Welcome to the Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz
Ann D. Thor, M.D.
Professor and Todd Chair of Pathology
Welcome to the Department of Pathology! The Department has grown substantially in the past 20 years, from 40 to 150 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital-based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning, and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 26 positions, we offer 11 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate school PhD programs and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine.
Our trainee and attending clinicians exemplify dedication and selflessness, focusing on evidence-based sub-specialty practice to provide excellence in diagnostic medicine across a wide range of scientific and anatomically based disease sub-specialties. Our clinical practice and training programs are based primarily at three hospitals located on the Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) (the University of Colorado Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center) as well as the Denver Health Hospital located in Southwest Denver. We also own and operate three reference laboratories on Anschutz Campus: Anatomic Pathology Lab University of Colorado Hospital, the Colorado Molecular Correlates Lab, and the Colorado Genetics Laboratory. Our pathologists also provide clinical service at numerous affiliate hospitals and practice sites associated with the aforementioned hospital systems. This practice model allows us to develop and provide state-of-the-art molecular genetics and genomics methods, supporting a robust personalized medicine effort and our NIH designated comprehensive cancer center programs, and clinical and research trials.
Medical education is a primary mission of the department and its members. This reflects the remarkable teaching efforts of our faculty, residents, and fellows as well as their passion for the sub-specialty of pathology. Our residents typically score higher than the national average on annual RISE exams, show a 100% first exam pass rate in both Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, and secure highly competitive fellowships post-graduation. We also support ACGME and/or GME accredited Fellowships in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Molecular Pathology, Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, Forensic Pathology, Pediatric Pathology, GI and Hepatobiliary Pathology, Genetics, Breast and Gynecologic Pathology, and Soft Tissue Pathology.
The Department employs world class researchers focused on mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Many are nationally and internationally known for their scientific contributions and cutting-edge research. These individuals are active participants in graduate and post-graduate education associated with the Graduate School of CU, particularly the PhD Program in Cancer Biology that originated in our Pathology department. We also support numerous core facilities for our NIH designated comprehensive cancer center, an institutional biobank, and other sub-specialty services that serve our scientific community.
Denver is a rapidly growing metropolis, with a vibrant young population who seek ready access to the outdoors, sports of all kinds, an outstanding food scene, and the arts. When we are not working, we hike 14,000-foot mountain peaks, bike, run, swim, ski, and camp our way through Colorado.
Overall, the Department of Pathology of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine is experiencing remarkable success and growth systemwide. We hope you will visit us in person, or virtually through our website as you are able. We look forward to welcoming you to Colorado!
