Dr. Rebecca Allyn is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine, spending her clinical time at Denver Health. Dr. Allyn defines her clinical mission as “providing excellent care for every patient, regardless of barriers.” Indeed, this dedication to social justice shone in Dr. Allyn’s application.

Dr. Marisha Burden, Division Head for Hospital Medicine, writes that “Dr. Allyn’s professionalism and deep understanding of the safety-net healthcare system, and its patients, and her ability to advocate for them to receive the best possible care are unparalleled and have earned her much respect and appreciation within our division and across the institution.”

This respect and appreciation might best be articulated by fellow hospitalist and author Dr. Mark Reid, who wrote of Dr. Allyn, “Her daily practice stands as an undeniable testimony to how things should be done.

Her mood is never sour, demonstrating the aequanimitas—the infectious calm—of a seasoned clinician. She stays jolly and stifles misery. The patients, after all, are the sick ones. Our task is to help, not to suffer along. Her balance is never cold. She spots the tragedies and sees her patient’s pain. She avoids picking up the suffering that would handicap her ability to help.”

Dr. Melver Anderson is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine who practices at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.

Dr. Anderson identifies his clinical mission as “taking care of the acutely ill with a team of residents and students… which offers opportunities for rich relationships with patients and their families as they grapple with fundamental life issues: life and death, love and loss, family, and even regret.” This intersection of two of our mission areas in academic medicine, education and clinical care, comes from his desire, Dr. Anderson writes, to “share medical lessons learned.” Such humility, vulnerability, and ability to guide future physicians is in part what makes Dr. Anderson an outstanding clinician.

Patients, too, notice this gift. The family member of a former patient of Dr. Anderson writes, “It has taken me 6 weeks to finally be able to thank you for all that you did for my family member. Your wisdom, knowledge, and kindness at the worst time in our lives will never be forgotten. You were a wonderful attending doctor to the medical students, interns, and residents under your supervision and most especially the care you showed both my family member and I, will never be forgotten.”

Dr. Lakshmi Chauhan is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Chauhan’s clinical excellence is emphasized by her unique ability to create time and space with her patients to solve problems when there is little of both for physicians on busy clinical service lines. Dr. Chauhan writes that her clinical mission is defined by “traditional bedside medicine.” Dr. Chauhan spends time with her patients, she listens carefully and curiously, without bias.

Former Infectious Disease Division Head Dr. Eric Poeschla writes that Dr. Chauhan “is truly one of those few physicians I would want called to my beside if I was flat on my back in an ICU, febrile, and no one could figure out what was going on. She has a deeply compassionate, patient way with patients, and has been devoted to care for the underserved, including patients with HIV.

Patients take note of this holistic, empathetic, and individualized approach. A patient writes that Dr. Chauhan’s care was “exceptional with her kind, patient manner, incredible knowledge and thorough explanation of my disease and treatment... I had many medical diagnoses, and I really became scared and confused about all the life changes I needed to make to be healthy, but Dr. Chauhan patiently addressed them all.”  

Dr. Ronald Colson is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine, practicing primarily at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Colson excels in his area of primary care as it allows him to develop the “depth and breadth of the relationship with his patients. Dr. Colson states that his clinical mission is defined by “a longitudinal approach to the doctor-patient relationship” as it “affords a true partnership in health maintenance and disease management.”

Reflective of his investment in his patients is the fact that entire families see Dr. Colson as their primary care physician, and that after nearly 20 years in private practice at Rose Medical Center, most of his patients transferred to the University of Colorado with him.

Dr. Colson’s clinical portfolio included several handwritten notes from patients and their families describing gratitude of his constant, compassionate care. The family member of a former patient writes, “I wanted to thank you for the amazing care you provided my kin over the past several years, and most particularly over the last months as their condition declined. You not only made house calls and made your cell phone number available, but you were patient and always compassionate. It is hard to watch a family member decline, but it was so comforting knowing that they were getting the best care anyone can get.”  

Dr. Lisa Forman is a Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, practicing primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Forman describes her number one clinical care goal as empowering her patients to take control of their health through appropriate education of their own condition.

Dr. Forman writes, “I believe that educating the patient is critical to forming a strong bond with the patient and health care delivery team and allows the patient to take a more active role in their care, which leads to better outcomes.” Colleagues of Dr. Forman highlight her expertise and care philosophy. Dr. James R. Burton, Professor and section Head of Hepatology writes, “I know if I were to experience liver disease or any of my family members or friends were to need a hepatologist, Dr. Forman would undoubtably be the one person I would recommend from our group.”

Patients echo this sentiment. Feedback reads, “Dr Forman is a great listener to her patient needs, a down to earth doctor” and “She is wonderful! Easy to talk to and gives complete information that is easily understood.” Incredibly, when a provider offers time, understanding, and tools for self-care and management to patients, hope returns, it grows. Yet another patient of Dr. Forman’s writes, “she was like a bright light coming into my life.”  

Dr. Jonathan Gutman is a Professor in the Division of Hematology, who practices at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Gutman begins his clinical mission statement by writing, “I became a physician because I wanted to take care of patients,” continuing, “I try to be direct, honest, compassionate and humorous with my patients.” This humanism of Dr. Gutman’s becomes particularly salient when he describes “guiding patients through the extremely challenging journey of a stem cell transplant.” Such a treatment can be wrought with complications, and Dr. Gutman identifies this time as one of his most important clinical responsibilities.

Namely, he writes, “to be helping patients and their families navigate situations when outcomes are not what we hope.” Moreover, Dr. Gutman’s care of all patients is renowned. Dr. Leslie Andritsos, Associate Chief of Hematology & Oncology and Professor of Medicine at the University of New Mexico writes that, regardless of a patient’s specific complex medical problems which might complicate further their hematological malignancy – perhaps even disqualifying them from transplant at other institutions – Dr. Gutman and his team always take the time to evaluate each patient equitably, and “view each patient referred as a human being in need of urgent care and that they work to make this possible.”  

Dr. Alice Gray is a Professor in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine whose primary clinical site is Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Gray writes that witnessing “lung transplant recipients regaining independence in their ADLs, returning to work, falling in love, having children, hiking, traveling and climbing mountains is awe-inspiring.” However, because there is a median survival of 6-years post-lung transplant, Dr. Gray continues that these moments are “ephemeral,” and that often, she will be with her patients as they face death. Thus, Dr. Gray’s clinical mission is “to figure ways to improve our care so more people can do better and live longer with their lung transplant.” She continues, “I want those who are disadvantaged by poverty, structural racism and other barriers to be able to get a lung transplant and live long and healthy lives. 

I want patients to trust that their care team is always giving them their very best, even when it is sleepless nights taking donor calls and breaking the difficult news that transplant is not an option.” One patient writes, “I cannot say enough how incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and very patient Dr. Gray is. I just cannot say enough about the transplant team at UCHealth. Thank you, very, very much. I just don't have enough good things to say about Dr. Gray.”

Dr. Fernando Holguin is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus. 

Dr. Holguin defines his approach to patient care as, “treating everyone the way you or your loved ones would hope to be treated. This means caring with compassion, empathy, reassurance, and offering comfort to those experiencing pain and anxiety. To meet these care goals, I have always felt it is imperative to humanize the patient outside of his or her disease context.” Dr. Holguin reveals that his patient notes do not start with symptoms or care options, but who the patient is, a lawyer, an engineer, a grandmother.

For Dr. Holguin, each patient is a person with a disease, not a disease with a body. His patients appreciate this individualized and careful approach. One patient writes, “I have been a patient of Dr. Holguin for several years and have found Dr. Holguin to be a very competent doctor; his clinical presentation is one which instills confidence, trust and thoroughness with me.

Most importantly, Dr. Holguin is a warm, caring, attentive and compassionate doctor. Dr. Holguin takes the time to inquire about family, never makes me feel as though he is hurried, fully answers all my questions and concerns, and has a bedside manner allowing for openness and comfort.”  

Dr. Timothy Jenkins is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, practicing primarily at Denver Health.

Dr. Jenkins writes his medical career is shaped by caring for the underserved, writing, “My clinical mantra has been relatively simple: every person deserves the highest quality healthcare and we must always strive to do better.” Indeed, this focus on direct and universal patient care, providing “people experiencing homelessness, people who have substance use disorders and may use injection drugs, people who are not documented, people with mental health illnesses, people involved with justice system” with equitable and outstanding infectious disease healthcare is the core of Dr. Jenkins’ clinical mission. Through this care bound to social justice, as well as his work in antibiotic stewardship and quality improvement, Dr. Jenkins’ excellence at Denver Health and beyond is noted by his colleagues and patients.

Dr. Ed Farrell at the Colorado Coalition for the homeless writes, “I believe that it is Tim’s unwavering commitment to people who are the marginalized by society, always cloaked with boundless compassion and respect, that may be his deepest strength. Tim has used his deep-seated core beliefs that health care is a right and that all of us deserve top-notch, quality care, as motivators for himself and for those around him to improve quality, outcomes, and evidence-based care.”  

Dr. Jason Kolfenbach is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Kolfenbach writes his “philosophy on clinical care is that first and foremost, patients deserve the best effort from their medical providers.” This effort, Dr. Kolfenbach writes, includes chart review and preparation, intentional time with the patient, literature review, coordination with the rest of the care team, and countless other “unglamorous” aspects of care delivery.

Moreover, Dr. Kolfenbach identifies that while unfortunate many rheumatic diseases are characterized as chronic, this permits him to build life-long relationships with his patients. He emphasizes both a very wide definition of care as well as mindful relationship building, is very much noted and appreciated by Dr. Kolfenbach’s patients.

A patient feedback form reads, “Dr. Kolfenbach is an incredibly great doctor. He listens well during my visit and discusses my care in great detail. He ensures I’m agreeable with the plan he has orchestrated for me; he has done this since I started seeing him 9 years ago. I often leave my appointment feeling Dr. K must have spent hours reviewing my history and coming up with a plan on how we will proceed. He is genuinely interested in my success. I am truly impressed with Dr. Kolfenbach’s knowledge and experience: I trust him with my life!” 

Dr. Virginia Borges is a Professor in the Division of Medical Oncology who practices at Anschutz Medical campus.

Dr. Borges’s clinical mission is “to improve the care delivered and the outcomes for our young women.” Our is a critical word here. Dr. Borges recognizes all her patients as ours. Our community members. Dr. Borges continues, “It is of paramount importance to me that my patients are on an equal playing field for the opportunity to care, regardless of who they are or where they are in life. Dr. Borges writes that it is her duty “to act as her patients’ guide or navigator,” and to help return a sense of control to them, something that patients who have been diagnosed with cancer are typically robbed of.

Such compassionate, personalized care is noted by her colleagues. Dr. Marie Wood, Medical Director of Cancer Clinical Trials Office and the Breast Medical Oncology and Hereditary Cancer Program writes, “Occasionally I am in clinic when she is and hear her laughing with her patients. It is a rare oncologist who can do this.” To find joy – to laugh - alongside those who are experiencing perhaps the most fearful, uncertain time in their lives, this is an act of clinical excellence.  

Dr. Todd Bull is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Bull writes in his clinical mission statement, “Our patients and their families allow us into their lives in highly personal and intimate ways. Sometimes, we are allowed to share moments of joy and triumph. Other times we see them at their most vulnerable, in times of great stress or sadness. Always, we are invited into their lives with the request to help.” Dr. Bull goes on to describe that this trust between his patients, their families, and himself, defines his philosophy.

Dr. Bull aims always to be worthy of this trust. A patient who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and was cared for by Dr. Bull until they received a double-lung transplant reveals that Dr. Bull has achieved this aim. The patient writes, “I always felt heard and seen [by Dr. Bull]... I specifically remember one of my appointments... My pulmonary pressures continued to rise, and we had exhausted basically all medical possibilities. Transplant was the next big unknown step. I felt defeated and started to cry. He said, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ And that’s exactly what I needed... that hug continued to give me the hope that everything would be ok.”

Dr. Juan Lessing is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Lessing ‘s clinical philosophy is founded on three principles: “exceptional patient care includes working to ensure that patients and family feel well cared for,” “that getting the diagnosis right is essential to best care,” and finally, “that mastery comes from reflection and deliberate, intentional practice.”

Dr. Lessing does his utmost to provide outstanding clinical care in the hospital environment: navigating complex systems, processes and teams. More, he provides his personal contact information to patients and their caretakers or family members.  He writes, “if something is not right, if the patient has questions, or is unsure or is anxious, or if the diagnosis is wrong, the treatment unaffordable, or the care plan has holes, I want to know about it. I want to know because only then can we fix it and because it allows me to calibrate my reasoning, diagnosis, approach, and future decisions. Exceptional care for and the feeling of being well cared for by every patient.” This dual and complementary intention of both providing care, and ensuring the care is felt, is deliberate, and noted.

A colleague in the Division of Hospital Medicine recently wrote that “There are patients who come back to the hospital explicitly asking for Dr. Lessing by name, even though it had been several years since they were last hospitalized.” 

Dr. Christopher Lieu is an Associate Professor in the Division of Medical Oncology who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Lieu’s clinical mission is seeking cutting-edge therapies at the programmatic level while providing each individual patient with exceptional clinical care. Dr. Lieu does this through honesty, working with patients to set realistic expectations while preserving hope and dignity. This is noted by patients, but also the interdisciplinary teams he works within. Dr. Lisa Fosnot, an Associate Professor of Hospital Medicine, writes of Dr. Lieu, “his compassionate nature stands out prominently.  He does not merely perform his duties, but he does so with genuine care and concern for the well-being of his patients and colleagues alike.”

Dr. Fosnot describes a situation with one of Dr. Lieu’s patients with end-stage metastatic colorectal cancer. She entered the hospital and her condition deteriorated significantly while Dr. Lieu was on vacation with his family. Dr. Fosnot called Dr. Lieu, who not only worked through the care plan with Dr. Fosnot, but also spoke to this young patient’s husband immediately. Upon his return from vacation, Dr. Lieu worked with this family: gently guiding them to the difficult decision of obtaining hospice care. Dr. Fosnot writes, “Sometimes the greatest and most compassionate gift we can give patients in these situations is the ability to die with dignity.” Although Dr. Lieu has improved the lives of so many patients, he has also mastered the ability to provide this precious gift.  

Dr. Jeremy Long is an Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, practicing primarily at Denver Health.

Dr. Long writes that he treats his patient care as a network of relationships, as opposed to a series of transactions, which is increasingly difficult in a healthcare delivery system designed around and for throughput and efficiency.  These relationships are equitable, giving patients the voice and choice in their own care, with his guidance.

Such equanimity is developed from Dr. Long’s dedication to social justice, to serving those on the margins of healthcare, and of society. It is his duty, Dr. Long continues, to stay trained on “the cardinal principles of medical ethics: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice.” This work in relationship building, in remaining steadfast in humanistic philosophy, is demonstrative of Dr. Long’s clinical excellence.

A handwritten letter from a former patient’s family member reads, “I was extremely impressed to see you at my family member’s funeral service. And your words of compassion and care meant so much. They cared for you a lot - we both did. You are very special, and I will always remember how much you helped us.” This short note is then signed with the word love.  

Dr. Michael McDermott is a Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes practicing primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. McDermott writes that his mission is to “provide world-class health care, including amazing service, to every patient in a friendly, person-centered manner all while working progressively to eliminate health care disparity.” Dr. McDermott continues, his dreams are to, “find a cure for all types of diabetes mellitus, to provide optimal treatment for all patients who suffer from diabetes, and to optimize their quality of life.”

Though this philosophy may seem straightforward, it’s incredibly telling that Dr. McDermott cares for upwards of two thousand individual patients a year, many of whom traveled from rural areas across the state to see him. It is also telling that even with this high volume, Dr. McDermott’s patient experiences continue to be outstanding.

A patient from out-of-town writes that Dr. McDermott “went out of his way to accommodate me with an appointment when I was here visiting. I could tell that he spent time thoroughly reviewing my chart ahead of time. He spent a great deal of time explaining my condition and his recommendations in a clear and understandable manner. He was kind and compassionate about my situation. He made me feel much more optimistic about my condition and would highly recommend him!”

Dr. Bennett Parnes is an Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Parnes prides himself in being an “activist primary care provider.” Dr. Parnes aims to be aware of all medical and psychiatric problems that have occurred since a patient’s last visit. Dr. Parnes spends time in advance of visits reviewing charts, tracking down these visits’ notes, and connecting with the teams that have treated his patients. 

Dr. Parnes continues this active role in his patient care by involving specialists when he needs them, seeing these specialists as “part of the team, along with me, for the patient.” Dr. Alexa Giese, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at CU writes that, “Dr. Parnes stands out among primary care providers and geriatric medicine specialists in his ability to understand this complexity, view the patient holistically, and deliver patient-centered, appropriate treatment. I believe Dr. Parnes’ clinical excellence arises not only from medical knowledge and skills, but also from his outstanding ability to form collaborative relationships with patients and families and to take the time to actually listen to what they tell him. Patients trust him because he understands them and cares about them.”

Dr. Robert Quaife is a Professor in the Division of Cardiology who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Quaife writes that his clinical mission is to: “to provide high-quality, clinical cardiology care and serve as a consultant for difficult critical care cases,” as well as to “serve as a well-rounded but clinically excellent cardiovascular imaging consultant.” These goals allow Dr. Quaife a unique and critical role in our medical community, allowing him to consult and solve difficult clinical problems through various imaging modalities.

Dr. Quaife’s reputation as a provider willing to do almost anything for his patients is well known. Dr. Joseph Cleveland, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery here at CU writes, “Dr. Quaife is one of the most caring people I have ever met. He will escort strangers, walking them to the appropriate elevator to make an appointment. He truly serves his patients and any visitor to our sprawling medical campus with respect and no task is beneath him.” Further emphasizing this sentiment is the narrative from a patient of Dr. Quaife’s and their family member. Upon the patient’s passing, the patient’s family needed to complete the Jewish tradition of opening the door and laying her body upon the ground to allow her spirit to depart. Because the patient’s grieving family was unable at the time to do this, Dr. Quaife did.  

Dr. Jeanie Youngwerth is an Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, practicing primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Youngwerth writes that her approach to patient care aims “to foster an environment of continuous learning to optimize the quality and safety of patients and their loved ones.” She goes on, “As a palliative care physician, my focus is on patient-centered care. Exploring what this means to me involves finding ways to best relate to others, to learn from their narrative, what truly matters most to them, especially as serious illness is affecting every aspect of their lives and their loved ones. It means being able to wrap our head around what makes up this individual’s values, personhood, worries, and hopes.”

This value-based care Dr. Youngwerth provides is appreciated by her patients and their families. A former patient’s family member writes, “Jeanie, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did to make our final journey with our family member, and their final journey so remarkably special and beautiful. I can tell you my entire family took great solace in your comforting guidance and thoughtful discussions. I know for me, and I believe especially for the grandchildren who were present, it was so nice and wonderful to hear each share so many stories and feelings about our family member.” 

Maria Vejar, DNP, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatrics who practices exclusively at the UCHealth Seniors Clinic here at Anschutz Campus.

Ms. Vejar writes that her philosophy as a geriatric nurse practitioner is to “demonstrate understanding, acceptance, hope, and compassion for all those who entrust their care to me. I understand that each person comes to me with a life story and experience that has shaped how they view themselves, their self-worth, and purpose in life.”

Moreover, Ms. Vejar acknowledges the crucial role that her patients’ caregivers outside of the clinical environment play. Inspired by her own relationship with her grandmother to become a geriatric nurse, Ms. Vejar emphasizes the crucial role of community care when treating and providing for our elders, and it is recognized and valued greatly by those she sees in clinics day in and day out. A patient’s family member and care provider writes, “I feel like Maria Vejar cares about my family member as much as I do. I am grateful she was sent to take care of us! Ms. Vejar always checks to see if there is anything she can do to help me help my family member. Ms. Vejar makes myself and my family member feel confident in the care and concern given for our lives.”  

Dr. Matthew Zipse is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology who practices primarily at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dr. Zipse’s clinical mission has “always been to provide the best possible care to my patients, treating them with the same attention, focus, and respect that I would lend my own friends or family.” Dr. David Lee and NP Che Pimentel, of Montrose Regional Health write that, over the last three years of collaboration with Dr. Zipse, more than 100 patients have been referred his way from their rural catchment area of five distinct communities, including mountainous resort towns and smaller agricultural areas.

Dr. Lee and Mr. Pimentel continue that despite this incredibly diverse patient population, all their patients who have seen Dr. Zipse, without exception, comment “on his willingness to spend time with them, and his ability to make complicated medical issues and procedures understandable.” Numerous patient reviews reveal the same. One testimony reads, “This was my first meeting with Dr. Zipse... I could not be in better hands! He spent more than 40 minutes with me and provided the best explanation of A-Fib that I have heard to date. He also described possible futures in my condition and how he would approach each one, including the options he would discuss with me at that time. I came away very impressed with the level of care I received.”