University of Colorado, Denver PMR

[Meddienyc]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone can give some insight to the program as to how good it is, or pros/cons since their website seems to be pretty limited? Any advice would help.

Thanks!

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[Sharps]

One pro is Akuthota is a decent teacher. Dunno much about the other faculty.

 

[Prof Moriarty]

wondering if anyone can give some insight to the program

...

 

[Prof Moriarty]

Searching through the archives, I see Colorado mentioned as a "top 10" program. Can anyone offer insight as to what might put it in that category?

 

[Phillyborn]

Can anyone offer insight as to what might put it in that category?

I'm just postulating as I don't know much about the program, but Craig Rehab Hospital is associated with the program. They're devoted to TBI and SCI (one of the top SCI centers in the country I believe).

 

[axm397]

there is a podcast on the aapmr website of an interview with Venu.

http://aapmr.org/medstu/CPS_podcasts.htm

 

[Prof Moriarty]

an interview with Venu.

I just listened to it again now and it is indeed a good one. I listened to all those back when I first started thinking about PM&R and they were definitely a positive influence.

So, for Colorado:

• 3 month rotation with Dr. Akuthota's group
• 3 month rotation at Craig
• What else makes this program great?

I was very favorably impressed with the program and have been considering ranking it above other "bigger" names on my ROL. They seemed to have excellent, thoughtful faculty. Seemed very supportive of research. I like the concept of their 3-month one-on-one rotations & think it would fit well with my learning style. I wonder specifically what else makes people say this is a "top 10" program. I think they spend 9-12 months at the VA. Is that a lot / too much? Does it matter? Part of me feels a little guilty wanting to rank this program higher than some others with "bigger" names, which is why I'm looking for other perspectives on the program. My whole impression is based on my one day there, but like I said I was very favorably impressed.

 

[clarence]

You spend 2, 3 month rotations with Dr. Akuthota's group. Also the strongest EMG faculty is at the VA, so the EMG rotation is there. Another one of the VA rotations is MSK, which is a fairly strong rotation. Overall I think: strong faculty across the board, well rounded education, good didactics, pleasant atmosphere, excellent resident support for research... The only reason I think that it is not recognized more often is that it is a small program (4 per year) - which is actually to its benefit.

 

[MSKalltheway]

I wonder specifically what else makes people say this is a "top 10" program.

I would be cautious when you hear others say "X program is a top 10" since there is no defined top 10 list. I'd wager everyone's top 10 is going to be different since after a few very standout programs, its been fairly subjective. I don't remember ever seeing complete agreement on this board, or in speaking to residents elsewhere on a consensus of "top" programs outside of maybe 4-5 places.

That said, I've never heard anything bad said about Colorado and have only heard encouraging things, but have never heard specifics.

 

[bedrock]

That said, I've never heard anything bad said about Colorado and have only heard encouraging things, but have never heard specifics.

Overall I've heard to be a very solid program with save two things.

1-Minimal elective time.
2-residency director not that open to resident suggestions for modifying/improving rotations.

 

[MedBronc23]

Colorado is a very solid program. Very good reputation for their spine and sports (pain) fellowship with Dr. Akuthota. Also very well known for Pediatric PM&R. Craig is an awesome place for SCI and TBI training. Very balanced program.

I rotated there. Really liked it. It was definitely in my top 5. It is definitely one of the top places in the west for PM&R. I think the only downsides I have heard from people are
1.Small program (only 4 residents, 5 if you include the combined PM&R/Peds track)
2. Spread out all over Denver at various hospitals (UC, VA, Denver Health, Craig, Swedish, Children's, rotations in Boulder, ect.)
3. Not a ton of elective time to explore specialty areas or rotate at away places.
4. Residents are happy but busy from what I gathered during my rotation.

It is a very strong balanced program. It will expose you to every aspect of the field. Dr. Akuthota and Sullivan are very well known for the Spine Center at UC in Aurora. Dr. Saint-Phard is one of the most respected experts on women's sports medicine in the country. Dr. Chang who works at UC hospital is fantastic teacher, did SCI fellowship at Craig. All the peds physiatrists are great. Dr. Sue Ladley-Obrien is also a neurorehab (tbi sci interest doc) that I found to be a great teacher there.

Just my thoughts. Would be happy to go back and do fellowship there if given the opportunity.

 

[MedBronc23]

and I just figured out how to change my status to resident. Very Cool