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Endocrinology - Fellowship

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 The University of Colorado School Of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado offers a three-year fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology. The goal of the fellowship is to provide physicians who are board eligible in pediatrics with in-depth training in endocrinology that will prepare them for a career in clinical or academic medicine. Fellows rotate at 3 primary teaching sites, Childrens Hospital Colorado (CHCO), University Colorado Hospital (UCH), and The Barbara Davis Center (BDC). Our three year program offers:

 

  • Superior academic subspecialty training in a professional, collegial atmosphere
  • One-on-one working relationships between fellows and supervising faculty
  • Endocrinology outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital consult services
  • Experience with high volume and wide array of endocrine problems, ranging from common to exotic
  • Diabetes Unit for training of patients in intensive insulin therapy programs
  • Endocrine case conferences, journal clubs, weekly endocrine grand rounds, and research conferences
  • Participate in the education of  residents, medical students, and PA’s
  • Continuity Care Clinic
  • Multi-Disciplinary Clinics

 

Scope of Clinical Training:

Training for fellows in pediatric endocrinology involves intensive clinical training in all aspects of clinical pediatric endocrinology, as well as development of clinical and/or basic research skills. The large volume and broad range of endocrine pathology seen by Children’s Hospital endocrinologists ensures an optimal clinical experience for endocrine fellows. To accomplish this, pediatric endocrine fellows will be trained to become proficient in endocrine-focused history and physical exam skills, interpretation of growth charts. They will learn appropriate selection, performance and interpretation of endocrine-related diagnostic tests, and integrate this knowledge base to develop appropriate management plans for patients with endocrine disorders referred for outpatient and inpatient endocrine consultation. During the last two years of the training program they will become highly skilled in the field of pediatric endocrine research, ready to assume leadership roles in the nation’s biomedical and behavioral research efforts in pediatric endocrinology. 

The 1st year of the fellowship consists of clinical training and incorporates some preparation for the 2nd year, while the 2nd and 3rd years consist mainly of research with some clinical training (continuity clinics, inpatient consultation). During year one of the clinical track you will identify an area of research interest and a mentor for pursuit during the second year.

Expectations/Responsibilities:

To prepare trainees to function as effective endocrinologists upon completion of their fellowship, fellows are encouraged to assume progressive responsibility for patient care over the course of their three years. Late in the first year, and certainly during the second and third years, fellows are expected to direct clinical care during rounds, with the supervision of a faculty attending. Fellows are expected to actively seek the most up-to-date information to guide clinical care whenever possible. Likewise, fellows are expected to take an active role in teaching the pediatric house staff, both through didactic lectures and extemporaneous bedside teaching.

Supervision: 

All fellows are directly supervised by faculty members (CHCO, UCH, or BDC) specific to that rotation and by the inpatient consult attending for the inpatient consultation rotation. This attending physician shall be available at all times to the endocrine fellow. It is the responsibility of the fellow to communicate effectively and in a timely fashion with the attending physician as well as other members of the Endocrine Faculty. At each stage of training, the goal is to provide a level of supervision that ensures patient safety and maximizes education while promoting the trainee’s sense of independence and autonomy

Clinical Schedule:

All clinical activity during fellowship occurs at Children’s Hospital Colorado, University Colorado Hospital or The Barbara Davis Center. The clinical schedule is broken into discrete 4-week blocks and over the course of the fellowship; each trainee will spend 12 blocks on service. The clinical schedule is intentionally front loaded, with fellows spending 10 blocks on service during their first year of training (rotating between BDC, UH, and CHCO). During each of the last 2 years, a fellow spends 1-2 blocks on service with the rest of the blocks dedicated to research.

Call Responsibility:

Call for pediatric endocrine fellows are at home call.  They are required to answer phone calls from parents of patients, outpatient phone consults and inpatient consults.  They rarely have to go into the hospital for an urgent consult.  First year pediatric endocrine fellows take call up to 10 days per month, including one weekend.  Second and third year pediatric endocrine fellows take care up to 7 days per month, including one weekend. 

Conferences:

Fellows are expected to attend the following conferences during the fellowship program: 

Monday Case conference – Monday 8-9 am. 

Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric endocrine faculty.  Cases are brought by both fellows and faculty for discussion and review.  Inpatients are reviewed.  Fellows present a more formal case with a detailed literature search 4-6 times per year during their first year.  This is also the forum for discussion of topics related to the laboratory.

Diabetes conference – Tuesday 12-1 pm. 

Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric diabetes faculty.  Endocrine fellows present in the conference annually.  Topics include research in progress, clinical topics related to diabetes care, instruction on effective reading of the literature. 

Endocrine grand rounds – Wednesday 8-9 am. 

Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows and pediatric endocrine faculty, endocrine fellows and faculty.  Endocrine fellows present once as a first year fellow.  Topics include challenging endocrine cases, updates to clinical practice of endocrinology, invited speakers from across the country. 

Journal club – Friday 8-9 am

 Conference includes pediatric endocrine fellows, pediatric endocrine and diabetes faculty.  Second and third year fellows present 2-3 times per year.  Journals are reviewed by the presenter to identify articles that are pertinent to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes.  Reviewers select 3-5 articles for detailed discussion.  Fellows are encouraged to select 2-3 articles for more in depth discussion of study design, statistics and interpretation of results.  This facilitates skill in critical reading of the literature, analysis of study design, statistics, extrapolation of research studies to clinical care of children with diabetes and other endocrine problems.

Fellow case conference – First and Third Tuesdays 4-5 pm

Conference includes Drs. Barker, Klingensmith and Zeitler and pediatric endocrine fellows. This informal conference consists of fellows bringing particularly challenging cases for discussion with a focus on understanding the underlying physiology and pathophysiology associated with the cases.  Additionally, PREP questions are reviewed.  Lastly, this conference is the opportunity to identify issues related to the fellowship that need to be addressed.

Pediatric Endocrine Summer School – Monday, Tuesdays and Friday (July-August)

Conference consists of varied topics pertinent to the clinical care of children with diabetes and other endocrine problems.  Presenters are faculty in the division of pediatric endocrinology and the Barbara Davis Center.  The purpose is to provide a broad overview of the general topics of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes and provide the fellows with a foundation for the clinical care of children with these disorders.

Endocrine quarterly meeting- Every 3 months Friday afternoons 12:30-4:30

Endocrine and diabetes faculty and fellows attend this conference.  Conference includes an hour of didactic lectures from disciplines throughout the University (radiology, urology, genetics, reproductive endocrinology, etc), time for morbidity and mortality.  Conference includes an hour for the discussion of disorders of sexual differentiation in a multi-disciplinary team.

Multiple research focused conferences throughout the Medical Campus, including at Children’s Hospital and the Barbara Davis Center – Required as appropriate for mentored research project

​

 


The research component of the fellowship is designed to provide trainees with an intensive introduction to the principles and techniques of clinical or laboratory investigation. During the first year of the fellowship, trainees become familiar with the research interests of faculty members, both through informal interactions and their presentations in Research Conference. Fellows are also encouraged to meet individually with faculty members to discuss research interests and other faculty mentors associated with the training grant outside the division that are working in an area of interest to the fellow.

Fellows are expected to complete 2 years of research training during which they will spend, 75% of their time working on research projects under the direction of a primary mentor with the support of the training grant. Adequacy of their progress during this period of training will be periodically assessed and documented through reports by the mentorship committee and evaluations by the research mentor. While the minimal requirement of success is preparation of a scholarly research proposal, the Scholarly oversight committee  (SOC) will regularly assess progress towards completion of experimental studies, submission of abstracts to national meetings, presentations of posters or oral presentations at national meetings, submission and publication of study results, and the submission of grant applications.

After deciding on a topic and a mentor, fellows prepare a research proposal with the guidance of the mentor. This provides useful experience in developing an experimental plan and preparing a grant application, and also helps to formally define the fellow's project. The fellow along with their chosen mentor and with the supervision of Drs. Barker, Klingensmith and Zeitler is expected to select a mentorship committee to help oversee the research training period. The SOC should be assembled by July of the PGY 5 year so that the first committee meeting can take place in fall of PGY 5 year. The SOC is composed of at least 3 faculty members who are committed to meeting with the fellow as a group at least twice per year, reviewing the training progress of the fellow, and making recommendations to the fellow regarding aspects of their progress. Requirements for the SOC include one pediatric endocrine faculty member, another endocrine faculty member (either pediatric or adult) and a member outside of the divisions of pediatric and adult endocrinology.

The fellow is expected to prepare a summary/update of scholarly work and research to date, as well as an updated timeline, to be circulated to the mentorship committee prior to each meeting, and used as a basis for discussion during each meeting. Fellows will then present their work in the Division's research seminar and are encouraged to submit abstracts of their work for presentation at national meetings.

There are many courses available on the AMC for education in all aspects of research and academic career development. Course work may help some trainees learn how to approach and develop a research idea through courses in research design, biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical pharmacology, ethics or other topics relevant to the planning, execution and analysis of basic, clinical or translational research. Selected courses will be chosen by each trainee and his/her primary mentor and their SOC that will provide a flexible approach to acquiring new or augmented information and practical classroom experiences to advance the trainee’s research and academic capacities. Many of these courses are available through the CCTSI.  Trainees may decide to pursue an MSPH or a Masters in Clinical Science supported under the CCTSI and its K30 program or degree programs in the Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics or Public Health in the Colorado School of Public Health (CSPH) as appropriate to their interests.

​

Subspecialty-Specific Curriculum:

Pediatric endocrine fellows will be trained to become proficient in endocrine-focused history and physical exam skills, interpretation of growth charts, learn appropriate selection, performance and interpretation of endocrine-related diagnostic tests, and integrate this knowledge base to develop appropriate management plans for patients with endocrine disorders referred for outpatient and inpatient endocrine consultation. During the last two years of the training program they will become highly skilled in the field of pediatric endocrine research, ready to assume leadership roles in the nation’s biomedical and behavioral research efforts in pediatric endocrinology. Lists of mandatory and recommended conferences are detailed in the Clinical Training Tab under conferences.

Department of Pediatrics Education Series:

The subspecialty of pediatric endocrinology encompasses a wide array of clinical conditions from assessment of growth and pubertal development to the ongoing management of complex disorders. The overarching educational goal of this fellowship program is to train pediatric endocrine fellows to become the leaders of pediatric endocrinology of the future, including academic leaders who will advance the field of endocrinology and pediatric endocrinologists providing expert care to children with endocrine disorders. In addition to providing core educational materiel, these sessions allow trainees in different disciplines throughout the department to meet and interact with one another in an informal and collegial environment. Topics include:

Session 1    1st Year - Fall

  • Evidence-Based Medicine I
  •  Forming Your Question
  •  Introduction to LRP
  •  Mentorship: Obligations and Expectations
  •  Research Opportunities: Faculty and Senior Fellow Panels

Session 2  1st Year - Spring

  • Evidence-Based Medicine II
  • Searching the Literature
  • Death and Dying
  • Adult Learning Theory and Teaching
  • Providing Feedback to the Learner

Session 3  2nd Year - Fall

  • How to Monitor and Improve Quality in Medical Practice
  • Avoiding Medical Malpractice
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Scientific Writing - Part 1
  • Preparation and Submission of an Abstract

Session 4  2nd Year - Spring

  • Presentation Skills
  • Writing and Submitting a Grant Proposal
  • Professionalism
  • Scientific Writing – Part 2
  • Biomedical Ethics
  • The Job Search

Session 5  3rd Year - Fall

  • Preparation for an Academic Career
  • The Process of Finding a Job
  • Interviewing and Negotiating for a Position
  • Personal Finance
  • Risk Management:  Getting Sued
  • Personal and Professional Balance
  • Supplemental Courses and Activities
  • Introduction to Pediatric Fellowship
  • Biostatistics a Short Course
  • Dept. of Pediatrics Research Poster Session

Supplemental Courses and Activities

  • Introduction to Pediatric Fellowship
  • Biostatistics a Short Course
  • Dept. of Pediatrics Research Poster Session​

 

Eligibility:

This program is designed for the motivated, self-directed learner who wants to develop an academic career based on excellence in research, scholarship, and clinical pediatric endocrinology. To be considered for admission to our program, applicants must have successfully completed training in a 3- year ACGME-accredited residency program in Pediatrics and we encourage applications from members of underrepresented minority groups. 

Required Application Materials:

All application material should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) www.nrmp.org and generally do not offer any positions outside of the match. Required application materials include a completed ERAS common application form, a USMLE (or COMLEX/ECFMG) transcript, a 1-2 page personal statement addressing your interest in Pediatric Endocrinology, a wallet-sized photo, and at least 3 letters of recommendation.  

Deadlines:

Applications for positions starting in July 2014 will be accepted through December 2012 but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as they are know that they are interested in our program. Recruitment interviews will tentatively occur between January and mid-April, although this is subject to change. Applicants selected for a personal interview will be contacted by the fellowship program coordinator. 

Interviews:

On the interview day, candidates will be provided a broad overview of the program and will meet individually with at least 3 members of the faculty. They will tour Children’s Colorado and The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, including our state of the art research facilities. The cost of travel and local hotel accommodation is generally born by the candidate.

Salary and Benefits:

The University of Colorado offers salary and benefits packages that are competitive with other fellowship programs across the country. Current salary levels can be found on the Stipend Levels page.

Denver:

The Mile High City is nestled at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest city in the region with a population of 2.7 million. Denver enjoys one of the best climates in the country, with 300 days/year of sunny skies. Although it snows in the winter, the snow melts quickly and temperatures are usually moderate. Hot summer days give way to cool summer evenings. The city is the home to dozens of highly rated restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The city attracts many outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive system of hiking and bike trails and the largest city park system in the country. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is the largest performing arts complex under one roof in the country and attracts many of the top national theater tours each year. Red Rocks Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater in the foothills west of town attracts the nation’s top touring musical talent throughout the summer. Denver is home to the Denver Broncos (NFL), the Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Rockies (MLB), the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and the Colorado Mammoth & Outlaws (MLL). The University of Colorado, the state flagship school and a world-class educational institution, is based in nearby Boulder. In addition, Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, which offer abundant recreational and sightseeing opportunities year round. The state of Colorado is home to over 20 major ski areas, many of which are within 2 hours of the city. 

Contacts:

Jennifer Barker, MD
Fellowship Program Director
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Phone: 720-777-8242
jennifer.barker@childrenscolorado.org

Alyssa Jumps
Fellowship Program Coordinator
Phone: 720-777-5744
Fax: 720-777-7301
alyssa.jumps@childrenscolorado.org

 

 
Endocrinology Cropped.jpg

 Endocrinology Fellows: (Left-Right)  Scott Clements (PGY6), Melanie Green (PGY5), Christina Chambers (PGY4), Shideh Majidi (PGY4), Colleen Wood (PGY 4), Anil Piya (PGY5)

First-Year Fellows:

Christina Chambers, MD
Residency: University of Washington at Seattle Childrens Hospital
Medical School: University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Research Interest: TBD
Christina.Chambers

Shideh Majidi, MD
Residency: University of Colorado Pediatric Residency Program
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Research Interestst: TBD
Shideh.Majidi

Colleen Wood, MD
Residency: University of Colorado Pediatric Residency Program
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Research Interest: TBD
Colleen.Wood

 

Second-Year Fellows:

Melanie Green, MD, PhD
Residency: University of Colorado Pediatric Residency Program
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston
Research Interest: Insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease in girls with PCOS. Cross sectional study looking at detailed glucose and fat metabolism in girls with PCOS using stable isotopes and hyper-insulinemic clamps, as well as phosphorus MRS and multiple echo based markers of cardiovascular disease.
Melanie.Green

Anil Piya, MD
Residency: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Medical School: University of Science and Technology Chittagong
Research Interest: Identify small “drug-like” molecules that can block insulin specific T cell receptor activation in the NOD mouse and prevent T cell activation that results in T cell infiltration, insulitis, and ultimately beta cell destruction. My first aim is to screen, in vitro, small organic molecules to block insulin B: 9-23 peptide stimulated T cell hybridomas. My second aim is to test in vitro efficacy of small organic molecules to specifically block insulin T cell receptor stimulation. My third aim is to test, in vivo, lead candidate molecules to block insulin autoantibody formation, insulitis, and diabetes development in NOD & a single TCR transgenic mice.  Future work includes the extension of this small molecule approach to the homologous human T cell receptor, TRAV 13-1.
Anil.Piya

Third-Year Fellow:

Scott Clements, MD
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Research Interest: Helping to establish a new diabetes telemedicine clinic at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Families who do not live in Denver often have to spend a significant amount of time and money on travel to receive their routine diabetes care. Thus, meeting the American Diabetes Association treatment guidelines can be difficult for patients who live in rural areas.  With diabetes telemedicine, families simply travel to a local provider’s office or a community hospital where they are connected via videoconferencing equipment to the Barbara Davis Center in Denver.  A pediatric diabetes provider then conducts a routine diabetes care visit using telemedicine, rather than having the family spend the time and money to travel to Denver.  We will be using clinical data and patient surveys to determine if providing diabetes care via telemedicine improves or worsens diabetes control and adherence to American Diabetes Association treatment guidelines.
Scott.Clements​