Dear colleague:  

Jean S. Kutner, MD, MPH, professor of medicine, has been named a Distinguished Professor of the University. This is a well-deserved honor for Jean, who also serves as associate dean for clinical affairs for the School of Medicine and chief medical officer for UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Jean joined the School of Medicine faculty in 1997, served as division head of General Internal Medicine, and became the hospital’s chief medical officer in 2014. Her research focuses on palliative care and hospice, particularly on the family caregiver experience and improving management of pain and other symptoms at the end of life. Jean helped build the Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group, which has established the University of Colorado as a leader in the field. Jean has served as a mentor to more than 50 researchers and care providers. 

Miguel Flores-Bellver, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology, has been named recipient of the 2023 Bert M. Glaser, MD Award for Innovative Research in Retina. The award is given annually by the ARVO Foundation for Eye Research, the outreach arm of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Miguel directs the Human Stem Cells Exosome Lab and is an investigator in the CellSight program. He and his team are studying mechanisms that contribute to the progression of age-related macular degeneration. 

Steven A. Edmundowicz, MD, professor of medicine and interim head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, has been named a recipient of a Crystal Award by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Steven will receive the Distinguished Endoscopic Research Mentoring Award at the society’s gala in Chicago in May. 

Malik Y. Kahook, MD, professor of ophthalmology, has been named chair of the Orbis Medical Advisory Committee. Orbis International is a global nonprofit that focuses on prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness through training, education, and advocacy, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Malik, who is also vice chair of translational research and chief of the glaucoma service at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, has volunteered with the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital since 2018. 

The Institute for Healthcare Quality, Safety and Efficiency (IHQSE) is requesting applications for its Clinical Effectiveness & Patient Safety (CEPS) Grant Program for the 2023 grant cycle. CEPS funds quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving health care value, implementing innovative process changes, and putting evidence into practice. Eligibility is open to faculty, trainees, and staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Awards are up to $25,000 for faculty and staff and up to $10,000 for trainees.CEPS Letters of Intent are due by April 2. Email questions to IHQSE CEPS Grant Program Manager. 

The School of Medicine is seeking nominations for the Herbert W. Nickens Award and the Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship. These honors are bestowed annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges at the group’s annual meeting. The Herbert W. Nickens Award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to promoting justice in medical education and health care equity in the United States. The Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship recognizes an outstanding assistant-level faculty member who demonstrates leadership potential in addressing inequity in medical education and health care; demonstrates efforts in addressing educational, societal, and health care needs of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States; and is committed to a career in academic medicine. Nomination letters should be submitted to Amira del Pino-Jones, MD, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nomination letters should not be longer than one page. A committee will select one individual to be nominated for each award. Nominations for the Nickens Award are due by Sunday, February 19, and for the Faculty Fellowship by Sunday, March 12. 

The Fitzsimons Innovation Community has posted its annual report. The report touts that more than 80 organizations and more than 800 jobs contributed to the community’s developments, which include $25 million in raised capital and 12 new patents. The community is on land adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus north of Montview Boulevard.

Have a good week,

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