Exploring CU School of Medicine's Orthopedic Residency: PGY Curriculum & Rotations

Selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities (most importantly integrity and motivation).

Selection will never discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

The agency used in the resident selection process will be the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the residency program will in all cases abide by the rules of the Residency Review Committee (RRC). Candidates will in all cases submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and will follow their procedures and deadlines faithfully.

The residency program must require its residents to obtain competencies in the 6 areas below the level expected of a new practitioner. Toward this end, programs must define the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes required and provide educational experiences as needed in order for their residents to demonstrate:

• Patient Care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
• Medical Knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and cognate (e.g. epidemiological and social-behavioral) sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care.
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement that involves investigation and evaluation of their own patient care, appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence, and improvements in patient care.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals.
• Professionalism, is manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
• Systems-based practice, as manifested by actions that demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

The University of Colorado Department of Orthopedics is committed to developing an equitable environment for its patients, trainees, and faculty. We are pleased to offer the University of Colorado Department of Orthopedic Surgery Visiting Medical Student Scholarship. This scholarship provides financial assistance for a 4th-year medical student planning a career in orthopedic surgery who wishes to complete a four-week rotation with us.

Students should apply if they have experienced personal hardship or have an interest in working with or advocating for patients who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing healthcare. Chosen applicants will receive a stipend of $2,500 to be used towards food, housing, and/or travel expenses. Scholarship awardees will be strongly considered for an interview.

Scholarship Includes:

• One-month clinical clerkship
• Mentorship by a Department of Orthopedic Surgery faculty member
• Financial assistance: $2,500

Applicant Requirements:

• Must be an upcoming 4th-year medical student at a domestic LCME-accredited medical school who plans to enter residency in June 2026
• Provide a current CV
• Upload an unofficial transcript
• Provide one (1) letter of recommendation from a professional reference who can speak to your goals and academic experience
• Provide a personal statement (maximum 300 words) addressing how you have overcome adversity in your life or your interest in working with or advocating for patients who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing healthcare

How to apply:

• Submit application and required documents via Smartsheet Form (CV, transcripts, letter of recommendation, personal statement)
• Deadline for application is 5/15/2025
• Applicant will be notified no later than 6/1/2025

Questions:

Email us at: CUOrthomedicalstudents@cuanschutz.edu.

The University of Colorado Graduate Medical Education provides a comprehensive benefits package to all residents, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and a moving stipend. For further details, please visit the GME Benefits website.

In addition to these core benefits, residents also receive competitive salaries and have access to various wellness resources and professional development opportunities. For more comprehensive information on salary, insurance options, retirement plans (401K), and moving stipends, please explore the GME Benefits website.

 

---

 

Residents and Fellows are paid by the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Post-Graduate Year	2025/2026 Annual Stipends*
1	$80,373.20
2	$82,169.48
3	$84,897.29
4	$89,892.04
5	$93,432.46
6	$96,588.34
7	$101,633.26
Chief - Medicine	$101,633.26
Chief - Psychiatry	$95,179.47
Chief - Surgery	$95,179.47

*The annual stipends includes the following: 

• Up to a $1,000 supplemental pay for metric achievement in the GME Quality & Safety Partnership Program
• $4,150 supplemental pay for incoming PGY1s who start on June 23rd
• $150 technology supplemental pay

More information on stipends can be found here.

PGY IV Research Resident

One of seven residents within each post-graduate year is selected within a parallel match (separate unique identifier) to our 6-year research track program. The research resident is allowed to dedicate an additional year of training to scientific research. Performed between the 3rd and 4th years of training, this position is aimed toward applicants who wish to pursue an academic career in Orthopedics as a clinician-scientist.

Residents pursuing a year of scientific research will select a research mentorship team comprising two primary CU faculty mentors, one clinician-scientist (MD), and one senior scientist (PhD), as well as any other senior individuals complementary to the research project. Formal initiation toward selecting a mentorship team and research plan occurs in January of the resident’s PGY1 year with an introductory 4-week rotation within the research division. This preliminary experience is aimed to expose the resident to the full spectrum of research opportunities and training available at CU Anschutz and partnering regional institutions (e.g., Denver Health, CU Boulder, Colorado State University, etc.).

During the research year, research track participants are expected to conduct independent research in their chosen area of scientific and/or clinical interest under the guidance of the resident’s chosen research mentorship team. CU Orthopedics research teams have extensive experience in obtaining research funding and will assist the resident with any research proposal applications. Although obtaining funding is not a formal requirement of the research resident, an additional responsibility of the mentorship team is to assist in identifying any additional funding and sources that may be necessary or helpful.

Frequently asked questions regarding the research track:

Q: How do I apply to the 6-year research residency at CU Anschutz?

A: The research track is a separate match with a unique identifier. We have two unique identifiers at CU Anschutz. One matches 6 residents within our 5-year clinical training program (1076260C0) and one additional resident replicates the same 5-year clinical training program and adds a research year (1076260C1).

Q: Which year is the research training conducted within the clinical training program?

A: The research year occurs after the PGY3 year and before the PGY4 year.

Q: Do I get my resident salary during the research year?

A: Yes. The research resident receives PGY3 level pay as stipulated by GME policy.

Q: Do I have to get a grant or find funding to support my resident research?

A: No, but you are encouraged to work with your research mentorship team to identify and pursue extramural funding that will support your research. Departmental and university funding is also available via application.

Q: How does this work? How do I choose a project?

A: We guide each research resident to select a research mentorship team and project of their interest, beginning with a 4-week research immersion rotation in January of the PGY1 year. Projects can be newly formulated or part of ongoing team research within the department.

Q: What research are you doing at CU Orthopedics?

A: Please visit our website for general information on CU Orthopedics research.