Denver Health announced on March 20 that four members of the 2025 cohort from the Colorado Works for International Physicians (COWIP) Clinical Readiness Program have matched into residency programs in Colorado. The announcement also included news that one physician from the 2024 cohort, Suhaila Obaidalla, MD, successfully matched this year, maintaining a 100% match rate since the program began.
The COWIP Clinical Readiness Program aims to help internationally trained physicians transition into U.S. medical practice and address healthcare workforce needs across Colorado. By supporting these physicians, the program seeks to strengthen and diversify primary care services throughout the state.
Among those matching this year are Naw Wai Htoo, MD, from Myanmar; Muhanned Soud, MD, from Iraq; Rebeka Sultana, MD, from Bangladesh; and Yonas Woldekiristos, MD, from Eritrea. Their placements include family medicine residencies at locations such as HealthPoint in Kent, Washington; St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction; Denver Health’s Community Health Services in Denver; and CommonSpirit Health in Pueblo.
Philip H. Fung, MD, medical director of the COWIP Clinical Readiness Program and associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine said: “International medical graduates bring exceptional skill and a deep commitment to caring for patients, and it has been a privilege to teach and mentor them through the Colorado Works for International Physicians program. Alongside our faculty, I’ve seen how this program empowers talented physicians who already hold MD-equivalent degrees to refine their clinical abilities, immerse themselves in U.S. medical practice and become strong candidates for primary care residency programs. Their passion, dedication, and life experiences strengthens our health care workforce, and we are proud to support their path to becoming licensed physicians serving communities across the state.”
The nine-month curriculum includes close work with Denver Health faculty physicians who provide clinical assessment and mentorship. In partnership with the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, participants receive preclinical support such as guidance on testing requirements and certification as well as assistance with recredentialing.
Abraham Nussbaum, MD, chief education officer at Denver Health said: “COWIP has proven we can realize the gifts of international medical graduates to close healthcare gaps. Our graduates are serving across the state, including in rural communities where health care shortages are most extreme… These international graduates are deeply committed to providing care to all Coloradoans and are showing us how it’s done. With the support of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, these physicians are taking care of Colorado and across the state… We are grateful every day to help people receive care across Colorado.”
Applications for participation in the 2027 cohort will open in summer 2026.
