University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

The Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program at theUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine is a six-year programthat has received initial accreditation from the AccreditationCouncil for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program offerstwo positions per year, combining three years of general surgerytraining with three years focused specifically on plastic surgery.Residents undergo rigorous training designed to prepare them for asuccessful career in plastic surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The first three years of training are dedicated to general surgery,where residents rotate through various specialties includingurology, trauma, breast surgery, vascular surgery, and more.Plastic surgery rotations commence in the first year, allowingresidents early exposure to this specialty. In years four to six,residents engage in more specialized plastic surgery training, withrotations at various institutions such as Denver Health MedicalCenter and Children’s Hospital Colorado. This multi-institutionalapproach enables residents to gain diverse clinical experiencesacross different patient populations and complexcases.1

Training Sites

Training occurs predominantly at several renowned institutionsincluding Denver Health Medical Center, University of ColoradoHospital, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. This exposure ensuresthat residents have comprehensive experiences in both general andplastic surgery contexts. Additionally, opportunities for surgicalsubspecialties, such as hand surgery and burn surgery, are providedduring later years of training. Residents also participate incommunity cosmetic surgery practices to bridge clinical andpractical skills.1

Research Opportunities

The program places a significant emphasis on research. Residentsare required to complete a research project, ideally resulting inpublication or presentation at notable medical meetings. Eachresident must work closely with a faculty mentor to produce adocument of publishable quality before graduation. The annualPlastic Surgery Research Symposium is a highlight, where residentspresent their findings before a panel of experts and have theirwork evaluated. This initiative fosters a culture of inquiry andemphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice in plasticsurgery.6

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program actively supports international applicants and is knownto be friendly towards DO and IMG candidates. Eligible residentsmay receive sponsorship for H-1B or J-1 visa types, ensuring thatinternational medical graduates can participate fully in thetraining program.2

Application Process and Criteria

Applicants must possess either a medical or osteopathic degree froma U.S. or Canadian institution accredited by the Liaison Committeefor Medical Education (LCME) or the American OsteopathicAssociation (AOA), as required by the American Board of PlasticSurgery. Applications are submitted through the National ResidentMatch Program (NRMP) using ERAS. Interviews are conductedselectively and by invitation only, where candidates are assessedbased on their academic and clinical preparation for the rigors ofthe program.3

Unique Aspects of the Program

One key highlight of the program is its faculty, which consists ofboard-certified plastic surgeons dedicated to an educationalenvironment that prioritizes the development of surgical skills andprofessional relationships. Furthermore, residents benefit frommentorship opportunities and a curriculum designed to instill thevalues of leadership and innovation in surgicalpractice.5

Conclusion

The training experience provided by the University of ColoradoPlastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program is recognized forcomprehensively equipping residents with the skills, knowledge, andexpertise necessary for a successful career in plastic surgery.With its blend of rigorous clinical rotation, researchopportunities, and supportive faculty, it stands out as a leadingprogram for future plastic surgeons.