstetric and gynecologic experiences.  Throughout their four years, residents experience graduated levels of responsibilities commensurate with their level of training; ultimately culminating in the opportunity to lead each clinical rotation as chief residents.

Resident education is provided through direct, supervised clinical care, weekly didactic sessions, simulation, and innovative curricula. Incoming interns participate in a summer long boot camp led by our education chief residents. There are specific didactics on residents as teachers, advocacy, basics of research, and quality improvement. Resident time is protected to attend departmental grand rounds which includes a yearly resident-invited speaker and Colorado Lobby Day.  We have dedicated Family Planning faculty who provide unparalleled opportunities in advocacy, research, and clinical training.

Education is part of our core mission within the department of OB-GYN at the University of Colorado.  Faculty are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all of our trainees. We are dedicated to promoting wellness and harnessing the potential of our residents. We believe that diversity in every form is a source of innovation and creativity that improves health equity for our patients and promotes overall health within our communities.

Thank you for your interest!

CU OB-GYN Residency Program Leadership

Christine Conageski, MD, MSc

Residency Program Director

Christine Conageski, MD, MSc

Residency Program Director


OB-GYN Interests

Medical education, lower genital tract disease, infectious disease, cervical, vulvar and anal dysplasia.


Education

Case Western Reserve University

Undergrad

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Medical School

University of Colorado

Residency

Why I Like Denver

I’m from the Midwest so I feel very comfortable here. The people are friendly, the weather is mild compared to Michigan where I was born and we are surrounded by endless outdoor activities and awesome vistas everywhere you turn.


Personal Interests

Entertaining my two kiddos – ages 4 and 2 years old. This includes everything from swimming, hiking, biking, going to the zoo, eating ice cream and teaching them about the world around them. Plus, I couldn’t live without my Peloton!

Nicki Nguyen, MD

Associate Program Director, Denver Health

Nicki Nguyen, MD

Associate Program Director, Denver Health


OB-GYN Interests

Full-scope general OB-GYN care, minimally invasive GYN surgery and gender-affirming hysterectomies.


Education

University of Texas at Austin

Undergrad

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Medical School

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Residency

Why I Like Denver

Denver has all the big city perks (without the hassels) with a small city feel. As someone who has lived in the South for a majority of my life, I found Denver easy to acclimate to. You can do as little or as much of the outdoor activities you like (not everyone has to love skiing!) and still feel at home here. The 300 days of sunshine definitely help!


Personal Interests

I love exploring the city's pockets of cultural diversity and history which gives you a great feel for why Denver natives want the city to be the best kept secret!

Polina Kelly, MD

Associate Program Director, Rose Hospital

Polina Kelly, MD

Associate Program Director, Rose Hospital


OB-GYN Interests

Early pregnancy, infertility, minimally invasive surgery, and GYN ultrasound.


Education

University of Virginia

Undergrad

Virginia Commonwealth University

Medical School

University of Colorado

Residency

Why I Like Denver

It’s a big city that feels small and the weather is amazing for anyone with frizzy hair. The views are gorgeous and the people are friendly.


Personal Interests

I enjoy skiing, cookie decorating and baking, and am currently taking some pickleball lessons. I love weekend morning walks with my husband Patrick, dog Franklin, and daughter Aida to local bakeries and hoping to show her more of Denver and the surrounding area post-pandemic.

Kristin Powell, MD

Associate Program Director, University Hospital

Kristin Powell, MD

Associate Program Director, University Hospital


OB-GYN Interests

OB-GYN hospitalist medicine, clinical education, patient safety and quality improvement.


Education

University of Florida

Undergrad

Georgetown University

Graduate School

University of South Florida

Medical School

University of South Florida

Residency

Why I Like Denver

Hiking, biking, snowshoeing and being close to my family.


Personal Interests

Baking, running, travelling and learning to sew.

Christine Conageski, MD, MSc

Residency Program Director


OB-GYN Interests

Medical education, lower genital tract disease, infectious disease, cervical, vulvar and anal dysplasia.


Education

Case Western Reserve University

Undergrad

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Medical School

University of Colorado

Residency

Why I Like Denver

I’m from the Midwest so I feel very comfortable here. The people are friendly, the weather is mild compared to Michigan where I was born and we are surrounded by endless outdoor activities and awesome vistas everywhere you turn.


Personal Interests

Entertaining my two kiddos – ages 4 and 2 years old. This includes everything from swimming, hiking, biking, going to the zoo, eating ice cream and teaching them about the world around them. Plus, I couldn’t live without my Peloton!

Nicki Nguyen, MD

Associate Program Director, Denver Health


OB-GYN Interests

Full-scope general OB-GYN care, minimally invasive GYN surgery and gender-affirming hysterectomies.


Education

University of Texas at Austin

Undergrad

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Medical School

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Residency

Why I Like Denver

Denver has all the big city perks (without the hassels) with a small city feel. As someone who has lived in the South for a majority of my life, I found Denver easy to acclimate to. You can do as little or as much of the outdoor activities you like (not everyone has to love skiing!) and still feel at home here. The 300 days of sunshine definitely help!


Personal Interests

I love exploring the city's pockets of cultural diversity and history which gives you a great feel for why Denver natives want the city to be the best kept secret!

Polina Kelly, MD

Associate Program Director, Rose Hospital


OB-GYN Interests

Early pregnancy, infertility, minimally invasive surgery, and GYN ultrasound.


Education

University of Virginia

Undergrad

Virginia Commonwealth University

Medical School

University of Colorado

Residency

Why I Like Denver

It’s a big city that feels small and the weather is amazing for anyone with frizzy hair. The views are gorgeous and the people are friendly.


Personal Interests

I enjoy skiing, cookie decorating and baking, and am currently taking some pickleball lessons. I love weekend morning walks with my husband Patrick, dog Franklin, and daughter Aida to local bakeries and hoping to show her more of Denver and the surrounding area post-pandemic.

Kristin Powell, MD

Associate Program Director, University Hospital


OB-GYN Interests

OB-GYN hospitalist medicine, clinical education, patient safety and quality improvement.


Education

University of Florida

Undergrad

Georgetown University

Graduate School

University of South Florida

Medical School

University of South Florida

Residency

Why I Like Denver

Hiking, biking, snowshoeing and being close to my family.


Personal Interests

Baking, running, travelling and learning to sew.

UCHealth

Ranked #1 in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report

Children's Hospital Colorado

Rated #10 U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll

OB-GYN Clinical Research

179 Active Clinical Studies, 25 Active Clinical Trials

NIH Funding

Rated #13 in OB-GYN NIH Funding to US Medical Schools in 2018

 

Contact Info

Christine Raffaelli
Residency Coordinator
12631 East 17th Avenue
Room 4007, B198-6
Aurora, CO 80045

Phone: (303) 724-2052
Fax: (303) 724-2055

 

Carly Hollinshead
Medical Student and Residency Specialist
12631 East 17th Avenue
Room 4007, B198-1
Aurora, CO 80045

Phone: (303) 724-2548

 

Contact Info

Christine Raffaelli
Residency Coordinator
12631 East 17th Avenue
Room 4007, B198-6
Aurora, CO 80045

Phone: (303) 724-2052
Fax: (303) 724-2055

 


Carly Hollinshead
Medical Student and Residency Specialist
12631 East 17th Avenue
Room 4007, B198-1
Aurora, CO 80045

Phone: (303) 724-2548