Review Detail
9.0
4
10
Colorado
August 12, 2007
20929
Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Excellent trauma attendings at Denver Health. I don't think the loss of Wade Smith has had any adverse impact on the program. Faculty at the University enjoy teaching and are happy to let the residents operate. I operated with the Trauma fellow at Denver health several times and the residents still did most of the cases unless it was a acetabulum or pelvis.
Didactics / Teaching
Once a week from 7-12 at the University. The residents at Denver Health have to rush to get there on time as it can take 30 minutes to drive over. Variety of topics with a good mix of resident and attending teaching. They also do cadaver dissections on these days. At Denver Health there are fracture rounds every morning where some serious pimping goes on but I never saw it get out of hand and the residents handled it well, with chiefs backing up junior residents.
Operating Experience
Probably the best strength of the program. Interns do not operate very much but after that they operate extensively. The PGY-2s do more here then any other program I rotated at. The chiefs are able to run their own rooms and were the most competent and confident I encountered. From what I understand the VA rotation also allows a great deal of autonomy. OR Turnover was never an issue.
Clinic Experience
Not uncommon to see 80 patients in a day at Denver Health. The clinic setting is more laid back at the University and the facilities are top-notch.
Research Opportunities
Everyone is active in research with publications in prominent journals. Much of the research is in trauma but there are plenty of other opportunities. Residents are required to complete two research projects. I am not sure if they get a dedicated research block.
Residents
Another strength of the program. A great group that stands up for one another and get along great. They enjoy hanging out (Skiing, Biking, etc...) after work. They all enjoy teaching especially on call.
Lifestyle
Work hard, play hard. They work their butts off at Denver Health but the rest of the rotations seemed average in terms of hours.
Location / Housing
Denver has something for everyone especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Skiing is 1-2 hours west, Mtn biking is close by. Great sports teams/venues. Excellent brewery scene. 330+ days of sun. Housing seems reasonable for a big city.
Limitations
No major limitations. I'm not sure how long Dr. D is going to be the Chair so that might be the only uncertainty
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Excellent program. Operative experience is second-to-none. Residents come out of this program ready to practice or move on to competitive fellowships. I would be more then happy to match here.
Qualification
I rotated as a medical student at this program
Date of Rotation
Summer 2009
Comments
