Dear colleague: 

The technology transfer operation for University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has transitioned from a CU system office to a campus oversight structure, effective July 1. What this means is that the professionals who assist with making connections between inventors and innovators on our campus and private industry executives who can take those breakthroughs to market will be based here and report to campus-level leadership. We have an outstanding leadership team in Steve VanNurden, executive director, biotechnology relationships for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and president and CEO of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, and Kimberly Muller, director of the CU Anschutz Innovations office. 

Congratulations to Roberta Capp, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine, on being named one of the 2016 Great Immigrants by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Roberta is one of 42 honorees who were selected for their personal immigration stories and inspiring professional accomplishments. Roberta immigrated to the United States from Brazil when she was 14 years old. Each year since 2006, the Carnegie Corporation has recognized contributions of naturalized citizens to raise awareness to the role immigrants play in strengthening the United States and our democratic society.

We offer condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Martha Illige, MD, associate professor of family medicine, who died in late June. Martha kept a blog where she wrote about having terminal pancreatic cancer. Martha had been with the School of Medicine since 1977, when she began her residency training. In addition to her role as an associate professor, she was the associate medical director for the Center for Personalized Education for Physicians and the medical director for the Mother’s Milk Bank. Department Chair Frank deGruy, MD, said, “Her commitment to mindfulness, balance, and the healing value of personal relationships enriched and inspired us, and changed the way we teach and practice.” The Department has established in her honor the Martha Illige Scholarship to fund the attendance each year of two women—one learner and one mentor—to the Women’s Balance conference.

Cindy Armstrong, DPT, senior instructor in the Physical Therapy Program, and Jennifer Hellier, PhD, assistant professor of family medicine, went to Washington, D.C., in late June to present a report to members of Congress about the Colorado Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). The event, coordinated by the National AHEC Organization, demonstrates the valuable and far-reaching service Colorado AHEC provides to our state. Among the highlights, Colorado AHEC’s pipeline programs exposed 26,101 students to health careers, facilitated 1,112 unique student rotations to prepare trainees to serve in primary care and in rural and underserved community settings, and offered continuing education programs for 2,568 continuing education participants. 

The Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute has announced the request for applications for the Colorado Pilot Program, the Center for NeuroScience Pilot Program and the Child and Maternal Health Pilot Program. These programs will provide about $1 million in total 2017 awards for pilot research. Notification of intent to apply is due 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17. Full information can be found at the CCTSI Funding Opportunities website. 

The Center for Women's Health Research is hosting the National Conference on Women’s Health and Sex-Difference Research on Sept. 28-30 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The conference, “Sex Differences Across the Lifespan: A Focus on Metabolism,” will convene top scientists to share research on cardiovascular disease and metabolism. The conference, co-hosted by the Society for Women’s Health Research, will provide a collaborative environment for networking through scientific sessions and poster presentations. Registration information is available on the center’s website. 

The Tenth Annual Faculty Professionalism Award will be awarded this year to Maureen Garrity, PhD, associate professor of medicine and associate dean for student life, and to Wendy Madigosky, MD, associate professor family medicine and director of the Foundations of Doctoring Curriculum. Maureen is being recognized as a dedicated leader, advocate and mentor to students and colleagues. One nominating letter said, “Dean Garrity is an exemplar of professionalism, with a longstanding record of dedication to the well-being of students.” Wendy is being recognized for her remarkable interprofessional skills. One nominating letter said, “Her skills in working across the professions with respect, integrity, and commitment to excellence have been recognized by both School of Medicine faculty and administrators, as well as faculty and administrators within the College of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Physical Therapy Program, [Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant] Program, School of Dental Medicine and Anesthesiologist Assistant Program.” The Faculty Professionalism Award will be presented to Maureen and Wendy at the School of Medicine Matriculation Ceremony, on Friday, Aug. 12. Congratulations to Maureen, Wendy and all the nominees. 

Have a good week,

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