Department of Neurosurgery Residency Program

The Neurosurgery Residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (UCHSC) includes integrated services at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH), The Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC) and The Children’s Hospital (TCH). The seven-year program consists of one year surgical intern, two years as junior resident, two years as resident and two years as senior resident, acquiring graduated experience in all aspects of neurological surgery. The Chief year is a mandatory 12 months on the University service. Over the previous four clinical years, there are four 3-month elective blocks. Between 6-9 months is spent at each of the affiliate hospitals, VAH, DHMC, and TCH. The bulk of your experience at the affiliated hospitals is during the PGY3-PGY5 years, with an additional 12 months at the University prior to the Chief year.

Neuro-critical care experience is emphasized throughout the training, and extensive exposure to subspecialty services including neurovascular, neuro-oncology, spinal neurosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, neuro-trauma and pediatric neurosurgery. Elective experiences throughout the training allow further subspecialty exposure, and include up to two years of mentored research training. We are now offering an international rotation giving senior residents the opportunity to travel to Tanzania and teach their neurosurgical skills. While on elective services the residents continue to participate in limited call activity to maintain clinical skills. The option of preparation for ACGME accredited training in neuro-endovascular surgical neuroradiology is provided. Preparation of scientific manuscripts, review articles, book chapters and abstracts, presentation and leadership/administrative skills are fostered within a structured mentored environment and extensive multidisciplinary interface. Weekly conferences during one half day are protected from clinical commitments and include morbidity and mortality conference, core curriculum conference, and subspecialty and case management/neuroradiology/neuropathology conferences.