Dean's Weekly Message

October 31, 2022

Dear colleague:

The School of Medicine and University of Colorado Hospital are hosting a townhall meeting on Tuesday, November 8, to present data on faculty well-being and professional fulfillment. Last spring, we conducted a survey and the responses showed a significant number of our faculty report feeling burned out. Our faculty also expressed a higher level of concern about their professional fulfillment than their peers at other institutions. The survey results require our attention. At the townhall, I will be joined by Tom Gronow, EdD, MHA, in presenting the data and outlining next steps for addressing the concerns. We will have time for a Q&A with attendees. I encourage you to participate. The townhall will be presented via Zoom at 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 8. 

Elizabeth Harry, MD, associate professor of medicine and senior medical director of well-being at UCHealth, and Jenny Reese, MD, professor of pediatrics and medical director of provider well-being at Children’s Hospital Colorado, have been named assistant deans of faculty well-being for the School of Medicine. Liz and Jenny have been key leaders on our campus in efforts to address the well-being of our colleagues and we welcome their collaboration in driving system-level improvements that improve the work environment for all of us. 

Scarlet Doyle, who was diagnosed at age 29 with a rare type of breast cancer and who received her care from CU Cancer Center members, offers a testimonial that should make all of us proud of the work we do here. “They saved my life,” she says in a video posted by the CU Cancer Center last week. “You can’t capture that into words. You can’t thank the medical team enough for what they do every day.” That medical team includes Breelyn Wilky, MD, associate professor of medical oncology and deputy associate director for clinical research at the CU Cancer Center, and Gretchen Ahrendt, MD, professor of surgery. Watch the video. Scarlet’s voice is an inspiration you need to hear. 

Marc Moss, MD, professor of medicine and head of the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, is author of an editorial published last week by The New England Journal of Medicine. In “Early Mobilization of Critical Care Patients – Still More to Learn,” Marc considers the results of a trial study, known as TEAM, or Treatment of Mechanically Ventilated Adults with Early Activity and Mobilization. While the specific trial found that early mobilization did not improve patient outcomes compared with usual care, Marc offers caveats that should be considered. “The rigor of the TEAM trial provides a valuable advancement for early-mobilization research and clarifies the pathway for future studies,” he writes. 

Sean Michael, MD, assistant clinical professor of emergency medicine, has been appointed chief medical officer for Region 8 with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). His term began earlier this month and he will serve as lead clinical adviser in the region for CMS programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and health care access and equity initiatives in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. 

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center hosted its annual luncheon on Friday, October 28, featuring Brandon Marshall. The former Denver Broncos wide receiver addressed living with borderline personality disorder and his work to raise awareness about mental health care. The luncheon is always a major event for the Johnson Depression Center, and we were pleased to see such a large gathering at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Thanks to the committee co-chairs Angie Flug and Connie Wiegers and to all the sponsors of this important event. 

The Anschutz Medical Campus Office of Vice Chancellor for Research hosted its annual awards ceremony last Tuesday. Many colleagues from the School of Medicine were among those recognized and treated to loud cheers at the event in the Anschutz Health Sciences Building. A full list of the honorees, photos, and a video are included on the Research Awards Ceremony website. Congratulations to all the honorees. 

Congressman Jason Crow stopped by the Anschutz Medical Campus last Wednesday for a discussion of the health impacts of climate change. We are fortunate to have so many experts who can help inform leaders on these critical issues and we appreciate the congressman’s support of their work. 

Compositive Primary, a school for children ages three through fifth grade, is hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12. The school, at 2345 N. Ursula St., is in the Fitzsimons Innovation Community on land north of the Anschutz Medical Campus. Register online or contact admissions@compositiveprimary.org. 

Colorado Area Health Education Center (COAHEC) has offered free health screenings for nearly two decades at the National Western Stock Show each January. COAHEC relies on student, clinical, and non-clinical volunteers to staff and administer health screenings. This is a great opportunity for anyone to volunteer and provide a critical public health service for our state. The stock show runs January 6-22, 2023. Volunteer shifts are for four hours. Volunteers get free admission into the stock show and can qualify for event tickets for volunteering for three or more shifts. Details and links for signing up are on the COAHEC website.

Have a good week,

John J. Reilly, Jr., MD
Richard D. Krugman Endowed Chair
Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and
Dean, School of Medicine