Research Track

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.