Residency Program at the University of Colorado

The University of Colorado Orthopedic Surgery Residency boasts a rich history spanning over six decades, a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence. Our foremost objective is to nurture exceptional individuals who will leave an indelible mark on patient care, both locally and nationally, for generations to come.

Our residency program is designed to offer residents a comprehensive exposure to the field of Orthopedics, achieved through diverse training opportunities across various sites within the Denver metropolitan area. Denver, with its unparalleled quality of life, provides an ideal backdrop for residents to savor all that Colorado has to offer.

Beyond the fundamentals of Orthopedic training, we have developed a forward-thinking curriculum that includes specialized instruction in quality improvement, palliative care, interprofessional education, advocacy, and research. As a unique opportunity, PGY5 residents can opt for an international rotation during their dedicated Denver Health Hand rotation.

Our residents gain early exposure to a multitude of subspecialties, enabling them to explore every facet of orthopedic medicine. These clinical experiences are exceptional and furnish our graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in diverse career paths, whether in rural settings, private practice, or as fellows in various subspecialties.

To facilitate this holistic training, we utilize multiple locations under the auspices of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, including the University of Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center, Children’s Colorado, UCH Inverness, CU Boulder Sports Medicine Colorado Center, and Broomfield Hospital. This affords our residents a broad clinical canvas and exposure to a diverse patient population.

Throughout their five-year journey, residents progressively assume greater responsibilities in tandem with their training level, culminating in the esteemed role of chief residents during clinical rotations. We place a premium on resident education, blending direct supervised clinical care with weekly didactic sessions and simulation labs at the Center for Surgical Innovation. Resident time is safeguarded for participation in departmental grand rounds.

Education is the cornerstone of our department's mission at the University of Colorado Orthopedics. Our faculty is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning milieu for all our trainees. We are unwavering in our commitment to promoting wellness and unlocking the potential of our residents. We firmly believe that diversity in all its dimensions fuels innovation and creativity, ultimately enhancing health equity for our patients and the overall well-being of our communities.

Thank you for expressing interest in our program!

CU Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program Leadership Team

Nicholas Alfonso, MD
Residency Program Director

            CJ Kleck, MD
Associate Program Director

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