Get to Know: John Hesling, MD
CU PM&R salutes our incoming Chief Residents
Zachary Noriega, MPA | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/CU School of Medicine Mar 17, 2026
CU PM&R is excited to introduce our new Chief Residents! Today, we are spotlighting incoming Chief Resident John Hesling, MD.
What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
I choose to pursue a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation because I was looking for a career where I could make a significant impact for patients in the areas of their lives that matter most to them. PM&R is uniquely adapted to use a variety of treatment modalities with the overall goal of improving function and allowing patients to get back to the things they love most. I could not imagine a more fulfilling career, so it was an easy choice for me.
What made you want to choose CU PM&R for residency?
Simple – the people. I went to medical school at CU and had early exposure to the program’s residents and faculty alike. I was immediately impressed with their approachability, dedication and willingness to support my career goals while I was still a student. I also loved the collaborative environment and wanted to be a part of an organization dedicated to bettering itself while maintaining close collaboration and teamwork.
How would you describe your time as a resident at CU PM&R so far?
I have loved my time at CU PM&R and enjoyed a wide variety of clinical experiences across the Denver Metro area and beyond with amazing exposure to procedures, complex pathology and opportunities to participate in medical student education as well. All the faculty and my fellow residents have been incredibly supportive and are amazing people to work with.
What are your goals as our new Chief Resident? What skills do you hope to develop as Chief?
I would like to continue to refine our didactic curriculum with a focus on making it increasingly interactive and geared toward the adult learner with the overall goal of improving material retention.
What are your goals after you complete residency at CU?
I hope to complete an ACGME Pain Medicine Fellowship and pursue a career in academic Pain Medicine.