University of Colorado Department of Pediatrics

During this unprecedented time, it is important that we recognize the amazing efforts of so many of our faculty, trainees and staff. As we’ve confronted this pandemic, all of you have made countless acts of volunteerism and sacrifice – THANK YOU. I am proud of the way our Department and our colleagues at Children’s Colorado Hospitals and across the Anschutz Medical campus have rallied to support each other.

Here are the people, as recognized by their peers, who are going above and beyond in their efforts to combat the pandemic and continue to foster our unrivaled culture of collaboration. Here are this week’s “Coronavirus Heroes.”

Jim Barry, MD (Associate Professor, Section of Neonatology), Theresa Grover, MD (Professor, Section of Neonatology), and Danielle Smith, MD (Assistant Professor, Section of Neonatology)

Nominated by Jason Gien

Why Jim, Theresa, and Danielle?

As team members of the Children's Hospital and University Hospital NICUs, they have spent countless hours attending meetings and planning for the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the NICUs at our various practice sites. They have stayed abreast of the most current literature as it impacts newborns and pregnant moms, and have advocated for both their colleagues as well as patients in the most professional manner. This is a very stressful time for all of us on the frontline, and their ability to communicate essential information in a kind and calm manner has helped to alleviate anxiety. When we have had questions or concerns, they have addressed them expeditiously and with our safety as a priority.  

Sarah Green, MD and Brian Pitts, MD (Fellows, Section of Adolescent Medicine)

Nominated by Jennifer Woods

Why Sarah and Brian?

They are our Adolescent Medicine fellows and have really risen to any and every challenge we have given them, and have volunteered for any job or task – nothing is too big or too small. They are doing regular clinic and inpatient duties, in addition to secondary screening of patients who walk in the door, telephone secondary triage, shining in the telehealth arena, reaching out to patients on their own to ensure proper and timely care, and creating extra learning and teaching opportunities for residents rotating through Adolescent Medicine, which is especially important as they aren't getting the “normal” experience with direct patient care. 

Sarah and Brian have also been shining examples of keeping up with all updates on the screening process. With each change, they have ensured that screening is changed appropriately and even gently redirected other team members when this process isn't implemented correctly to ensure the best care for all our patients and safety of families and staff. We are truly honored to work with you! Thank you, Sarah and Brian.

Briann Gutierrez and Coleen Linkous (Medical Assistants, Kid’s Street and Section of Adolescent Medicine)

Nominated by Sarah Green

Why Briann and Coleen?

They have been working daily for the last two weeks screening all patients and families who enter the Health Pavilion. Despite this tedious work, they both remain upbeat and positive, passing on this optimistic spirit to all our families.

Katherine (Katie) Leonard, FNP-BC (Instructor, Section of Adolescent Medicine)

Nominated by Edna Najera

Why Katie? ‘

When the outbreak first began, Katie immediately brainstormed how her team would deliver the proper care. She made a plan (trial and error) and made it work. She can talk with patients and give them what they need, and they love and respect her. I can always count on Katie for help as an excellent employee, team player, and person.

Pediatrics Infectious Prevention Team – (pictured from left to right) Susan Dolan, Kelly West, Kellie Rusin, Shannon Rowe, Kathleen Martinez (Section of Infectious Diseases)

Nominated by Sam Dominguez

Why the Infectious Prevention Team?

They have worked tirelessly over the past two months and have provided the expertise to support all of the operations, procedures, and plans for our hospital. They often go unnoticed but are heroes of the hospital, and have provided their guidance, support, and expertise as we navigate these challenging times.

Jenny Reese, MD (Associate Professor, Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine)

Nominated by Jillian Cotter

Why Jenny?

She has gone above and beyond as the Hospital Medicine Section Head to lead our COVID-19 efforts. She has made sure that every provider in our large section feels prepared, safe, and supported during these challenging times. She has also done a lot to spread the critical message of well-being throughout the hospital.

Virology Team (Microbiology/Virology)

Nominated by Rebecca MacKay

Why the virology team?

Our virology team (Eric, Samantha, Darcy, Lisa, Randy, Marta, Kristi, Garrett) have gone above and beyond to bring the COVID-19 testing panels on board. They have worked day and night on validations, training, and testing for all the COVID-19 tests we have. Our service would not be possible without them.

Congratulations to all these individuals for their outstanding contributions. Thanks as well to the nominators for sharing these stories and for your important role in helping recognize and support this work.

Please continue to share your recommendations for next week’s “Coronavirus Heroes” by submitting a web-based nomination form.