Inpatient Advanced Practitioner Fellowship
Announcement:
If you were unable to attend our Open Forum/Q&A Session, you can view the recording here.
Overview
This is a unique one-year fellowship program that is dedicated to enhancing the development of early-career Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who wish to pursue a career in pediatric hospital-based medicine. Fellows will be exposed to all facets of pediatric inpatient care including rotations in hospital medicine, critical care, pulmonology, hematology, cardiology, oncology and elective specialty rotations. Fellows will be practicing clinically but also have protected time reserved for educational and professional development activities throughout the fellowship.
As fully credentialed members of the Medical Staff, Fellows will care for pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado with mentorship and oversight from experienced Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and specialty physicians. As members of the University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics faculty, Fellows in this program will also have unique access to educational and research opportunities.
Fully dedicated to caring for kids at all stages of growth, Children's Hospital Colorado is the region's largest pediatric healthcare network and the only dedicated Level 1 trauma center in our seven state region. We are home to over 400 APPs across all disciplines and care settings.
Mission
Through personalized education and mentorship, equip Advanced Practice Providers with the specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in a pediatric inpatient medicine career.
Ideal Candidates
This Fellowship is designed for APPs who have a strong desire to practice in an academic inpatient pediatric setting. This program is designed for APPs who:
- Wish to have additional inpatient pediatrics training, enabling a smooth and immediate transition into their inpatient pediatric career.
- Understands that he or she wishes to work in inpatient pediatrics, but has not identified a specific specialty.
- Wishes to work in a specific specialty, but has insufficient experience or training within that specialty to be competitive for a position.
- Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Click here for the 2025-2026 cohort application. See key dates below.
Application Documents
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a professional reference)
- 3-5 professional references
- One-page personal statement discussing why the applicant is interested in pediatric medicine and how this fellowship can advance their career
Key Dates
- Start dates: January 1, October 1
- Application Deadline: February 28
- Interviews: Late March/April
- Offers: May
Physician Assistant Eligibility/Requirements
- Graduation from an APAP (ARC-PA) approved Physician Assistant Training Program.
- Certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
- Colorado license will be required prior to start date.
- BLS and PALS certification will be required prior to start date.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Eligibility/Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited BSN program.
- APN licensure and a Masters from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board certificate or other comparable certification.
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification.
- Ability to obtain Prescriptive Authority in the State of Colorado.
- BLS and PALS certification will be required prior to start date.
Curriculum
Clinical Rotations
- Core: Hospital Medicine (3 months), Pediatric Critical Care (3 months), Cardiology (1 month), Pulmonology (1 month), Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant (1 month).
- Electives (1 month each) can include Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Neurology, but can be adapted to meet the fellow’s needs, which could involve more time in the section they will be hired into.
Didactic
- Dedicated APP Fellowship Lecture Series
- Patient Simulations
- Grand rounds
- Clinical Conferences
- M&M
- Radiology conferences
Competencies
- Competency-based monthly and semi-annual performance evaluations
- Pre- and post-fellowship clinical knowledge exam
Professional Development
- Opportunities to present at national conferences
- Engagement in a tailored communication development series
- Longitudinal mentorship from APPs and physician colleagues
- Ability to participate in in hospital wide Advanced Practice Grand Rounds and Advanced Practice Council initiatives
Capstone Project
Each fellow will be required to complete a capstone project with the help of a physician or APP mentor. The goal of the project is to introduce and involve the APP in a quality or process improvement initiative, development of a clinical care guideline, or educational initiative. At the end of the year, the fellow will be asked to present his or her work in a conference or poster session.
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Including didactic and clinical application for vascular access, lung, and cardiac with clinical skills exam and interpretation competency evaluation.
Hours/Work Schedule
This is an intensive program in which Fellows can expect to commit an average of 50 hours per week including required night and weekend shifts. Vacations, holiday schedule and time off will be discussed with final candidates.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows will be hired as University of Colorado, Department of Pediatric faculty at the Instructor Fellow rank. As Faculty, Fellows will be offered a stipend along with full medical, dental and vision insurance. Detailed information can be found at CU Faculty Benefits.
Meet the APP Leadership
Cameron Gunville, DO, MEd
Co-Medical Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Critical Care
Dr. Gunville has served as the Medical Director for the PICU Advanced Practice Team since 2012 and has helped to oversee the program’s expansion to 20 providers during this time. He has a broad education interest and earned his Master’s Degree in Education in 2002 from the University of Notre Dame, and has completed the University of Colorado Teaching Scholar’s Program. With his background in education, in 2012 he helped develop a comprehensive eight-month PICU orientation program for new PICU APPs. With the resources at CHCO, one of the premier children’s hospitals in the country, Dr. Gunville is excited to help develop motivated APPs into excellent pediatric providers of the future.
Co-Medical Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Dr. Jason Zamkoff is currently a Pediatric Hospitalist at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO), and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM). Dr. Zamkoff received his medical degree at The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University in 2001. Prior to such he was the recipient of an Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) from 1995-1997. Dr. Zamkoff completed his Pediatric Residency and Chief Residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 2005, where he remained adjunct faculty in addition to the Assistant Program Director and Transport Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). In 2010 he took his position as a Pediatric Hospitalist at CHCO in Denver, Colorado. He is currently a Target Zero Safety Coach at this institution, with the premise being to eliminate preventable harm, as well as the Medical Director of the newly formed Surgical Co-Management Team that rolled out in September of 2022. Dr. Zamkoff has a formal teaching position with first year medical students in the CUSOM, and he has chaired a nationally recognized annual Pediatric Hospital Medicine Conference since 2006.
Erika Jekich, PA-C
Co-Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Critical Care
Mrs. Jekich is a Senior Instructor and the Orientation Coordinator for the Pediatric Critical Care Section at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She currently coordinates a comprehensive orientation program for new APPs in the PICU which includes a robust clinical and didactic phase. Her work focuses on APP enrichment and effective integration of APPs with varying experience levels into the critical care team.
Jolie Eirich, CPNP-AC/PC
Co-Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Mrs. Eirich is Director of Hospital Medicine Advanced Practice Program for CHCO. Her work has focused on building orientation, education, and training programs to support transition to practice for and increase utilization of advanced practice providers in hospital medicine.
Lauren Griffin, PA-C
Co-Associate Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Mrs. Griffin is an Instructor and the APP Education and Orientation Director for the Pediatric Critical Care Section at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She manages the orientation program for new APPs in the PICU, coordinates ongoing APP education and professional development. Her work also includes POCUS integration and education in the PICU. She is a graduate APP Fellow 2019-2020.
Morgan McMahon, PA-C
Co-Associate Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Advanced Practice Inpatient Fellowship
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Ms. McMahon is an Instructor at the University of Colorado and a Pediatric Hospitalist PA at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. She completed her medical training at Stanford University with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and Leadership. Thereafter, she completed the CHCO Inpatient Advance Practitioner Fellowship at CHCO and is dedicated to ensuring future fellows also have the rewarding and impactful experience that she had. Outside of her clinical time, she is also involved in the Teaching Excellence Amongst Medical Providers (TEAMS) program, APP student education, and other leadership development opportunities. As a first generation college student, Morgan also takes an interest in mentoring and advocating for students from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, you can find Morgan routinely exploring the Rocky Mountains with her husband, toddler, and her perfect dog.
Current Fellows
Tucker Buffington, PA-C
I'm originally from just outside Atlanta, where I earned my undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish and pursued my graduate education in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercer University. During my studies, I completed elective rotations in international pediatric medicine in Kenya and inpatient pediatric pulmonology at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. These experiences deepened my love for pediatrics and my desire to fully understand the intricacies of pediatric medicine. Outside of my clinical responsibilities, I'm passionate about education and APP mentorship. When I'm not at the hospital, you'll likely find me hiking a new mountain trail, running in Washington Park, catching the latest hit movie, or spending time with my friends and family. I'm incredibly grateful to have been selected for this fellowship program and look forward to growing as a pediatric provider.
Claire Brennan, CPNP-AC
My name is Claire Brennan and I am a new graduate Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I graduated with my Master's from Vanderbilt University in 2024. I have been a pediatric nurse for the past 7 years and have experience in the pediatric emergency department and pediatric hematology/oncology clinic here at Children's Colorado.I am originally from the South Shore of Massachusetts but have been living in Colorado for the past 5 years. One of my favorite things to do is travel, and I was able to spend a month in Japan this past year. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to grow as an Advanced Practice Provider through the fellowship.
Hillary Oneslager, PA-C
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado before heading to DC for undergrad. I studied Art History at Georgetown University and moved to Austin, Texas to initially pursue a career in advertising. After four years as a UX designer, I decided to pivot in to a career in medicine. I then worked as a medical assistant for an urgent care clinic and at Children's Colorado with the pulmonology team in preparation for PA school. I graduated from the Northwestern University Physician Assistant Program where I completed 3 of my 4 electives in pediatric subspecialties. Working with kids was always my goal and returning home to Denver and CHCO was the easiest "YES" I've ever said. When I'm not working you can find me reading a book a week, hiking with Cowboy (my golden retriever), or taking a yoga class. I've been a yoga instructor for more than 10 years and still teach public classes.
Christina Santosa, PA-C
Christina Santosa is a new grad PA coming from Wake Forest University in North Carolina with a passion for pediatric care, global health, and patient advocacy. During her graduate studies, she completed elective rotations in Pediatric ICU, Infectious Disease, Adult Critical Care - Medical, Cardiac, and Neurosurgical - where she discovered her passion for inpatient medicine and specifically in caring for pediatric patients and their families. Originally from Texas, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Health from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'em!) and an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services. Before becoming a PA, she worked in a variety of specialties, including internal medicine, cardiology, medical weight loss, as well as emergency medicine and urgent care. Her experience also includes working as a paramedic and ER tech, serving as a disaster response Medic in 2021. Her interests outside of medicine include spending time outdoors, learning different languages, trying new recipes, and traveling. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of and develop her skills throughout this APP fellowship.
Previous Fellows
2024-2025
- Megan Landess, CPNP-AC accepted a position in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Summer Pellechio, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Jenna Turner, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
2023-2024
- Bo Kim, CPNP-AC accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Nicole Newman, PA-C accepted a position in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Claire Smith, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Elizabeth Vigil, CPNP-AC accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
2021-2022
- Katie Ganser, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Chelsea Hartman, CPNP-AC accepted a position in Pulmonary Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Davis Lehman, PA-C accepted a position in Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Morgan McMahon, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
2020-2021
- Brenna McGinn, CPNP-AC accepted a position in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Karlie Nau, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
2019-2020
- Lauren Rodgers, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Kara Stefaniak, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Cardiology, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
2018-2019
- Cathryn Senour, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Kristen Stendel, PA-C accepted a position in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado & Children’s Hospital Colorado
Questions?
Contact us at appfellowship@childrenscolorado.org. Please allow 48-72 hours for a response.