Nutrition Fellowships for Physicians

Didactic and Educational Experiences

In addition to clinical training, fellows participate in a comprehensive didactic curriculum and interdisciplinary learning experiences, including:

• Nutrition Rounds: Bimonthly sessions with nutrition faculty and hospital dietitians focused on discussion of current clinical cases and management strategies
• Collaborative Case Review: Multidisciplinary meetings with faculty, clinical staff, and fellows aimed at identifying system-level challenges and developing solutions to improve quality and patient safety
• GI/Nutrition Case Conference: Joint conference bringing together faculty and trainees from the Nutrition and Gastroenterology sections to review complex cases
• Nutrition Seminar Series: A year-long lecture series featuring experts who present emerging research and advances in nutrition science
• Nutrition Journal Club: A collaborative faculty–fellow forum for critical appraisal of current literature in nutrition and obesity medicine
• Lifestyle Medicine Program Meetings: Participation in program planning and interdisciplinary care discussions within the Lifestyle Medicine program
• Department of Pediatrics Education Series: Fellows engage in this longitudinal series covering key professional development topics such as mentorship, feedback, research design, quality improvement, professionalism, and presentation skills
• Motivational Interviewing Training: Fellows are encouraged to participate in an on-campus training course to develop skills in behavior change counseling as part of clinical practice

Application Information

We are currently accepting applications for one open fellowship position beginning July 2026. Please review the eligibility criteria and application requirements below.

Eligibility

This program is designed for motivated physicians interested in pursuing a career in nutrition medicine.

Applicants must be in the process of completing, or have completed, an ACGME-accredited residency program with substantial pediatric training (e.g., Pediatrics, Med-Peds, Family Medicine).

The Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship adheres to institutional GME Eligibility and Selection policies.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) will be considered only if they have completed residency training in a U.S. or Canadian ACGME-accredited program.

Non-ACGME Fellowship Overview

The Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship is a non-ACGME-accredited program and does not participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Applicants are encouraged to review the CU GME Non-ACGME Accredited Fellowships Policy.

International Medical Graduates (IMG) Requirements

While ECFMG certification is not required to apply to this non-ACGME fellowship, it is required to obtain a Colorado medical license.

Therefore, IMGs applying to this program must submit an ECFMG Certificate in addition to the application materials.

ECFMG certification is also required for individuals who wish to:

• Enter an ACGME-accredited GME program in the United States
• Apply for Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• Obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States

Application Process

Download the fillable Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship Application (PDF).

Submit the completed application and the following required materials via email to [email protected]:

• Personal Information Form (see application for instructions)
• Curriculum Vitae and list of references
• Personal Statement
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from your current Program Director)
• ECFMG Certificate (for international medical graduates only)

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants should expect a decision within approximately 2–3 months after submission, following review by Program Leadership and the Recruitment Committee.

Fellowship positions typically begin July 1 of each academic year.

We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming July 1 start date.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Colorado offers a competitive salary and benefits package comparable to other fellowship programs nationwide.

Current stipend levels are available on the CU GME Stipends and Benefits page.

Contact Information

For application and administrative questions:

Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship Program
Children’s Hospital Colorado
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
13123 E 16th Ave, Box B265
Aurora, CO 80045

Email: [email protected]

For program-specific questions (training, curriculum, opportunities):

Matthew Haemer, MD, MPH (he/him)
Program Director
Email: [email protected]

Stephanie Gilley, MD, PhD (she/her)
Associate Program Director
Email: [email protected]

Current Pediatric Clinical Nutrition Fellows

Elizabeth Vargas, DO (2025–2026)

Current Position: Instructor Fellow, Pediatrics, Clinical Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Fellowship: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology
Residency: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Meifawn Cooley, DO (2024–2026)

Current Position: Instructor Fellow, Pediatrics, Clinical Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: Midwestern University–Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical School: Midwestern University–Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pediatric Clinical Nutrition Alumni

Tiera Nell, MD (2023–2024)

Current Position: Senior Instructor, Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Mohamed Kuziez, MD, FAAP (2023–2024)

Current Position: Instructor, Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: Hospital Episcopal San Lucas
Medical School: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine

Anthony Wang, MD, PhD (2022–2023)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Fellow, NIH T32 Nutrition Research Fellowship, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Epigenetic mechanisms contributing to metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and early-life adiposity, including the impact of perinatal exposures

Allison Ta, MD (2021–2022)

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
GI Fellowship: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Residency: Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Inflammatory bowel disease, exclusive enteral nutrition, pneumatosis, malnutrition in critically ill patients, gastrointestinal imaging, and sarcopenia

Stephanie W. Waldrop, MD, MPH (2020–2021)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Instructor, Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: Morehouse School of Medicine
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Epigenetic predictors of childhood adiposity and the role of maternal one-carbon nutrient intake on DNA methylation and offspring health

Stephanie Gilley, MD, PhD (2019–2020)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado; Associate Program Director, Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship
Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: The impact of early-life nutrition (first 1,000 days) on long-term health outcomes through the gut microbiome

Martine Saint-Cyr, MD (2018–2019)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine / St. Louis Children’s Hospital
GI Fellowship: Weill Cornell Medical College / NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Residency: Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at New York Medical College
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Nutrimetabolomics, inflammatory bowel disease, and short bowel syndrome

Alexandra King, MD (2017–2018)

Current Position: Assistant Clinical Director, Child and Youth Center, UI Health; Pediatric Primary Care
Board Certification: National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists
Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Breastfeeding, weight counseling, and obesity management

Carina Kugelmas, MD, FAAP (2016–2017)

Current Position: Clinical Instructor, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Denver Health
Residency: University of Kentucky Medical Center
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Jaime Moore, MD, MPH (2015–2016)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado
Residency: The Ohio State University & Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Internal Medicine & Pediatrics)
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Personalized obesity treatment using lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery; reducing disparities related to social determinants of health and complex medical conditions

Liliane Diab, MD (2014–2015)

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado; Medical Director, Growth and Parenting Clinic, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Board Certification: National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Medical School: Damascus University

Matthew Haemer, MD, MPH (2010–2011)

Clinical and Research Nutrition Fellow

Current Position: Professor, Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado; Program Director, Pediatric Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Fellowship, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Residency: University of Washington
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Clinical/Research Interests: Childhood obesity treatment across tertiary, primary care, and community settings; obesity-related health disparities; inpatient management of malnutrition; and indirect calorimetry

Community and Institutional Resources

Community and connection are central to the fellowship experience—not only within our section, but across Children’s Hospital Colorado, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, and the broader Colorado community. The following resources support engagement, professional development, and a culture of inclusion.

CU Anschutz Medical Campus Resources

• CU Anschutz Central Office of Access and Engagement
  Supports access, engagement, belonging, and community partnership efforts across the CU Anschutz campus.
• CU Anschutz Inclusivity Alliance
  Connects learners and campus community members with organizations and initiatives that promote inclusion and engagement.
• CU Anschutz Ombuds
  Provides confidential, neutral guidance for students, faculty, and staff navigating conflict or workplace concerns.
• CU Anschutz White Coats for Black Lives
  Highlights campus engagement with White Coats for Black Lives and advocacy around racial justice in medicine.
• CU Anschutz Women in STEM
  Offers community, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
• CU/CHCO Adult & Child Center for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science (ACCORDS)
  Supports interdisciplinary outcomes, implementation, and translational research across CU Anschutz and Children’s Colorado.
• University of Colorado Faculty Council Committee for Racial & Ethnic Equity (CU CREE)
  Advances faculty and student equity priorities across the University of Colorado system.

Children’s Hospital Colorado Resources

• Child Health Advocacy Institute (CHAI)
  Leads Children’s Colorado community health and advocacy work to improve child health and safety.
• Diversity, Health Equity and Inclusion Department Resources at CHCO
  Highlights Children’s Colorado efforts to reduce health disparities and foster an inclusive environment for patients, families, and team members.
• Experience Different
  Shares Children’s Colorado’s mission, culture, and care philosophy.
• Captains of Inclusion Development Program
  A Children’s Colorado leadership development program that trains team members to champion diversity, health equity, and inclusion.
• Chartered Team Member Resource Groups
  Supports identity-based and affinity-based communities that foster connection, learning, and inclusion across the organization.
  • Spectrum ALLYance
    Supports LGBTQ+ inclusion, visibility, and community building at Children’s Colorado.
  • The Afrocentric Network (T.A.N.)
    Creates space to celebrate, support, and elevate Black team members and culture across the organization.
  • Unidos
    Builds community and recognition for Latino/a/e team members and their contributions.
  • honoring Asian American & Pacific Islanders (hAAPI)
    Celebrates and supports Asian American and Pacific Islander team members and communities.
  • Inclusive Minds
    Promotes awareness, inclusion, and support around neurodiversity and mental well-being.
  • Join Forces!
    Supports veterans, military-connected team members, and their families.
  • Helping Hearts
    Provides connection and support for team members impacted by disability and caregiving experiences.
  • SPIRIT
    Encourages community and dialogue around faith, spirituality, and meaning in the workplace.
  • Salaam
    Fosters understanding, visibility, and support for Muslim team members and allies.
• DHE&I Learning Series: Destination Equity
  Connects users to Children’s Colorado professional development and equity-focused learning opportunities.
• Invest in Healthier Futures for Children | CHCO Foundation
  Learn how the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation supports programs, research, and patient care.
• Kindred Mamas Program (part of CHCO Black Health Initiative)
  A mentorship program designed to support young Black mothers and improve the healthcare experience for Black families.
• The Medical Career Collaborative Program (MC2)
  A healthcare pathway program that offers high school students exposure, mentorship, and professional development in medicine.
• Project SEARCH
  A school-to-work transition program that helps students with significant disabilities build workplace skills and prepare for employment.

Resources in Our Colorado Communities

• Multicultural Experiences in Denver | Visit Denver, The Mile High City
  Explore Denver’s neighborhoods, cultural organizations, events, dining, and attractions through a multicultural lens.
• Denver Office of Social Equity & Innovation
  Shares citywide programs and initiatives focused on advancing social equity, racial equity, and inclusive public policy.