Dear colleague: 

Last week, the jury in the trial of James Holmes for the Aurora theater shootings found him guilty on all charges brought against him. The trial now moves to the penalty phase. This case has had a profound impact on our community. Today, on the third anniversary of these crimes, we remember those who died or were injured and we send our deepest sympathy and concern to their families and friends. We also recognize the compassion and professionalism of all who provided care to the victims of these crimes. Earlier this year, at the beginning of the trial, Chancellor Don Elliman asked that members of the University community refrain from commenting on the case if they are contacted by the media. We remind everyone that the case is ongoing and that you should refer any media inquiries to our communications team.

The Colorado Springs Branch of the School of Medicine is seeking applicants for a Student Coordinator. Details are available in the listing posted on the University’s Jobs at CU website. Also, the Colorado Springs Branch is seeking physicians to serve as Clinical Specialty Liaisons in each of the 10 clinical blocks of the Phase III curriculum. The Clinical Specialty Liaison job description is posted on School of Medicine’s website. Contact Chad.Stickrath@ucdenver.edu or Erik.Wallace@ucdenver.edu if interested. Our team in Colorado Springs is making great progress at establishing the branch and these additions are essential to its success.

A recent article in the Boulder Daily Camera reported that the University of Colorado system had another record-setting fundraising year, raising a total $356.4 million in private support for the fiscal year that ended June 30. The total was reported to the University of Colorado Board of Regents at its mid-year retreat earlier this year. The support is an affirmation of the good work people on the Anschutz Medical Campus and throughout the University system do each day. Johnnie Ray, vice president of the University’s Office of Advancement, described the support this way: “These kinds of investments translate into work at the faculty level, which ultimately rolls up and benefits society in major ways. This is something to relish because it’s really a reflection of the brand, the quality and the reputation of the University of Colorado.”

The Academy of Medical Educators on Thursday inducted seven new members and recognized five faculty members with education awards. The Academy enriches our School by cultivating and promoting excellence in teaching. With Eva Aagaard, MD’s leadership, the Academy has become a valuable resource. The newly inducted members of the Academy are

• Jonathan Bowser, MS, PA-C, director of the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program and assistant professor of pediatrics;
• Lara Hardesty, MD, associate professor of radiology;
• Adrian Hendrickse, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology;
• Rita Lee, MD, associate professor of medicine;
• Anne Libby, PhD, visiting professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs of emergency medicine;
• Darlene Tad-y, MD, assistant professor of medicine; and
• Meghan Treitz, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics.

The award recipients are

• Frank Scott, MD, Department of Orthopedics, for excellence in direct teaching;
• Carlton C. Barnett, MD, Department of Surgery, for excellence in mentoring and advising;
• Patricia Brown, residency coordinator, Department of Pathology, for educational administration and leadership;
• Jennifer Adams, MD, Department of Medicine, for excellence in curriculum development and educational innovation; and
• Kristina Tocce, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, for excellence in education research and scholarship.

Congratulations to Anthony Mangan, a PhD candidate, who received one of 30 Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The awards provide full support to promising students pursuing doctoral degrees in the life sciences. Each fellow will receive an annual award totaling $43,000, which includes a stipend, a training allowance, and an institutional allowance, for up to three years. Anthony’s advisor is Rytis Prekeris, PhD, professor of cell and developmental biology.

Congratulations to Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH, professor and interim chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, on his election as president-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. Brian has served as a member of the society’s board for the past four years and his term as president-elect begins in October.

Have a good week,

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