Professional Development
The Office of Advanced Practice supports the ongoing growth of our APP faculty as clinicians, leaders and scholars. Through the combined resources of the School of Medicine and University of Colorado Hospital, APPs have access to structured programs, mentorship, and institutional support that foster meaningful and sustained career development.
Career Advancement and Promotion
As faculty within the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and College of Nursing, APPs have the opportunity to pursue academic promotion in recognition of meaningful contributions beyond clinical practice. Promotion is not required, but offers a structured pathway for those advancing clinical expertise, education, scholarship, quality improvement, and program development. APPs are appointed across the academic ranks from Instructor through Professor, with advancement based on demonstrated impact and achievement. The Office of Advanced Practice provides mentorship and guidance to support faculty as they consider and pursue promotion.
For detailed criteria and resources, please refer to the School of Medicine Promotions website or contact our office [email protected]
Link: Faculty Promotion Process and Criteria - University of Colorado School of Medicine
Continuous Learning and Quality Improvement
Quality improvement is a core component of professional development within our academic practice model. As frontline clinicians, APPs are well positioned to identify gaps in care and lead initiatives that measurably improve patient outcomes, safety, and operational performance in alignment with the goals of the School of Medicine, the University of Colorado Hospital and other practice site affiliates. Our APPs both lead and participate in practice-based improvement efforts that strengthen care delivery and enhance the patient experience. Formal training opportunities are available through the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and University of Colorado Hospital, including programs offered through the Institute for Healthcare Quality, Safety and Efficiency (IHQSE), which equips clinicians with the skills to design and sustain meaningful system level change.
Link: IHQSE Programs
Mentorship and Leadership Development
Mentorship is a foundational part of our professional culture. We are committed to fostering meaningful mentoring relationships that support clinical growth, career development, scholarship, and leadership across all stages of practice. Our APPs have access to structured programs such as the Mentorship Academy, as well as leadership development opportunities offered through the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and University of Colorado Hospital. These programs, along with division based and peer mentorship, provide the support, skill development, and community needed to cultivate thoughtful, effective leaders within academic medicine.
Scholarship and Academic Engagement
Our APP faculty contribute broadly to educational innovation, curriculum development, quality improvement scholarship, publications, and regional and national presentations. They serve as invited speakers and panelists, develop clinical programs and practice standards, and hold leadership roles within professional organizations. These examples reflect only a portion of the scholarly engagement across our faculty community.
The Office of Advanced Practice supports these efforts through mentorship, collaborative partnerships, and access to institutional resources that help faculty share their work and advance the role of Advanced Practice within academic medicine.
Awards and Recognition
Recognizing excellence is a core value of our community. The Office of Advanced Practice is committed to intentionally and consistently highlighting the meaningful contributions of our APP faculty and teams across clinical care, education, leadership, innovation, and quality improvement. Our APPs are frequently honored with local, regional, and national awards that reflect the impact of their work. The Office of Advanced Practice provides thoughtful nomination support and collaborates with divisions and departments to ensure that the contributions of our APPs are visible, valued, and celebrated across our academic and clinical enterprise.
