CaReNet - Practice-Based Research Networks

Practice-Based Research Networks

CaReNet

WHAT IS CaReNet?

The Colorado Research Network (CaReNet) is a practice-based research network (PBRN) with member practices that mostly care for underserved patients. The network consists of practices that may be federally qualified health centers, FQHC look-alikes, residency program practices or other practices focused on serving patients of lower resources. Practices in CaReNet are located throughout Colorado.

Since its founding in 1998, CaReNet has conducted many studies to examine primary health care, practice improvement, and access to care. CaReNet’s mission is to improve health and well-being by the application of scientific methods to questions important to primary care clinicians, their patients, and their communities. CaReNet is committed to questions with the potential to understand health, disease, and illness, and the roles and values of primary care, with a particular focus on disadvantaged populations.

Learn more about CaReNet.

MEET THE TEAM

Donald E. Nease Jr., MD

Matthew Simpson, MD, MPH

Mary Fisher, MPH

Bio: Dr. Nease is Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus where he serves as the Green-Edelman Chair for PracticeBased Research, Director of Community Engagement for the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Vice Chair for Community in the Department of Family Medicine, and Director of the SNOCAP PracticeBased Research Network Collaborative. He also serves as President of the International Balint Federation (balintinternational.com). He completed his undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of Kansas, residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill.

Bio: Matthew Simpson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School Anschutz Medical Campus. As a clinicianresearcher, he has an active clinical practice at the A.F. Williams Family Medicine Clinic and serves as the associate director for the Colorado Research Network (CaReNet), a practice-based research network of primary care clinics that are focused on delivering care to medically underserved patients. He is passionate about weaving together the fields of implementation science, health equity, and community engagement to conduct research projects that advance health equity in Colorado’s safety net clinics.

Bio: Mary Fisher, MPH, is a Senior Professional Research Assistant and network manager for the SNOCAP PracticeBased Research Networks based out of the University of Colorado’s Department of Family Medicine (CU DFM).

She is also a project manager for CCTSI Community Engagement where she works with the Community Research Liaisons and various committees and programs.

Mary has been with CU DFM and CCTSI for nearly 4 years in which time she has managed and facilitated a number of research projects and programs, including coordinating the Colorado Research Network’s (CaReNet) Patient Advisory Council (PAC).

Special interest(s):​ Riding bicycles, fixing bicycles, drinking really good coffee, traveling.

Special interest(s):​ Reading German detective novels, in German; improving health in partnership with communities, patients, clinicians and their practices.

Interesting facts: In his spare time, he is the co-owner of En Fuego Cycles, a local bike store.

Special interest(s):​ Anything outdoors-y, DIY projects and woodworking, nutrition and dietetics, community and patient engagement.

Interesting facts: As a resident Don was part of an American Academy of Family Physicians committee that produced a small book on practice-based research.

Email: matthew.simpson@cuanschutz.edu

CaReNet Director

Email: donald.nease@cuanschutz.edu

CaReNet Co-Director

CaReNet Coordinator

Interesting facts: Growing up, Mary’s cousins owned a small ice cream shop. She still strives to find the best local ice cream anywhere she goes.

Email: mary.fisher@cuanschutz.edu

University of Colorado Department of Family Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus 12631 East 17th Avenue, Box F496 Aurora, CO 80045 FMNews@cuanschutz.edu