Specialized Tracks
The CHA/PA Program offers students the opportunity to participate in tracks to help personalize and extend learning beyond our standard curriculum. These tracks include exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary education, integrating students with others in the School of Medicine and across the campus with similar interests. Applications for placement in the tracks listed below occurs during the summer of the 1st Year, with the exception of the Rural Track (see below).
Pediatric Critical and Acute Care Longitudinal Experience (PCACLE)
This longitudinal experience was developed by CHA/PA faculty and Children's Hospital Colorado faculty to meet the needs of students wishing to focus in pediatric critical and acute care. Students participating in the curriculum receive specialized instruction and clinical experiences with critical care physicians and physician assistants at Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health. Additionally, students complete a customized curriculum through targeted readings and lectures. Continuity over the three years of the program helps to ensure growth and progression of clinical skills, clinical reasoning, and autonomy. This individualized educational experience prepares students for careers in pediatric emergency rooms, intensive care units, and other acute pediatric care settings.
The Pediatric Critical and Acute Care Longitudinal Experience is limited to 4 students per class.
Care of the Hospitalized Adult in a Novel Graduated Experience (CHANGE)
This longitudinal experience was developed by University of Colorado Hospital Advanced Practice Providers, in concert with CHA/PA faculty, to meet the needs of students wishing to focus on care of inpatient adults. Students participating in the curriculum receive continuity instruction and clinical experiences with APPs at University of Colorado Hospital over the three years of the program. This continuity helps to ensure growth and progression of clinical skills, medical reasoning, and autonomy. Additionally, students complete a customized curriculum through targeted readings and lectures. This individualized educational experience prepares students for careers in general hospital medicine, intensive care units, and consult hospital services.
CHANGE is limited to 2 students per class at this time.
Guatemala International Experience
The CHAPA program provides an opportunity for students to complete a clinical rotation at the Trifinio Clinic in rural southwest Guatemala (a CU international site). Students in their second year may engage in a 4-week experience that begins with two weeks in a Spanish-language immersion program at Celas Maya followed by two weeks working in the rural clinic, caring for patients. This elective rotation focuses on pediatrics, women’s health, and family medicine. Clinical coursework involves observation and hands-on skills acquisition under the guidance of the medical team. Encounters may include home visits in conjunction with community nurses, specialty and/or hospital-based care. Students will have exposure to patients across the life span, provide care related to preventative, acute, chronic and/or emergent health conditions as well as provide education to patients on a variety of topics, including sexual and mental health.
Fluent Spanish speaking students have an opportunity to return to the Trifinio Clinic for a one-month elective rotation in their third year.
Rural Track
The CHA/PA Program Rural Track is designed for applicants who are interested in preparing for primary and pediatric care practice in rural and resource-limited communities. The Rural Track supports the program’s mission to prepare socially conscious Physician Assistants who are equipped to serve diverse and underserved populations.
Participation in the Rural Track offers additional opportunities for rural-focused education, clinical experiences, and mentorship during the program.