Dean's Weekly Message
June 29, 2026
Peak Performance by CU Medicine
The Nature Index 2026 Research Leaders lists were released last week, and CU Anschutz ranks No. 11 in the United States among health care institutions. Our campus also ranks No. 13 in the world!
This is a huge achievement and outstanding recognition for the science conducted here!
The Nature Index tracks contributions to research articles published in high-quality natural-science and health-science journals, chosen based on reputation by an independent group of researchers. The methodology is described in this brief guide to the Nature Index.
By measuring absolute count and fractional share counts of article publication at the institutional and national level, the Nature Index is an excellent indicator of global high-quality research output and collaboration. The 2026 Research Leaders lists are based on data from January 1 through December 31, 2025.
According to the global list, our total count was 472, and our share number increased from 98.12 to 103.28.
We should be extraordinarily proud of our collective efforts in research and the international recognition we are receiving. With our outstanding research leadership across campus, we are on track to continue improving.
At this pace, I believe we’ll be Top 10 in less than 10 years! What a spectacular success! Bravo!
Honoring Dr. Ann Thor’s Tenure as Pathology Chair
Ann Thor, MD, Chair of the Department of Pathology for more than 20 years, has announced that she is stepping down from that role on July 1. During her time as the department’s leader, she has had an enormous impact on our School of Medicine and on her discipline.
She led the department to 5-fold growth in the number of faculty, a 6-fold increase in financial assets, a 3-fold increase in subspecialty fellowship programs, and a complete transition to subspecialty-based practices at most sites. Notably, the number of women in all academic ranks in Pathology, including tenured professors, increased from 10% to 50%.
Dr. Thor’s research in tumor immunology and genetic, genomic, and hormonal drivers of breast cancer was supported by more than $5 million in external funding and resulted in over 200 scientific papers. She also authored 30 book chapters.
Her influence extends far beyond our campus. She was a member or leader of four National Cancer Institute (NCI) study sections. She also served in leadership roles in several professional organizations, notably the Women in Cancer Research of the American Association of Cancer Research and the Association of Pathology Chairs. At this year’s annual meeting of the Association for Academic Pathology, Dr. Thor is receiving the AAPath Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Thor’s influence cannot be overstated! We are tremendously grateful for her dedication and impressive service and thank her for her leadership. The School of Medicine will commence a national search for her successor. We are fortunate that Scott Lucia, MD, Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Pathology, has agreed to step in as interim Chair.
Welcoming New Interns
Summer is a special time of year for the Office of Graduate Medical Education and the more than 1,300 interns, residents, and fellows that train here on the CU Anschutz Campus.
For new interns, this is the next big step in their medical career. For residents and fellows new to our campus, it is an exciting transition to a new medical community and a new team of colleagues. For those continuing in their training, it means a new year filled with new possibilities. And for residents and fellows completing their GME training, it is the moment that they’ve been working toward for years.
This year, we welcome more than 200 new interns and 193 new residents and fellows — nearly 75% of whom are new to Colorado. The energy, compassion, and intelligence these new trainees bring to caring for patients is at the heart of what makes CU Anschutz an outstanding medical campus, and we can’t wait to get to work with them.
We also bid farewell to nearly 350 graduating residents and fellows who have completed their training and perhaps the most transformative period of their careers. We offer our hearty congratulations to our GME graduates. It has been an honor to work alongside you.
Gates Grubstake Fund Applications Now Open
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Gates Grubstake Fund. The deadline to apply is September 15. Since its inception, the fund has awarded nearly $15 million for investigator-led projects on translational topics, including gene therapies, protein biologics, and regenerative medicine-related technologies; diagnostics; devices; and manufacturing solutions.
The Gates Institute at CU Anschutz collaborates with CU Anschutz Innovations to evaluate and select funded projects with strong potential for clinical translation and FDA approval. Reserve your spot for the information webinar on July 15 at 3 p.m. For full eligibility criteria and application instructions, please visit the Gates Grubstake Award Program webpage.
Featured News
Robert Breeze, MD: The Pioneer of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Colorado
Today, specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and neurosurgery work closely to aggressively treat brain metastases from melanoma and other cancers — a level of collaboration that was uncommon at the start of neurosurgeon Robert Breeze, MD's career.
Dr. Breeze was ahead of the curve. When he arrived at CU in 1987, Dr. Breeze met Bill Robinson, MD, and the two combined their expertise and began treating patients with brain metastases from melanoma. While the duo faced some criticism, their work was ultimately revolutionary for patients.
“When I was in medical school, residency, and as an early attending, all we could really hope to do was prolong quality of life when we treated brain metastases,” says Breeze. “Now if a patient comes to see me, I can often control their brain metastases for long periods of time, and the patient's survival may hinge on the effectiveness of the systemic therapy."
Read More About Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Faculty Updates
Chelsey Patten, DBe, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Clinical Ethics at the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, has been elected to the board of the National POLST Collaborative, a nonprofit that promotes best practices in Portable Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). As a member of the board, Dr. Patten will contribute to national leadership efforts focused on improving shared decision-making and ensuring that medical treatment aligns with patients’ goals, values, and preferences.
Featured Events
7/9
Postdoc Research Day (PDRD)
Thursday, July 9
Donald Elliman Conference Center, Anschutz Health Sciences BuildingPDRD 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
Amiran Baduashvili, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of an article, “ A Randomized Trial of Interval Likelihood Ratios for Clinical Decision-Making,” published June 23 by NEJM Evidence. Four coauthors are from our campus.
Toan C. Ong, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics, and Michelle A. Barron, MD, Professor of Medicine, are co-authors of an original investigation, “Influenza Activity and Estimated Vaccine Effectiveness During the 2025-2026 Influenza Season,” published June 17 by JAMA Network Open.
Toan C. Ong, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics; Michelle A. Barron, MD, Professor of Medicine; and Catia Chavez, MPH, Senior Professional Research Assistant in the Colorado School of Public Health, are co-authors of an original investigation, “Interim Estimated Effectiveness of 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccines in Adults Using a Test-Negative Design,” published June 23 by JAMA Network Open.
Joshua A. Barocas, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of an original investigation, “Projected Outcomes of Reducing Federal Funding for Syringe Service Programs via Executive Order,” published June 18 by JAMA Network Open. Kirk B. Fetters, MD, Chief Fellow in the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, is first author. Eight co-authors are from our campus.
Toan C. Ong, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics, and Michelle A. Barron, MD, Professor of Medicine, are co-authors of an original investigation, “Influenza Activity and Estimated Vaccine Effectiveness During the 2025-2026 Influenza Season,” published June 17 by JAMA Network Open.
Toan C. Ong, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics; Michelle A. Barron, MD, Professor of Medicine; and Catia Chavez, MPH, Senior Professional Research Assistant in the Colorado School of Public Health, are co-authors of an original investigation, “Interim Estimated Effectiveness of 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccines in Adults Using a Test-Negative Design,” published June 23 by JAMA Network Open.
Joshua A. Barocas, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, is corresponding author of an original investigation, “Projected Outcomes of Reducing Federal Funding for Syringe Service Programs via Executive Order,” published June 18 by JAMA Network Open. Kirk B. Fetters, MD, Chief Fellow in the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, is first author. Eight co-authors are from our campus.
Social Spotlight
Jared Sokol, MD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, discusses new research examining the intersection of eye care, addiction medicine, and opportunities for earlier intervention. Watch the full reel on Instagram.
Have a good week,
John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA
Richard D. Krugman Endowed Chair
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
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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