News & Media

CU PM&R extends a sincere thank you to our outgoing Chief Residents, and wishes them the very best as they embark on the next phase of their medical careers! Today we are spotlighting outgoing Chief Resident Dr. Deanna Claus.

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

When I was a high school student, my youngest sister sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. Instead of just focusing on all her new challenges, my sister’s rehabilitation team inspired us to look at her potential and create goals for the future. I was very inspired by her doctor, and I wanted to help my own patients navigate a new life after an injury, trauma, or illness. Even though these times can be intensely emotional or traumatic, I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the team that helps get patients and families back to things they love.

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

I was lucky to attend CU School of Medicine for medical school and even luckier to match at CU for PM&R residency. As a medical student, I got to meet some of the incredible PM&R residents and faculty. The more I got to know them and learn about the program, the more excited I was to train here. CU had all the mentors, educational opportunities, and research I was looking for.

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

The residency feels like a family, and I’ve been able to form valuable friendships and mentor-mentee relationships over the past three years. It’s a collaborative and supportive department, and I genuinely enjoy working with my co-residents, the faculty, and program leadership. From an educational standpoint, one of my favorite things about the program is the unique opportunity to train at multiple clinical sites (Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, University of Colorado Hospital, Craig Hospital, and the Rocky Mountain Region VA) with diverse patient populations. I also love the department’s commitment to serving the underserved through the Rehabilitation Services Volunteer Project (RSVP) Clinic, a free, multidisciplinary clinic for uninsured patients with rehabilitation needs after a catastrophic injury. Through all these experiences, the program has facilitated my growth as a person and as a physiatrist.

How would you describe your experience as chief residents? What skills have you developed from this journey?

It was a valuable experience. As a chief resident, I got to understand more of the nuances and processes of the residency program. It gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation for our leadership and faculty. This role allowed me to explore my own interests in Medical Education, as well as work on my own leadership and teaching skills. I am hopeful I left the program a little better!

What are your goals after you complete residency at CU?

I will be completing a spinal cord injury medicine fellowship at Craig Hospital in Denver after graduating residency.