Exploring CU School of Medicine's Orthopedic Residency: PGY Curriculum & Rotations
On behalf of the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your interest in our program!
Our match program proudly presents a six-year research track tailored for applicants eager to dedicate a year to scholarly pursuits. The primary objective of this track is to effectively train and mentor physicians who possess the background passion and potential to evolve into clinician-scientists.
Alongside our existing five-year clinical program, we are thrilled to introduce one additional spot in the six-year research program as a separate match designation those interested in this track should submit their applications through ERAS to the University of Colorado program.
Our Department of Orthopedic Surgery offers a comprehensive range of services including inpatient outpatient emergency and operative orthopedic education. Our orthopedic surgery residency program is approved for six residents at the PGY-1 level. Throughout this 60-month program, 54 months are dedicated to orthopedic surgery training with the initial six months involving rotations in surgery, musculoskeletal radiology, rheumatology, and PM&R.
The residency training spans multiple hospitals in the Denver metropolitan area, including the University of Colorado Hospital, Denver Health, the VA, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. These institutions serve a diverse patient population, providing exposure to various pathologies and socioeconomic backgrounds.
At the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, we are deeply committed to nurturing the growth of professional, ethical, and competent clinicians and scientists. Our steadfast dedication also extends to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes excellence, creating enriching opportunities for our valued residents.
Nicholas Alfonso, MD
Residency Program Director
Orthopedic Residency Recruitment and Selection
The CU Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program accepts applications for residency positions only through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Seven PGY-1 positions are available each year. Six Clinical positions and One Research Track position. The Research Track Position is a 6-year Residency.
Applications are accepted from September 15th through October 31st. Due to the competitiveness of our program, we are not able to accept applications submitted after the deadline. Interviews are held in January, and invitations for interviews are sent on the Universal Offer Day.
Applications will be accepted from all graduates of US medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) serves as the ERAS coordinator for foreign medical graduates. Refer to the ERAS website for more information.
Our program requires three letters of recommendation:
- One letter must be from the Chair of the Orthopedics Department (or a senior faculty member).
- One letter from an Orthopedic faculty member in your medical school
- One additional letter of recommendation from another Orthopedic faculty member you have worked with closely.
The University of Colorado Orthopedic Residency Program is participating in Preference Signaling for Orthopaedic Surgery Residency.
Thank you for your interest in our program. Should you have any questions regarding our program, please email us here CUOrthoRecruitment@cuanschutz.edu.
