International Trainee Pediatric Observership — CU Anschutz / Children's Colorado
Aurora, Colorado · Observership
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, together with Children's Hospital Colorado, operates a structured observership for international pediatric or family-medicine trainees and physicians. Rotations are fixed at one month, with July and December blacked out and availability rolling roughly eight months ahead. Observers attend inpatient rounds, ambulatory clinics, and departmental conferences under the continuous supervision of an attending, fellow, or supervising resident; they are not permitted to take histories, examine patients, write notes or orders, or access the EMR. Applications are submitted through a Qualtrics portal to coordinator Michael Baca and must include a CV, medical-school transcript, and a faculty letter describing class rank and honors. Importantly, the program requires BOTH USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 to be completed at time of application, a notable step-gated filter that distinguishes it from many US observerships. Selected observers pay a $100 registration fee and complete health-insurance, criminal-background, drug-screen, HIPAA, and immunization requirements at least 60 days before arrival. The program explicitly disclaims that acceptance does not imply a residency or fellowship interview, and applicants may only be accepted once per 12-month period.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- Tier-A recommendedFlagged as a top program in our directory
- Rolling applicationsApply year-round, not tied to a single yearly window
Watch for
- USMLE Step requiredUSMLE Step 1 AND Step 2 both required before applying
- ECFMG certificationYes — required
- No visa sponsorshipINTL applicants must self-arrange B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 1 month (fixed) of structured clinical experience
- Placement in Pediatrics
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
How to apply
- Identify a faculty host or coordinator at the program.Many IMG observerships require a faculty sponsor BEFORE you can apply. Use the contact email in the sidebar.
- Submit your application packet directly to the program.Typical packet: CV, USMLE scores or ECFMG certificate, letter of intent, proof of funding, immunizations, and (for INTL) translated medical license.
- Pay any required application or program fee.Many programs charge a non-refundable application fee + per-rotation program fee. See the cost tile above for this program's specific amounts.
- Complete pre-arrival paperwork and visa coordination.Most IMG observerships do not sponsor educational visas — applicants travel on B-1/B-2 visitor status. Confirm before booking travel.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
International pediatric/FM trainees and physicians; USMLE Step 1 AND Step 2 required at application; one application per 12 months.
USMLE / COMLEX: USMLE Step 1 AND Step 2 both required before applying
ECFMG: Yes — required
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