Alert: Canvas Outage Update
Canvas access has been restored for our users, but the service reliability remains uncertain. Due to recent events, Canvas has had intermittent outages which are at the discretion of the vendor and may occur during a final exam. Faculty and staff may continue to use Canvas, but we strongly advise faculty and students to prepare a contingency plan for turning in assignments and final exams in the event Canvas access becomes unavailable again.
Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
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Dean's Weekly Message
May 4, 2026
Leadership Retreat Shows We are Partners in Health
School of Medicine and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital leaders gathered last Wednesday to review our progress toward building an aligned team that capitalizes on our strengths and ensures our future success.
What a terrific day!
Our partners at UCH offered thorough analysis of our market position, our competitive advantages, and the challenges posed by state and federal policies. With that information, our clinical department chairs and hospital leaders studied how we can achieve our place as a top 10 institution.
We will get there by working better together. We are Partners in Health.
Hospital leaders and clinical department chairs completed a series of short questionnaires that were designed to identify where we can improve. The groups discussed what institutions they consider top 10 and identified traits and behaviors that we can adopt to rank among them.
Of those mentioned – Harvard, Hopkins, Stanford, Michigan, Duke, Mayo, and others – all have in common strong unified brands, research leadership, and clinical excellence. We also discussed behaviors that we should stop in order to be top 10. Those include uncoordinated hiring and program development and underperforming on mission imperatives. The great news is that we can address all those matters and are already taking steps to do so.
Above all, we must improve the quality of care we provide and ensure that patients have timelier access to care. Aalok Agarwala, MD, Chief Medical Officer for University of Colorado Hospital; Vineet Chopra, MD, Executive Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs, Research, and Quality and Chair of Medicine; and Kristin Mekeel, MD, Chief Quality Officer for UCHealth, provided a complete review of where we are on critically important quality work. Chancellor Don Elliman told me it’s the best analysis he’s seen since he’s been on our campus.
In June, Tom Gronow, EdD, President and CEO of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, and I will be holding a town hall to report progress and next steps to all of you. Please watch for your invitations in the coming weeks and plan to attend.
Get Your Copy of "We the Women" by Nora O'Donnell
I’m giving away copies of "We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America" by Nora O’Donnell to the first 100 people who request it.
Last week, I gave copies of the book to our clinical department chairs, and now I’m offering a copy to the first 100 people who contact the Dean’s Office for a copy. This incredible book outlines the invaluable contributions of 35 remarkable women who have helped shape our country.
If you want to learn more about "We the Women," check out this interview with Nora O’Donnell on PBS. The women featured in this book are inspiring, courageous, patriotic leaders who are every bit as important as the founders who are usually covered in history classes.
To get your copy, contact [email protected]. Act fast because we have only 100 copies to give out!
Clinical Trial for Stiff Person Syndrome Shows Promise
Amanda Piquet, MD, Professor of Neurology, recently presented outstanding news about a CAR-T cell therapy for people with stiff person syndrome.
At the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Chicago last month, Dr. Piquet reported that a single dose of mivocabtagene autoleucel (miv-cel) showed benefit in people with stiff person syndrome (SPS) in the pivotal phase II KYSA-8 trial.
In the 26-person study, nearly one-third of the participants walked at the speed of healthy adults by week 16, completing a timed 25-foot walk in under 5 seconds. Of 12 patients who needed a walking aid at baseline, two-thirds no longer needed walking assistance at week 16.
“From a clinical perspective, the magnitude and consistency of functional improvement observed is unprecedented,” she stated.
This is an amazing breakthrough that offers great hope for people with stiff person syndrome, and it demonstrates the importance of clinical trials for the future of our campus.
Stiff person syndrome is a rare, progressive autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, with muscle stiffness and painful spasms that lead to loss of mobility. The condition gradually worsens over time and left untreated, it can lead to permanent disability and in some cases, mortality. The disorder drew worldwide attention when singer Celine Dion announced her diagnosis in 2022.
There are currently no approved treatments for stiff person syndrome.
In this study, investigators are studying whether CAR-T therapy may be an effective treatment for stiff person syndrome, by targeting the autoreactive B cells that contribute to systemic autoimmunity and development of disease. Using CAR-T cell technology, engineered T cells with receptors are designed to recognize and eliminate B cells, including those that produce autoantibodies that contribute to disease progression.
“It works by eliminating B cells, which in turn, helps reset the immune system,” Dr. Piquet explained.
Developer Kyverna Therapeutics said it plans to submit miv-cel for FDA approval to treat stiff person syndrome this year.
Award Winning Medical Students
Two CU medical students won research awards at this year’s Western Group on Educational Affairs meeting.
Sarah Ashley is a fourth-year medical student who is joining our internal medicine residency and her presentation, “Moments of pride: A qualitative study of medical students’ reflections of meaningful experiences,” was selected as best oral presentation in the category of research in medical education.
Justin Andrews is a third-year medical student, and he won the best poster award for “AAI-Recommended Immunology Content Guidelines for Undergraduate Medical Education in the U.S.A.”To determine these awards, volunteer judges reviewed conference presentations in three categories and our students’ presentations were rated highest in two of the three categories even when comparing their work to accomplished faculty in the region.
This is a spectacular result! Congratulations to Sarah and Justin, and thank you to their faculty mentors who supported them in achieving these outstanding results.
The students’ work was also supported by the Jones Family Endowed Chair in Medical Education, which is our school’s first fully endowed chair dedicated to the support of medical educators, so special thanks also to Doug Jones, MD, former Chair of Pediatrics and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and his family.
FIPI Celebrates Anniversary
The CU Anschutz Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative (FIPI) marked its third anniversary this month. Launched in 2023 with support from the School of Medicine, FIPI has grown into a nationally recognized program grounded in research, education, and community partnership.
Over three years, FIPI-affiliated investigators have secured more than $36 million in funding from NIH, DoD, DOJ, and philanthropic sources; produced over 150 publications; and built collaborations across Colorado and nationally with community organizations, health systems, and military and veteran groups.
A core strength is translating evidence into practice through programs that reach families, clinicians, and communities, while training the next generation of researchers and leaders in the field.
Center to Advance Community Health Joins Family Medicine
The Center to Advance Community Health (CACH) at CU Anschutz, formerly the Center for Health Equity, is now housed in the Department of Family Medicine ‒ a move that aligns the center's mission with its long-term direction and impact. The center will continue its work to improve health and well-being across the lifespan and address social drivers of health. CACH will engage campuswide while deepening its impact in its new academic home.
Featured News
Tailored Mental Health Partnership Bolsters Internal Medicine Residency
For about a year, the internal residency program has been working with SOL Mental Health to provide therapy to interns and residents – and it’s proving to be a fruitful partnership.
“Anybody who goes through this training experiences some kind of work-related trauma at some point, whether that’s an unexpected death, inability to cure a patient’s disease, or the inability to take care of a patient in the desired way due to the limitations of the health care system. Processing that can be difficult. It's helpful to have the right skills to do that,” says Katie Suddarth, MD, associate director of the residency program.
Suddarth; chief internal medicine resident Ellen Brinza, MD, MPH, MS; and SOL leaders talk about the program and why it matters so much to this group of trainees in this recent School of Medicine newsroom article.
Discover More About the Partnership
Faculty Updates
Yunsik Kang, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, has been named a Searle Scholar, to support his research project, “How is bridge-like lipid transfer protein (BLTP) function regulated?” The highly competitive Search Scholars Program supports high-risk, high-reward research across a broad range of scientific disciplines. Starting in 2026, grants are $450,000 for a three-year term, with $150,000 payable each year of the grant.
Chris Manuel, DVM, PhD, Senior Associate Director for the Office of Laboratory Animal Resources and Professor of Pathology, has been awarded the 2026 American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) Comparative Medicine Scientist Award. The honor was presented at the ACLAM Forum held April 26–29 in Stevenson, Wash. This award is ACLAM’s highest distinction for scientific achievement and recognizes outstanding contributions in comparative medicine with significant impact on the field of animal-based biomedical research. Dr. Manuel has made substantial contributions to the scientific literature on biosecurity practices and is internationally recognized for his expertise in the pathophysiology of Corynebacterium bovis, a key mouse pathogen that is especially significant to cancer researchers.
Sarah Gitomer, MD, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, and Scott Mann, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, have been selected as 2026 Mentors of the Year by the Class of 2026. Drs. Gitomer and Mann were recognized for their excellence in mentoring medical students, particularly in the areas of scholarship and professional development. If you are interested in becoming a student mentor in the School of Medicine, please contact [email protected].
Christine Conageski, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been elected as President of the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) for the 2026-2027 term. The organization is the premier body for developing cervical cancer screening guidelines internationally and is at the forefront of treating lower genital track disease.
Samantha DeYoung, PA-C, Senior Instructor of Surgery, received PA Leader of the Year Award from the Colorado Academy of PAs.
Featured Events
Dean's Distinguished Seminar Series: Mitchell A. Lazar, MD, PhD
Tuesday, May 12, 3 p.m.
Hensel Phelps West Auditorium, Research 1 North
The School of Medicine proudly presents our next speaker in the Dean's Distinguished Seminar Series, Mitchell A. Lazar, MD, PhD, Willard and Rhoda Ware Professor in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Lazar will present “Nuclear Receptors, Enhancers, and the Individual Predisposition to Metabolic Diseases.”
School of Medicine Hooding and Oath Ceremony
Monday, May 18, 10:15 a.m.
Boettcher Commons
The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine Hooding & Oath Ceremony for the graduating MD class of 2026 will take place after the campus graduation ceremony.
Tattered Cover Talk
Wednesday, May 27, 6 p.m.
Tattered Cover Book Store, 2526 E. Colfax Ave.
Suzanna Kafer, PhD candidate, and Kristen Boyle, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, will present “The Persistence of PFAS: How 'forever chemicals' slip into our lives, and into our cells.” The talk is free and open to the public and is part of an ongoing series offered by the Office of Research Education.
New Leader Orientation
Thursday, June 4
Anschutz Health Sciences Building
The Office for Faculty Development is hosting a full-day new leader orientation event designed for new Chairs, Vice Chairs, Division and Section Chiefs, Associate and Assistant Deans, and other newly appointed institutional leaders seeking to learn more about School of Medicine infrastructure and resources across the campus. Topics covered include research funding, relationships with outside practices, finance, faculty and staff support structures, appointments and promotions processes, philanthropy, and innovations. Register or nominate a new leader for the orientation. For questions, please contact [email protected].
Postdoc Research Day (PDRD)
Thursday, July 9Donald Elliman Conference Center, Anschutz Health Sciences Building
PDRD is an annual event that brings together members of our university community to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of postdocs at CU Anschutz, CU Denver, and affiliated hospitals. This year’s theme is “The Postdoc Collective,” focusing on cross-disciplinary thinking, collaboration, and innovation in research. This event is not just for postdocs! Graduate students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend. Whether you are here to support colleagues, learn something new, or network with emerging scientists, your presence makes a difference.
PDRD Registration & Abstract Submission
Lightning talk abstract deadline May 15 | Poster abstract deadline June 24
PDRD Questions?
Recent Publications
Liselotte N. Dyrbye, MD, MHPE, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Well-being and Chief Well-being Officer, is corresponding author of a Perspective article, “Accelerating Workforce Well-Being—Lessons From Safety,” published April 27 by JAMA.
Katherine LeMasters, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a letter, “Mass incarceration as a climate justice issue,” published April 24 by Environmental Research Letters.
Nicholas D. Walter, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a research article, “Physiologic recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from drug injury: A molecular study of post antibiotic effect in vitro and in vivo,” published April 22 by PLOS Pathogens. Eleven co-authors are affiliated with our campus.
Bayley Clarke, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is the lead author on a randomized study, “Vaginal Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Sexual Dysfunction,” published in the May 2026 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
William K. Cornwell III, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a topical review article, “Exercise in acute and subacute hypoxic conditions: physiological responses affecting oxygen delivery and their applications to human health,” published April 24 by The Journal of Physiology. Three co-authors are from our campus.
Shanlee M. Davis, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, is a co-author of an article, “High-precision automated bone age: a clinically useful tool in monitoring of treatment effects in children and adolescents,” published April 27 by Scientific Reports.
Joseph O’Brien, MD, MPH, resident in Emergency Medicine, is a co-author of an original article, “Association of Early Steroid and Antibiotic Therapy With Airway Outcomes in Adult Epiglottitis: A 10-Year Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study,” published April 23 by Academic Emergency Medicine.
Anna L. Bruckner, MD, Professor of Dermatology, is corresponding author of an original article, "Multidisciplinary Management of Epidermolysis Bullosa," published February 24 by Pediatric Dermatology. James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics, and nine other co-authors are from our campus.
Katherine LeMasters, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a letter, “Mass incarceration as a climate justice issue,” published April 24 by Environmental Research Letters.
Nicholas D. Walter, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a research article, “Physiologic recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from drug injury: A molecular study of post antibiotic effect in vitro and in vivo,” published April 22 by PLOS Pathogens. Eleven co-authors are affiliated with our campus.
Bayley Clarke, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is the lead author on a randomized study, “Vaginal Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Sexual Dysfunction,” published in the May 2026 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
William K. Cornwell III, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of a topical review article, “Exercise in acute and subacute hypoxic conditions: physiological responses affecting oxygen delivery and their applications to human health,” published April 24 by The Journal of Physiology. Three co-authors are from our campus.
Shanlee M. Davis, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, is a co-author of an article, “High-precision automated bone age: a clinically useful tool in monitoring of treatment effects in children and adolescents,” published April 27 by Scientific Reports.
Joseph O’Brien, MD, MPH, resident in Emergency Medicine, is a co-author of an original article, “Association of Early Steroid and Antibiotic Therapy With Airway Outcomes in Adult Epiglottitis: A 10-Year Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study,” published April 23 by Academic Emergency Medicine.
Anna L. Bruckner, MD, Professor of Dermatology, is corresponding author of an original article, "Multidisciplinary Management of Epidermolysis Bullosa," published February 24 by Pediatric Dermatology. James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics, and nine other co-authors are from our campus.
Social Spotlight
Join us on Monday, May 18, to celebrate the Class of 2026 at the Hooding and Oath Ceremony! Watch our save the date reel, featuring four of our graduates.
Have a good week,
John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA
Richard D. Krugman Endowed Chair
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and
Dean, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine
The Dean’s weekly message is an email news bulletin from John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA, Dean of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, that is distributed to inform CU Anschutz School of Medicine faculty members, staff, students and others about issues pertaining to the school’s mission of education, research, clinical care and community service.
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