CU PM&R is excited to introduce our new Chief Residents! Today we are spotlighting incoming Chief Resident Dr. Emma Drenth.

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

I appreciate the focus on optimization of an individual’s function and quality of life, the interdisciplinary approach to patient care, and the opportunity to build longitudinal relationships with both patients and their caregivers or families. Further, I’m grateful for the diverse population of individuals we serve and the unique position we are afforded as physiatrists to help address disparities faced by those with varying physical and functional capabilities.

What made you want to choose CU PM&R for residency?

Our program remained my top choice for residency for many reasons! I was drawn to highly supportive and collaborative, yet challenging, learning environment that was offered here. It remained clear how invested our leadership was (and still is) in striving for continued growth as a program and department, despite our already high level of success. The wide variety of training sites that each presented top-tier clinical experience was very important to me. It was also impossible to overlook the familial culture amongst our residents. I’m grateful to be a part of this team every day!

How would you describe your time as a resident at CU PM&R so far?

My time as a resident at CU PM&R has been filled with endless opportunities for growth, both within the clinical setting and beyond. I appreciate how our program’s leadership expects residents to remain self-motivated in their pursuits outside of program requirements, while also providing an amazing amount of support whenever needed. I reflect on my experience thus far and am proud of my progress as a clinician and future medical educator, and I’m grateful for the faculty and co-residents that will continue to guide me during my final year.

What are your goals as our new Chief Residents? What skills do you hope to develop as Chiefs?

I am thrilled to be serving as academic chief given my interest in medical education. I’m looking forward to working more directly with our renowned faculty to advance our didactic curriculum, building upon the work of prior chiefs and our program leadership. I hope to progress my skills in developing and delivering instructional content and help to implement innovative methods for supporting adult learners. I will also ensure the goals and interests of my co-residents remain at the forefront of all my efforts this year, as academic chief, by continually seeking feedback. 

What are your goals after you complete residency at CU?

My short-term goal is to complete a fellowship in Spinal Cord Injury medicine and then pursue a career in Neurorehabilitation. My ideal role would be a blend of both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities, as well as continued opportunities to work within graduate medical education.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would love to express my gratitude for my co-residents who are an astounding group of individuals and leaders, all of whom I have been thankful to learn from.