DenverEM - EMS Fellowship

EMS FELLOWSHIP

Denver Health EMS Fellowship Overview

The Denver Health fellowship in EMS and Disaster is a one year ACGME accredited fellowship affiliated with Denver Health Medical Center and the Denver Health Paramedic Division (DHPD). DHPD is a hospital based third service system that provides 911 medical response for the city and county of Denver, Colorado. Our system is one of the busiest in the country with 200 medics running over 100,000 calls and transporting over 80,000 patients per year. We have a very comprehensive division that includes ambulance operations, 911 dispatch/communications, EMS education (including a paramedic and EMT school, fire and law enforcement education), and critical care transport. Functioning as part of the medical direction team, fellows have the opportunity to be actively involved in medical direction, specialized pediatric EMS oversight, field medicine, flight medicine, special events and disaster/mass gathering planning.

The foundation of our fellowship revolves around Tuesday Meetings. The day begins with dedicated didactic sessions, followed by a meeting called Clinical Performance, which focuses on system issues within the Denver Health Paramedic Division. Next, fellows participate in case and data review, followed by dedicated time with the chief and deputy chief staff. Command staff from both the education and operational teams are present for much of the day, and this level of integration is unique and crucial, providing fellows with direct exposure to system leadership and decision-making. The day concludes with Tuesday afternoon time reserved for completion of key tasks such as protocol revision, development of educational modules, and participation in joint research meetings.

Field Medicine Immersion

One of the most distinctive components of the fellowship is our approach to field medicine. In the initial months, fellows participate in the paramedic field training program—the same program completed by new Denver Health paramedics. Through a series of ride-alongs, fellows develop the skills to function effectively as a paramedic in the field while honing scene management and technical competencies. This hands-on immersion provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of prehospital care and the Denver Health system.

Following this phase, fellows transition to command shift ride-alongs and participate in specialized prehospital training courses such as bike medic training and tactical medicine. These experiences build expertise in both operational and clinical aspects of EMS practice.

Special Event Medicine

Fellows gain real-world experience by supporting the paramedic division at large-scale community events, including Rockies games, concerts, local festivals, and dignitary visits.

Flight Medicine

In collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center and its medical director, Dr. Lesley Osborn, fellows may spend up to 1–2 days per month on flight calls, or choose to participate less frequently—or not at all. Flying is not an ACGME requirement. Fellows receive direct mentorship on the operational medical direction of an air medical program, regardless of flight participation.

Clinical Practice

Fellows continue to work clinically in the Denver Health Emergency Department, maintaining their emergency medicine skills while also having the option to pick up moonlighting shifts.