Endocrinology - Fellowship

City Park Landsacpe

Overview

The University of Colorado School Of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado offers a three-year fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology. The goal of the fellowship is to provide physicians who are board eligible in pediatrics with in-depth training in endocrinology that will prepare them for a career in clinical or academic medicine. Fellows rotate at 3 primary teaching sites, Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO), University Colorado Hospital (UCH), and The Barbara Davis Center (BDC). Our three year program offers:

  • Superior academic subspecialty training in a professional, collegial atmosphere
  • One-on-one working relationships between fellows and supervising faculty
  • Endocrinology outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital consult services
  • Experience with high volume and wide array of endocrine problems, ranging from common to exotic
  • Diabetes Unit for training of patients in intensive insulin therapy programs
  • Endocrine case conferences, journal clubs, weekly endocrine grand rounds, and research conferences
  • Participation in the education of  residents, medical students, and PA’s
  • Continuity Care Clinic and Multi-Disciplinary Clinics

Program Aims 

  • To prepare future pediatric endocrinologists to provide innovative, patient-centered, comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based care for pediatric patients and families. To prepare future pediatric endocrinologists to focus on promoting patient safety and quality improvement.  To prepare future pediatric endocrinologists to communicate consistently and effectively with patients, families, and referring providers, enabling them to serve as a resource across the state and country

  • To provide structured mentoring to help future pediatric endocrinologist develop their optimal career paths.  To provide outstanding opportunities in conducting and disseminating (basic science, translational, clinical, educational) research and quality improvement methodology that prepare fellows for successful careers in academic pediatrics.

  • To promote a collaborative culture and develop (or create or ensure) program safeguards which will foster individual wellness, and to teach trainees strategies to build resilience and minimize burnout.

  • To build and maintain an infrastructure to recruit diverse fellows and provide an inclusive learning environment that promotes and celebrates differences.

     

Scope of Clinical Training

Training for fellows in pediatric endocrinology involves intensive clinical training in all aspects of clinical pediatric endocrinology. The large volume and broad range of endocrine pathology seen by Children’s Hospital endocrinologists ensures an optimal clinical experience for endocrine fellows.

  • Fellows will be trained in the following areas:
  • Endocrine focused history and physical examination
  • Interpretation of growth charts
  • Performance and interpretation of endocrine related diagnostic tests
  • Care of patients in the outpatient, inpatient and intensive care 

The 1st year of the fellowship consists of clinical training and incorporates some preparation for the 2nd year, while the 2nd and 3rd years consist mainly of research with some clinical training (continuity clinics, inpatient consultation). During year one of the clinical track you will identify an area of research interest and a mentor for pursuit during the second year.

Expectations/Responsibilities

  • Fellows will communicate with attending physicians and consulting services
  • Fellows assume progressive responsibility for patient care
  • Fellows are expected to actively seek the most up-to[date information to guide practice
  • Fellows take an active role in teaching of medical students and residents through bedside teaching and the participation in bedside teaching
  • Fellow progress will be assess through a Clinical Competency Committee (CCC)

Supervision

All fellows are directly supervised by faculty members (CHCO, UCH, or BDC) specific to that rotation and by the inpatient consult attending for the inpatient consultation rotation. This attending physician shall be available at all times to the endocrine fellow. It is the responsibility of the fellow to communicate effectively and in a timely fashion with the attending physician as well as other members of the Endocrine Faculty. At each stage of training, the goal is to provide a level of supervision that ensures patient safety and maximizes education while promoting the trainee’s sense of independence and autonomy

Clinical Schedule

  • Clinical activity occurs at Children’s Hospital Colorado, University Colorado Hospital or The Barbara Davis Center
  • Fellows spend a total of 6 months on the inpatient service, 4 in the first year, 1 in the second year and 1 in the last year
  • Fellows spend 4-5 months in their first year in outpatient medicine including endocrine clinics, diabetes clinics and a month of adult endocrinology
  • Continuity clinic begins in the first year of fellowship allowing fellows to follow a cohort of patients

Call Responsibility

Call for pediatric endocrine fellows are at home call.  They are required to answer phone calls from parents of patients, outpatient phone consults and inpatient consults.  They rarely have to go into the hospital for an urgent consult.  First year pediatric endocrine fellows take call up to 10 days per month, including one weekend.  Second and third year pediatric endocrine fellows take care up to 7 days per month, including one weekend. 

Conferences

Fellows are expected to attend the following conferences during the fellowship program: 

Case Conference – 2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday 11 am-1 pm
Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric endocrine faculty.  Cases are brought by both fellows and faculty for discussion and review.  Fellows present a more formal case with a detailed literature search 6 times per year during their first year.  This is also the forum for discussion of topics related to the laboratory. 

Journal club is a component of this conference. Second- and third-year fellows present 2-3 times per year. Journals are reviewed by the presenter to identify articles that are pertinent to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes. Reviewers select 3-5 articles for detailed discussion. Fellows are encouraged to select 2-3 articles for more in depth discussion of study design, statistics, and interpretation of results. This facilitates skill in critical reading of the literature, analysis of study design, statistics, extrapolation of research studies to clinical care of children with diabetes and other endocrine problems.

Diabetes Conference – Tuesday 12-1 pm 
Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric diabetes faculty.  Endocrine fellows present in the conference annually.  Topics include research in progress, clinical topics related to diabetes care, instruction on effective reading of the literature. 

Endocrine Grand Rounds – Wednesday 8-9 am 
Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric endocrine faculty, endocrine fellows, and faculty.  Endocrine fellows present once as a first-year fellow.  Topics include challenging endocrine cases, updates to clinical practice of endocrinology, invited speakers from across the country. 

Fellows Academic Half Day - 3rd Wednesday 12:30-4:30pm
Conference includes Dr. Barker pediatric endocrine fellows and other endocrine and diabetes faculty members. This conference includes our board review course (Fundamentals of endocrinology), clinical guideline review, review of cases with experts and training in research methods and methods for wellness and resiliency.

Pediatric Endocrine Summer School – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (July-August)
Conference consists of varied topics pertinent to the clinical care of children with diabetes and other endocrine problems.  Presenters are faculty in the division of pediatric endocrinology and the Barbara Davis Center.  The purpose is to provide a broad overview of the general topics of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes and provide the fellows with a foundation for the clinical care of children with these disorders.

Quarterly Endocrine Meeting (QEM)- Every 3 months Monday 8 am-12 pm
Endocrine and diabetes faculty and fellows attend this conference.  Conference includes an hour of didactic lectures from disciplines throughout the University (radiology, urology, genetics, reproductive endocrinology, etc.), time for morbidity and mortality.  Conference includes an hour for the discussion of disorders of sexual differentiation in a multi-disciplinary team.

Multiple research focused conferences throughout the Medical Campus, including at Children’s Hospital and the Barbara Davis Center – Required as appropriate for mentored research project.

Scope of Research Training

Research is an important component of the pediatric endocrine training program and training in research methods begins in the first year.  The goal is to provide trainees with an intensive introduction to the principles and techniques of clinical or laboratory investigation.

In the first year, fellows have 1-2 months dedicated to research to allow for the identification of a mentor and a project. Fellows will then prepare a research proposal with the guidance of the mentor.

  • With the guidance of Drs. Barker, Nadeau and Zeitler, fellows will select a Scholarly Oversight Committee (SOC) to help oversee the research training period
  • The SOC is composed of at least 3 faculty members who:
  • Meet with the fellow as a group at least twice per year
  • Review the training progress of the fellow
  • Making recommendations to the fellow regarding aspects of their progress.
  • Requirements for the SOC include one pediatric endocrine faculty member, another endocrine faculty member (either pediatric or adult) and a member outside of the divisions of pediatric and adult endocrinology.

During the 2nd and 3rd year of fellowship, fellows are expected to complete 2 years of research training.

  • 75% of their time working on research projects under the direction of a primary mentor
  • Progress will be assessed by the research mentor, SOC and CCC
  • Fellows will be encouraged to submit of abstracts to national meetings, submit and publish of study results and consider submission of grant applications
  • Under the guidance of the research mentor and SOC, educational courses offered through the Anschutz Medical Campus will be identified and completed.

Subspecialty-Specific Curriculum

Pediatric endocrine fellows will be trained to become proficient in endocrine-focused history and physical exam skills, interpretation of growth charts, learn appropriate selection, performance and interpretation of endocrine-related diagnostic tests, and integrate this knowledge base to develop appropriate management plans for patients with endocrine disorders referred for outpatient and inpatient endocrine consultation. During the last two years of the training program they will become highly skilled in the field of pediatric endocrine research, ready to assume leadership roles in the nation’s biomedical and behavioral research efforts in pediatric endocrinology. Lists of mandatory and recommended conferences are detailed in the Clinical Training Tab under conferences.

Department of Pediatrics Education Series

The subspecialty of pediatric endocrinology encompasses a wide array of clinical conditions from assessment of growth and pubertal development to the ongoing management of complex disorders. The overarching educational goal of this fellowship program is to train pediatric endocrine fellows to become the leaders of pediatric endocrinology of the future, including academic leaders who will advance the field of endocrinology and pediatric endocrinologists providing expert care to children with endocrine disorders. In addition to providing core educational materiel, these sessions allow trainees in different disciplines throughout the department to meet and interact with one another in an informal and collegial environment. Topics include:

Session 1    1st Year - Fall

  • Evidence-Based Medicine I
  • Forming Your Question
  • Introduction to LRP
  • Mentorship: Obligations and Expectations
  • Research Opportunities: Faculty and Senior Fellow Panels

Session 2  1st Year - Spring

  • Evidence-Based Medicine II
  • Searching the Literature
  • Death and Dying
  • Adult Learning Theory and Teaching
  • Providing Feedback to the Learner

Session 3  2nd Year - Fall

  • How to Monitor and Improve Quality in Medical Practice
  • Avoiding Medical Malpractice
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Scientific Writing - Part 1
  • Preparation and Submission of an Abstract

Session 4  2nd Year - Spring

  • Presentation Skills
  • Writing and Submitting a Grant Proposal
  • Professionalism
  • Scientific Writing – Part 2
  • Biomedical Ethics
  • The Job Search

Session 5  3rd Year - Fall

  • Preparation for an Academic Career
  • The Process of Finding a Job
  • Interviewing and Negotiating for a Position
  • Personal Finance
  • Risk Management:  Getting Sued
  • Personal and Professional Balance

Supplemental Courses and Activities

  • Introduction to Pediatric Fellowship
  • Biostatistics a Short Course
  • Dept. of Pediatrics Research Poster Session

Eligibility

This program is designed for the motivated, self-directed learner who wants to develop an academic career based on excellence in research, scholarship, and clinical pediatric endocrinology. To be considered for admission to our program, applicants must have successfully completed training in a 3- year ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics and we encourage applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.  

Required Application Materials

All application material should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) www.nrmp.org and generally do not offer any positions outside of the match. Required application materials include a completed ERAS common application form, a USMLE (or COMLEX/ECFMG) transcript, a 1-2 page personal statement addressing your interest in Pediatric Endocrinology, a wallet-sized photo, and at least 3 letters of recommendation.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Colorado offers salary and benefits packages that are competitive with other fellowship programs across the country. Current salary levels can be found at the School of Medicine - Graduate Medical Education Stipends.

ERAS Application Timeline

DateActivity
Monday, May 31, 2023ERAS 2022 season ends at 5 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023ERAS 2023 season begins at 9 a.m. ET.
Thursday, June 8, 2023EFDO will release tokens to fellowship applicants.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023July cycle fellowship applicants may begin submitting applications to programs at 9 a.m. ET.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023July cycle fellowship programs may begin reviewing applications at 9 a.m. ET.
May 31, 2024    ERAS 2023 season ends at 5 p.m. ET.

 

NRMP Fall Match Timeline

Dates Activity
Wednesday, August 31, 2023Match Opens 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023Ranking Opens
Wednesday, November 1, 2023Quota Change Deadline
Wednesday, November 15, 2023Rank Order List Certification Deadline
Wednesday, November 29, 2023MATCH DAY

 


Important Dates & Deadlines

Applications for positions starting in July 2023 will be accepted July 5, 2023 through November 15, 2023, but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as they know that they are interested in our program. Recruitment interviews will tentatively occur between September and November, although this is subject to change. Applicants selected for a personal interview will be contacted by the fellowship program coordinator. 

Interviews

Our pediatric fellowships will be conducting virtual interviews for this upcoming interview season.  We look forward to sharing our programs with you and getting to know more about you.  Our planned virtual interview dates are provided below.

 

Fall Interview dates:

  1. Monday, September 20
  2. Monday, September 27
  3. Monday, October 4
  4. Monday, October 25
  5. Monday, November 1

 

If you have questions about the online application and interview process feel free to reach out to our program coordinator.

On the interview day, candidates will be provided a broad overview of the program and will meet individually with at least 3 members of the faculty. They will tour Children’s Colorado and The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, including our state of the art research facilities. The cost of travel and local hotel accommodation is generally born by the candidate.

If you have any questions about the application process please contact:

Jennifer Barker, MD
Fellowship Program Director
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Phone: 720-777-8242
Jennifer.Barker

Carolina (Lina) Jensen
Phone: 720-777-4538
Fax: 720-777-7301
Carolina.Jensen

About Denver

The Mile High City is nestled at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest city in the region with a population of 2.7 million. Denver enjoys one of the best climates in the country, with 300 days/year of sunny skies. Although it snows in the winter, the snow melts quickly and temperatures are usually moderate. Hot summer days give way to cool summer evenings. The city is the home to dozens of highly rated restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The city attracts many outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive system of hiking and bike trails and the largest city park system in the country. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is the largest performing arts complex under one roof in the country and attracts many of the top national theater tours each year. Red Rocks Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater in the foothills west of town attracts the nation’s top touring musical talent throughout the summer. Denver is home to the Denver Broncos (NFL), the Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Rockies (MLB), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and the Colorado Mammoth & Outlaws (MLL). The University of Colorado, the state flagship school and a world-class educational institution, is based in nearby Boulder. In addition, Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, which offer abundant recreational and sightseeing opportunities year round. The state of Colorado is home to over 20 major ski areas, many of which are within 2 hours of the city.

Ideen

Ideen Tabatabai, MD

  • Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
  • Residency: Loma Linda University School of Medicine 
  • Email: Ideen.Tabatabai

 

Vargas

Elizabeth Vargas, DO

  • Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
  • Email: Elizabeth.Vargas

 

2nd Year Fellows

Sewell

Rachel L Sewell, MD

  • Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
  • Residency: University of Colorado Pediatric Residency
  • Email:  Rachel.Sewell 

 

Waterman

Lauren Anne Waterman, MD

  • Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  • Email:  Lauren.Waterman

 

3rd Year Fellows

Elliot

Victoria A. Elliot, MD

  • Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
  • Residency: Johns Hopkins / All Children's Hospital
  • Email: Victoria.Elliott

 

 

Pauley_Meghan-2021-04-15_1WEB

 

Meghan E. Pauley, DO

  • Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
  • Email: Meghan.Pauley
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Training Program

The University of Colorado’s Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatric program was started in the 2014-2015 academic year.  With Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Hospital adjacent to each other on the Anschutz Medical Campus, trainees have ample opportunity to attend conferences at both institutions regardless of their specific hospital assignment.   

Visit the Medicine-Pediatric Residency Training Program website...


 

Diversity / Equity / Inclusion

Diversity

We are committed to creating a diverse environment for students, residents, fellows, and faculty. We believe that an environment of inclusiveness and respect promotes excellence and that a setting where diversity is valued leads to the training of physicians who are prepared to practice culturally effective medicine and meet the needs of the various populations we serve. Visit our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage for more....


Well-Being / Resilience

Be well

By embracing wellness and improving personal resiliency, physicians can reconnect with the meaning of their work and fend off stress. Reducing or eliminating burnout also has practical implications for the entire department such as improving patient safety, student advancement, and the overall campus environment. 

Visit our Pediatric Well-Being and Resilience website...