MOMENTUM
MESSAGE
Our Gratitude The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is as strong as ever, and growing stronger. We believe our remarkable trajectory is unmatched by any other academic medical campus in the country, and it is a robust community of faculty, students, alumni and benefactors — including you — who drive our forward momentum. Every day on our campus, top researchers work together in pursuit of bold breakthroughs with the potential to radically transform modern medicine. Thousands of students train to become future leaders in a rapidly evolving health care landscape. Faculty representing the best of the best collaborate with industry partners, tech start-ups and entrepreneurs to bring new innovations to clinic and to market. Patients benefit from the finest care informed by the latest research and clinical trials. And, every day beyond our campus, alumni lead in diverse fields, elevating our stature as the place for top-quality education, training and research. Benefactors make generous gifts and commitments to enrich these efforts and speed our progress. In these pages, we highlight just some of the many ways you are helping make a difference. Our success is your success, and I hope these stories demonstrate the tremendous impact of your partnership. With gratitude,
DONALD M. ELLIMAN, JR. Chancellor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
CELEBRATING THE
I M PAC T OF PHILANTHROPY
CARE + COMMUNITY | Shocked Back to Life ..................................................................2 EDUCATION | FirstUp Program Offers Opportunities ........................................................4 INNOVATION | Reimagining Women’s Health ....................................................................6 CARE + COMMUNITY | Bringing Hope to the Opioid Epidemic ........................................9 CARE + COMMUNITY | Global Clinic Improves Lives .....................................................12 PROFILE | The Right Job and Right Location, at the Right Time ....................................14 INNOVATION | Fighting Cancer as a Team ......................................................................16 CARE + COMMUNITY | Art Installation Inspires and Promotes Healing ..........................19 PROFILE | Living Legends in Nursing ..............................................................................21 SPOTLIGHT | Levy Family Creates Opportunities ...........................................................24 IMPACT | Impact at CU Anschutz ...................................................................................27 Read an electronic version of this publication and view exclusive web extras at:
supportcuanschutz.ucdenver.edu/momentum
CARE + COMMUNITY
Shocked Back to Life The train doors at Denver International Airport closed — Bruce Gordon’s palms started to sweat. He hadn’t felt well that day, but this was unusual. “This was the heart attack I was afraid of,” he said. “I knew I only had 30 minutes to get help before it was too late.” As Gordon pushed his way off the train, he thought, “I don’t want to use an elevator because I might die in there and no one will know.” As he stepped onto the escalator, he thought of his wife and two daughters, wanting to tell them “I love you” one last time. He stepped off the escalator and knew there would be a security guard who could help. He threw down his backpack and left his belongings on the floor of the terminal. Gordon told the guard, “I’m having a heart attack, and I don’t have much time left.” Then it all went blurry. Moments later, Gordon was at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) being shocked back to life. It took Bruce’s emergency care physician, Matthew Salzberg, MD, three attempts with an automated external defibrillator to restart his heart. Gordon can recount the final two shocks. “After I felt the second one, I told the doctor ‘I’m done — don’t do this to me anymore.’”
“ I was giving up. I thought
my friends and family had seen me for the last time. ” - Bruce Gordon
Gordon spent the next 21 days in intensive care. His college roommates flew in from California to say goodbye. “I told my brother to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding,” Gordon said. “At that point, I was preparing to die.”
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Three days before his open heart surgery, his nurse, Caitlin Bruen, RN, gave him a message he needed to hear. Gordon said, “I was giving up. I thought my friends and family had seen me for the last time.” Bruen knew his fight wasn’t over. She grabbed him by the hospital gown and said, “You are not allowed to give up. You have so much to live for, and I won’t let you stop fighting.” From then on, Gordon was determined to get his life back. Gordon had a sucessful coronary artery bypass surgery. His cardiothoracic surgeon, Muhammad Aftab, MD, said, “The surgical success was a direct result of his healthy lifestyle, motivation and singular focus on getting better.” Gordon has always been active. Before his heart attack in 2017, he had logged over 1,800 miles on his road bike, and took pride in climbing Mount Rainier in Washington and swimming across Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. “I was so scared of having another heart attack that post-traumatic stress disorder
was getting in the way of my recovery,” he said. During his treatment, Gordon’s entire medical team collectively monitored his progress. Dr. Salzberg visited him in the ICU and, following surgery, Dr. Aftab checked in and just held his hand. Gordon said, “It was a simple gesture, but exactly what I needed — someone to hold my hand.” It took over 12 months for Gordon to recover both physically and mentally. His heart function has normalized after surgery despite having a major heart attack. After he was discharged and recovering at home, he asked to see his former ICU room. “I needed to go back to confront the emotions and PTSD I was having,” said Gordon. Now, Gordon is rebuilding a barn in Elizabeth, Colorado, and preparing for the next chapter of his life with his wife and family. “UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is a transformational place,” he said. “They saved my life, and I am determined to not squander this opportunity.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
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EDUCATION
FirstUp Program Offers Opportunities to First-Generation Students
The CU School of Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion launched the FirstUp Program to support firstgeneration students embarking on a medical education. In the inaugural year, thirteen mentorships were formed. “The FirstUp Program is demand-driven because our students requested it, so to me that demonstrates both a demand and a responsibility,” said Regina Richards, MSW, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
“ We want to make
sure our students are their best personal and professional selves. ” - Regina Richards, MSW
The CU School of Medicine designed the FirstUp Program in response to student feedback collected by Adam Panzer, third-year medical student, demonstrating a need for structured mentorship opportunities — specifically for first-generation students. For this program, first-generation students are those who are the first in their family to attend a higher education institution, or professional or graduate school. In medical schools around the country, first-generation medical students are
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often underrepresented. They tend to be older and have more pressures related to family and finances. They bring with them new perspectives, but often lack deep knowledge of academia and the steps necessary to become a physician. The FirstUp Program pairs firstgeneration students with mentors who help them along their medical school journeys. This program was modeled after existing programs at Stanford University, Brown University and the University of Southern Florida. The FirstUp Program was formally announced to students during second look day, a recruitment event for prospective students, while mentors from the community were handpicked by the Office of Student Life. The mentors represent alumni, faculty and medical leaders with a desire to give back to the CU School of Medicine. “I’ve participated in mentoring since I was in college, and working with firstgeneration students was something I identified with,” said Anthony Oliva, MD ’09, PhD ’07, assistant professor of anesthesiology. “I was the oldest of my siblings, and my parents didn’t go to college, so I can identify with some of the issues of being the first in a family to attend medical school.”
Mentors help students navigate the complexities of medical school, such as preparing for board exams and applying for residency. Troy Kincaid, a first-generation medical student, is originally from the Chicago area and had concerns about moving to a new state. “I was nervous to move 1,000 miles away from home to attend medical school,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. My mentor can talk to me about school and personal issues that come up. It has been really helpful as I adjust in my first year of medical school.” “We meet every other month for lunch or coffee, and I give him advice along the way,” said Dr. Oliva. Kincaid noted that this mentorship has been really successful. “I can text Tony whenever I have a question or something comes up.” In the months since Dr. Oliva started mentoring, the theme of balance has emerged. “I told Troy to pick activities that are rejuvenating — something that isn’t a hassle,” he said. As first-year medical students start classes, they are often under immense pressure to join clubs and engage in various aspects of the CU School of Medicine. “I want Troy to choose activities that he can fully participate in — not just add another line to his resume.” The FirstUp Program strengthens the collaborative nature of the CU School of Medicine by encouraging partnerships between first-generation students, and alumni and leaders in the field. “I’m hopeful that this program continues to expand and make an impact. It is a great way to stay connected with CU,” said Dr. Oliva. Looking forward, FirstUp Program administrators hope to expand mentorship opportunities, so that every student who requests a mentor is matched. Richards said, “If students request something that is within the bounds of what we can provide, then we have a responsibility to do that. That’s our job: to train good physicians.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
Troy Kincaid and Anthony Oliva, MD ’09, PhD ’07
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INNOVATION
Reimagining Women’s Health: Creating Solutions, Bridging Research and Care Women hold the keys to healthy families. They access the health system more than men, both for themselves and on behalf of their children and spouses. Additionally, many women experience major health events including pregnancy and childbirth. Illnesses and the medications used to treat them often impact females differently than males. Moreover, women live longer than men on average, resulting in greater risk for developing chronic medical conditions and greater disease burden related to such conditions. Yet, for too long, women have had to navigate a disjointed system built on biases with life-altering ramifications. Vital sex differences are often overlooked in diagnosis and treatment of disease and, until the 1990s, women were largely left out of medical research. This gap has not only resulted in incomplete knowledge, but potentially harmful side effects and disparities in outcomes.
“My mission is to promote the relevance of the brain to women’s health. The ability to work in this larger sphere is thrilling. There’s no place I’d rather be.” - C. Neill Epperson, MD 6
What’s more, perceptions among providers and the public have tangible impacts on health. In the clinic, hormonal and genetic differences are often discounted, even while it is widely acknowledged that sex affects symptoms and response to medications. Women’s health issues are often taken less seriously than men’s and, shockingly, females suffering outof-hospital cardiac arrest receive bystander CPR less often than men.
“The power to effect real change is here. We need to do this for women and families. Now is the time. This is the place.” - Judy Regensteiner, PhD
Additionally, the constellation of care for women is fragmented, episodic and hard to navigate. Women see different physicians during different phases of life, resulting in an incomplete picture of their health over time and preventing them from getting the best care. Today at CU Anschutz, key leaders are reimagining women’s health, leveraging top talent, a collaborative spirit and an innovative culture to bring a bold new vision into reach.
Assembling the Right Team It takes committed and courageous leaders to transform medicine, and with a new addition to the faculty, a veritable dream team has assembled to lead the charge. C. Neill Epperson, MD, took the helm of the CU Department of Psychiatry last year as the Robert Freedman, MD, Endowed Chair in Psychiatry. Nearly three decades ago, her passion for studying hormones on the brain and behavior was sparked when she treated her first patient with postpartum depression at Yale University. Judy Regensteiner, PhD, laid the groundwork for collaboration when she co-founded the burgeoning Center for Women’s Health Research (CWHR) in 2004 to pioneer new pathways in health and close the sex and gender gap in medical research. Dr. Regensteiner holds the Judith and Joseph Wagner Chair in Women's Health Research. Ten years ago, Nanette Santoro, MD, brought vast expertise in hormones and reproduction to the CU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she serves as chair and holds the E. Stewart Taylor, MD, Endowed Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has kept one foot in the clinic and the other in the lab ever since.
Nanette Santoro, MD, C. Neill Epperson, MD, and Judy Regensteiner, PhD
Capitalizing on their alignment and collective expertise, the trio began co-creating a vision for what’s next. “We have critical mass — the right leadership and the institutional culture to get things done,” Dr. Epperson said.
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Pursuing an Ambitious Vision “We are building a one-stop destination for women of all ages,” said Dr. Santoro, “one that consolidates our assets and removes obstacles to serve patients seamlessly across the pediatric to geriatric spectrum.” Those assets include a booming translational research enterprise based at the CWHR that advances the latest discoveries into patient settings and ensures clinical findings inform work in the lab. “If our research doesn’t ultimately improve patient care and outcomes, we aren’t doing our jobs as scientists,” said Dr. Epperson.
for pregnant teens, transgender youth, and patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, menopause, osteoporosis and dementia, the building blocks are here. Add psychiatric services, behavioral health screening, trauma care, addiction treatment and therapy, and the possibilities seem limitless. “The key stakeholders here are extraordinary in their commitment to expanding and integrating behavioral medicine into primary and specialty care settings,” said Dr. Epperson, “and in promoting psychological well-being for all Coloradans.”
Bridging research and care is essential. “We are dedicated to changing the paradigm,” Dr. Regensteiner said. “We will do so by including women in studies and clinical trials, and investigating drugs and diseases in both sexes.”
“We will have succeeded when CU Anschutz is known as the best place in the country to study women’s health and sex differences, and to access women’s health care,” said Dr. Regensteiner. “Our campus will be a mecca for women and families from Colorado and around the country.”
For this team, all the elements are in place: clinical savvy, research prowess and successful training programs. With services addressing women’s health across the lifespan, including prenatal care to fertility and postpartum concerns, as well as care
“We have the leadership and talent to stake our claim at the forefront of the field,” Dr. Santoro said. “We’re all here, and we’re ready to go.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
“Women’s health is critical to family health. ” - Nanette Santoro, MD
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CARE + COMMUNITY
Bringing Hope to the Opioid Epidemic Former ski racer Ashley McAuliffe suffered numerous ski-related injuries, including broken ankles and wrists, throughout her career. At age 18, the pain became so intense that she was prescribed opioids to cope. Three years later, she found herself addicted to the very pills that were supposed to help her. Eventually, her physicians refused to fill the prescriptions and she turned to heroin. After a downward spiral that landed her in rehab three times, McAuliffe, now 35, finally found the help she needed at a clinic in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, thanks to an innovative treatment program spearheaded by the CU College of Nursing. In 2017, Colorado lawmakers passed Senate Bill 17-074, providing funding for a pilot program to deliver medication-assisted treatment to
victims of the opioid epidemic. In the program, CU Nursing faculty train local nurse practitioners and physician assistants to deliver treatment at three clinical sites in Pueblo and Routt counties. The treatment is an effective approach to treating opioid addiction, combining medication with long-term behavioral therapy. The program is just one of many initiatives under the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, housed at the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The consortium is under the umbrella of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, established this past summer. The center gives the CU Anschutz community opportunities to collaborate and coordinate across disciplines.
“Philanthropic partners like the Colorado Health Foundation and CoBank are especially vital, helping accelerate our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic across our state.” - Robert Valuck, PhD
“Our mission is to reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in Colorado through policy work, programs and partnerships,” said Robert Valuck, PhD, the consortium’s director. “Philanthropic partners like the Colorado Health Foundation and CoBank are especially vital, helping accelerate our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic across our state.” Tanya Sorrell, PhD, a CU Nursing faculty member and psychiatric nurse practitioner, oversees the medication-assisted treatment program. “People who live in rural areas are more susceptible to opioid abuse because of socioeconomic conditions and lack of access to mental health services,” she said. “There’s also more physical labor involved in these areas, so pain medications prescribed for work-related injuries can often lead to addiction.” Through the program, nurse practitioners and physician assistants deliver a two-pronged approach to help opioid addicts remain sober longer and, eventually, manage their addiction. Suboxone, methadone and naltrexone help manage withdrawal symptoms. They also stabilize chemical reactions in the brain to balance anxiety, mood and emotional issues that commonly co-occur with substance abuse disorders. In this way, these medications help bolster patients’ recovery by allowing them to benefit from behavioral therapy support services. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to refocus negative thoughts and self-perceptions, and to address problems in a healthier way than by self-medicating. Through reinforcement therapy, patients stay sober longer by learning how to reward themselves for making positive decisions. By learning to recognize triggers, patients are better prepared to manage stresses that can lead to relapse. Case management services
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help patients as they work to secure the housing, employment or education they need to regain their footing. The program also addresses one of the most damaging aspects of the opioid epidemic: stigma. “We still hear that opioid addiction is a moral issue or failure,” said Sorrell. “Since the program began, we’ve been helping to educate the community, as well as health care providers and law enforcement, in an effort to remove harmful labels and stigmas that keep people from getting treatment.” Since inception, the program has benefitted more than 670 Coloradans — hundreds of individuals who may not have otherwise received care for their addiction. This year, Senate Bill 19-001 will expand the program to 10 more clinical sites in the San Luis Valley and two additional counties — meaning that scores of people like McAuliffe will get the treatment they need. “We’re improving the quality of life of each person we reach through treatment,” said Sorrell. “The program helps them sober up, return to work and their families, and become contributing members of society again. We’re helping them get their lives back.”
McAuliffe has been out of the program for more than a year. She said, “My care team helped me tremendously — they checked on me regularly, even after I didn’t need treatment anymore. Now, I’m exercising again and taking care of myself. I’m good.” For now, the fight against the opioid epidemic endures. The medicationassisted treatment program is just one way that the consortium is making a positive difference in lives as it tackles the epidemic from all sides. “We continue to face a daunting challenge,” said Dr. Valuck. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making — we’re creating innovative programs that are examples for the rest of the nation, we’re building centers and programs that will enable us to sustain our work, and we’re making a difference across our state.” This program is one of many at CU Anschutz focused on changing the addiction landscape throughout Colorado. ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
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CARE + COMMUNITY
Global Clinic Improves Lives of Guatemalans When Elizabeth Shick, DDS, MPH, associate professor at the CU School of Dental Medicine, first heard of 8-year-old Alejandro's condition, she knew he needed immediate care. His face was swollen and he was in tremendous pain. He was lying on a cot on the floor, nearly incoherent. Alejandro’s parents said he hadn’t been to school in weeks, and they could not afford to take him to a doctor. The infection was so advanced that without proper care, Alejandro was likely several days from death. Aida Ralda, MD, a quick-thinking Guatemalan doctor who was leading home visits for Zika research, gave Alejandro antibiotics to reduce the infection and ease the pain so he could receive treatment at the Trifinio Center for Human Development. There, CU School of Dental Medicine students extracted six teeth that were beyond repair and had caused this life-threatening infection. “Just a day or two after we extracted his teeth, Alejandro was doing much better. His infection and swelling quickly resolved, and he was able to smile without pain. This positive outcome was made possible by the concerted efforts of the dental students and the Guatemalan team of researchers and doctors,” said Dr. Shick.
Several times every year, Dr. Shick leads a cohort of students to Guatemala to serve in the Trifinio Center for Human Development, a collaborative health center involving programs throughout the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. This rural clinic was founded in 2014 with generous philanthropic investments from the Jose Fernando Bolaños Family Foundation, and today serves 22 communities and more than 30,000 people. The CU School of Dental Medicine Global Health Program has two primary goals: to teach students about treating underserved populations and caring for Guatemalans who oftentimes lack access to dental care. Dr. Shick said, “This program helps build empathetic and caring dental providers who will be really open to every patient once when they start their careers.” Dental student Craig Testerman was part of a recent Global Health Program visit to Guatemala. His experience is inspiring him to care for underserved populations. “It is important to realize that there are other populations that don’t have access to the care we enjoy,” he said.
“I am more committed than ever to serve those who can’t afford care, and I hope to someday help people around the world again.” Guatemala is among the poorest countries in Latin America, and most communities lack access to basic health care. Many adults and their families will never visit a dentist; those who do often have to travel several hours to a clinic. “In our five years of traveling to Guatemala, we have seen patients over and over again, and watched their dental hygiene improve,” said Dr. Shick. “Seeing their smiles and knowing they are no longer in pain is gratifying, and I’m excited that dental students can see such a positive impact of their work.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
“ Seeing their smiles and knowing they are no longer in pain is gratifying, and I’m excited that dental students can see such a positive impact of their work. ” - Elizabeth Shick, DDS, MPH
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PROFILE
The Right Job and Right Location, at the Right Time “I picked the right job with hospital administration,” said Christopher Gessner, president and CEO of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). “I like working with people, and I enjoy being part of complex teams.” In February 2019, Gessner took the reins at UCH, to lead the hospital and oversee growth in other Denver-area UCHealth facilities. “My wife and I were about to become empty nesters, so we decided that if we were ever going to leave Pittsburgh, which had been home for the past 21 years, now was the time. We are excited to begin a new adventure in Colorado,” said Gessner. “We have outstanding quality care at UCH, and I am focused on creating consistency in all our locations throughout the metro region,” he said. “What ensures consistency is the combination of teamwork, evidencebased practices and technology, so every patient has access to highquality health care.” Gessner joined UCH after 18 years at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the last five of which he served as the president of both Children's and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
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“ For me, there is no better feeling than being
part of a team or organization that has a far bigger impact on people’s lives than I can myself. ” - Christopher Gessner
“I really enjoyed running the behavioral health service line for UPMC and learned a great deal. The importance of integrating medical and behavioral health care to achieve the best clinical outcomes became very evident.” “Behavioral health was an area where we could be innovative because there were huge problems that we could address.” Gessner brings these lessons and ideas to Colorado, where he remains committed to behavioral health. At UCH, Gessner is focused on building strong teams. “I think that teams are built on trust, and that starts with transparency. If you open up and let people see your vulnerabilities, you can increase trust and achieve results together,” he said. In hospital administration, trust is central to efficiency. “One of the issues that physicians have with hospitals is the speed with which they make decisions. Physicians are used to performing a test, getting results and moving forward with a plan. In administration, the decision making process and feedback loop is typically much longer and that can be frustrating for clinicians. My goal is to ensure that our hospital administration is highly responsive.”
In his first year, Gessner is working closely with physicians and nurses. At UCH, every practicing physician is a member of the CU School of Medicine faculty, creating a unique partnership between research and clinical care. “I love working with health care providers. This campus has incredibly talented people engaged in research and patient care,” he said. “The focus on translational research here at CU Anschutz sets us apart from our peers and allows us to provide the best possible care to all of our patients.” Gessner is excited about the opportunities in the ever-evolving field of medicine at a growing academic medical campus. “My biggest fear is that I get stale — I don’t want to ever get complacent,” he said. The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is creating the health care of tomorrow, combining the expertise of basic science, translational research and clinical care. “For me, there is no better feeling than being part of a team or organization that has a far bigger impact on people’s lives than I can myself.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
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INNOVATION
Multidisciplinary Clinic Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment Cancer. It’s the life-changing diagnosis that stirs a range of emotions and leads to countless questions. Where should I seek treatment? What options should I pursue? Do I have access to the best care possible? No matter the prognosis, a cancer diagnosis immediately changes your outlook and leads life down an unexpected path. Dag Kittlaus, co-founder of Siri, initially arrived at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) for a simple checkup. “My wife talked me into getting a routine checkup. During that appointment, my doctors unexpectedly found a mass on my pancreas.” Kittlaus wanted effective treatment, and fast. “When you get this kind of news, you want to get treatment quickly. My doctors explained that I had likely had the tumor for several years, and I wanted it out,” he said. Kittlaus scheduled his initial appointment through Executive Health at UCH, where he received a comprehensive checkup and full battery of tests. When the routine tests revealed abnormalities and a tumor on his pancreas, he was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. This is the same type of cancer that Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, battled. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors account for approximately 7% of all pancreatic tumors. They tend to grow slowly and cause few symptoms. If caught early, this type of cancer is treatable. After receiving his diagnosis, Kittlaus sought specialized treatment at UCH. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor just two days after his initial scans. Richard Schulick, MD, MBA, director of the CU Cancer Center and chair of the CU Department of Surgery, was his lead physician. “He’s a rock star,” Kittlaus said, “and I would recommend him to anyone.” Following surgery, Kittlaus remained in the hospital for six days, and he spent two months recovering from surgery and returning to normal activities.
In 2007, Dag Kittlaus co-founded a speech recognition company that would revolutionize the mobile device industry with a product now widely known as Siri. Soon after, Kittlaus received a call from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. His offer: Apple would buy Siri for $200 million and make it the virtual assistant in all Apple products. Kittlaus accepted and spent the next several years at Apple before departing to launch another digital startup, Viv Labs, which was recently acquired by Samsung.
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Kittlaus is just one of many cancer patients benefitting from a comprehensive pancreatic multidisciplinary clinic. This clinic, created by Dr. Schulick in 2012, combines multiple areas of expertise and brings together a group of physicians and providers ranging from surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and gastroenterologists, to social workers, nutritionists and nurse practitioners to brainstorm effective treatment plans for each patient. Every Tuesday, the pancreatic multidisciplinary team gathers to review new cases. The meeting combines the expertise of an entire team of health providers to review patient background information, scans and other tests, and decide on next steps. “This gives us multiple opinions on the best treatment course,” said Dr. Schulick. “I believe that the best care decisions are made in coordination with an interdisciplinary team of experts.” Patients then have the benefit of over 20 experts who meet and agree on the best possible course of action. The CU Cancer Center is one of the first organizations to fully implement a multidisciplinary clinic to this degree, and Dr. Schulick hopes it will be used as an example. “I know our outcomes are better because all of our physicians work together, and we put the patients and their families at the center.” Multidisciplinary clinics already exist at the CU Cancer Center for other cancer types, and additional clinics are in planning stages. “My goal is to further expand this model, so patients diagnosed with any type of cancer are receiving life-saving team-based care,” he said. For Kittlaus, this transformative care has given him a new outlook on life. He even has a new motto: “Don’t put anything off. I don’t save the expensive wine for a special occasion because none of us are promised tomorrow.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
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Richard Schulick, MD, MBA, a renowned cancer surgeon and accomplished university leader, was named director of the CU Cancer Center in 2018. He oversees a five-year $100 million cross-campus investment in the program, advancing a vision of reducing the suffering associated with cancer. Dr. Schulick joined the CU School of Medicine in 2012 as the chair of the Department of Surgery, where he also holds the Aragón/Gonzalez-Guístí Endowed Chair
in Surgery. Under his leadership, the Department of Surgery doubled in size, and now includes more than 250 faculty and 84 research staff. In 2017, the department handled more than 17,000 operating room cases and 86,365 patient visits. In his role at the CU Cancer Center, Dr. Schulick is leading efforts to rapidly transform the cancer landscape. This work is made possible by joint efforts among the CU School of Medicine, UCH and philanthropic partners in the community.
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Fighting Cancer as a Team Faculty at the CU Cancer Center pioneered the multidisciplinary model of care in 2012 — bringing together a team of health care providers to chart a successful treatment course. Starting with the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, the CU Cancer Center has elevated the standard of care and improved outcomes for patients in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
“My goal is to further expand this model, so patients diagnosed with any type of cancer are receiving life-saving team-based care.” - Richard Schulick, MD, MBA
CARE + COMMUNITY
Art Installation Inspires and Promotes Healing At the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, art and medicine go hand-in-hand. Unique works of art enhance teaching and learning in the schools and colleges, and put patients at ease as they seek world-class health care at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado. In the main lobby of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute building, home to the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, a new art installation is on display, adding to the center’s reputation as an environment of healing, care and innovation. “The Anemoi Frieze” is a striking 21-foot-long inlaid wood feature presenting a scene of wild horses galloping across a rolling landscape. The piece’s namesake is the “Anemoi” — in ancient Greek mythology, a team of four immortal horses associated with the four cardinal directions.
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The Dusty Roads Project is a group of anonymous artists collaborating to place works of contemporary art in public spaces. In 2018, the group presented the art installation in the spirit of gratitude for all that the center does to deliver the highest-quality eye care to the community, and for the care that one of the artists received at the center. “The Anemoi Frieze” now stands as a source of inspiration and healing to more than 125,000 patients and families who make their way to appointments in the building each year. “Art is central to healing and recovery,” said Naresh Mandava, MD, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Endowed Chair in Retinal Diseases and director of the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center at the CU Department of Ophthalmology. “There is no more fitting place for ‘The Anemoi Frieze’ than our center, where hundreds of thousands of patients receive life-changing care and restoration of their eyesight.”
Creating the art installation was no easy feat — it took nearly 1,200 preliminary and working drawings, and more than two years to complete. The finished piece consists of three panels weighing 90 pounds each. The Dusty Roads Project’s large community of support was central to bringing “The Anemoi Frieze” to life, providing a variety of wood for the art installation. Each piece, therefore, has its own distinct source and unique story. The wood for the background was cut from an ash tree sourced from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in Virginia. Some of the horses in the inlaid design were crafted from Cuban mahogany salvaged from the remains of an old four-masted sailing ship. Others were cut from black walnut and
ash trees harvested from the grounds of the former Plateau Valley Hospital in Collbran, Colorado. Look closely at the piece and you will also find inlaid images of an owl cut from salvaged Japanese maple, a rabbit crafted from mango tree wood collected in Hawaii and a woman whose hair was crafted of wood from the same tree. This installation is just one of the many pieces of artwork at CU Anschutz that promote a peaceful, uplifting setting for patients and families, and an enriching environment for students, educators and staff. Because of the vision and generosity of the Dusty Roads Project, “The Anemoi Frieze” will serve as a source of inspiration for decades to come. ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
Leadership Commitment Names UCHealth Eye Center Program The CU Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth announced in 2018 the naming of the UCHealth Eye Center program for philanthropist Sue Anschutz-Rodgers. Her leadership gifts accelerate innovation and therapeutic development, and enhance clinical care. “Sight has always been incredibly important to me,” said Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, “and when I learned that I could eventually lose my eyesight due to macular degeneration, I felt I had to do something to bring the life-changing care I was receiving to future generations.”
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PROFILE
Living Legends in Nursing It was the mid-’60s when Loretta Ford ’49, MS ’51, EdD ’61, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, CU alumna and nursing faculty member, forever changed the practice of nursing through the creation of the world’s first pediatric nurse practitioner program. In the next decade, renowned nursing theorist and CU alumna Jean Watson ’64, MS ’66, PhD ’73, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, established a transformative new model of nursing practice focused on human connection, and the art and science of caring. In the early 2000s, Colleen J. Goode, PhD, RN, FAAN, and her team at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) launched the country’s first post-baccalaureate nurse residency program for new nursing graduates in partnership with the CU College of Nursing and then-dean Pat Moritz, RN, PhD, FAAN. UCH and CU Nursing were one of six sites that tested the initial program.
Loretta Ford ’49, MS ’51, EdD ’61, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, Colleen J. Goode, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Jean Watson ’64, MS ’66, PhD ’73, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN
What these nursing leaders have in common is a pioneering spirit, a visionary approach to health and medicine, and a commitment to investing in the future. They are three Living Legends with CU connections as either alumni or faculty, recognized by the American Academy of Nursing for extraordinary contributions to the profession and society sustained over the course of their careers. There have been only 116 Living Legends named since 1994, and CU Nursing is proud to have 10.
Inventing the Nurse Practitioner In collaboration with Henry Silver, MD, a pediatrician and colleague, Dr. Ford designed and implemented a nurse practitioner program at CU Nursing, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. Their work expanded nurses’ roles in health care delivery, leading to rapid expansion of a profession that now boasts nearly 270,000 nurse practitioners who are connected to virtually every aspect of health care — practicing autonomously or working as clinicians in hospitals, long-term care facilities and
health care agencies. At CU Nursing, Dr. Ford has furthered her impact by supporting nurse practitioner education through the Loretta C. Ford Nurse Practitioner Endowed Professorship.
Giving a Framework to Nursing Practice In diverse settings worldwide, physicians, hospital staff, nurses and patients have adopted Dr. Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, a framework for healing practices. The theory provides a unique set of principles for nursing practice, including preserving patients’ dignity, accepting their positive and negative feelings, and co-creating a healing environment. One of the largest health care delivery systems, Kaiser Permanente, has been implementing Dr. Watson’s theory in California for more than seven years. Dr. Watson held the country’s first endowed chair in caring science at CU Nursing, where she is a distinguished professor and dean emerita. There, she also generously supports caring science educational programs.
Taking the Helm of CU Nursing Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, joined the CU College of Nursing in September 2018. He is the 10th dean and the second male dean in the history of the college, as well as the first Latino male to earn a doctorate in nursing and to lead a nursing school in the U.S. During his career, Dean ProvencioVasquez served as a clinical nurse, a nurse researcher, a nurse educator, a school administrator, and a pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner. He is internationally known for his cuttingedge work in neonatal and pediatric care, and women’s health. “It is remarkable that the CU College of Nursing has been instrumental in the careers of so many Living Legends. Of hundreds of thousands of nurses in the country, and only 116 recognized with this distinguished title, to have our college connected with 10 of them is truly inspiring. I am honored to build on this history of achievement as I lead the college into its next chapter.”
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“ It is remarkable that the CU College of Nursing has been instrumental in the careers of so many Living Legends. ” - Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP
Charting Paths for Aspiring Nurses Dr. Goode is known for setting high standards in patient care, training and mentoring new nurses, and charting paths for future nurse managers and administrators alike. Because of the nurse residency program, designed by Dr. Goode and her team, future nursing leaders receive the preparation and foundation they need to enter clinical practice. Dr. Goode’s work paved the way for the residency program’s national accreditation, and a Magnet designation for excellence in nursing and patient care at UCH. Today, more than 500 clinical sites are using the residency program’s evidence-based curriculum.
Dr. Goode is carrying forward her legacy by philanthropically supporting scholarships and graduate student research at CU Nursing through the Dr. Colleen Goode Fund for Nursing Research and EvidenceBased Practice Projects.
Supporting Future Nurses Drs. Ford, Watson and Goode are luminaries in their field — brilliant nursing leaders who have transformed nursing practice, blazed trails for future generations of nursing professionals, and made a positive difference for countless patients and their families. Their legacies will live on through the many lives touched by their generosity, creativity and care. ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
Andrew Levy, PT ’77, and Brent Levy, MD ’12
SPOTLIGHT
Levy Family Creates Opportunities for Future Physical Therapists In 1948, the CU Physical Therapy Program at the CU School of Medicine graduated its first class of six students. Among those graduates was Herbert Levy, who began a family tradition that would span generations. Herbert led a successful physical therapy practice in Denver and credited CU with launching his career. Herbert’s son, Andrew, was the next to enroll in the CU Physical Therapy Program, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1977. He was inspired to pursue physical therapy by his father. Andrew initially graduated from Colorado College with a degree in biology. He then worked as a research assistant with National Jewish Health. Andrew quickly realized that he wanted to connect with people in a clinical setting, rather than spend his days in the laboratory, and decided on physical therapy because of his desire to help people regain their mobility. “If I was going to attend physical therapy school, I was going to CU,” said Andrew. “I wanted to follow my father’s legacy.” Andrew's brother, Hal, also received his physical therapy and medical degrees from the CU School of Medicine. 24
“ My father took great pride in what he
was able to accomplish as a result of the education he received at CU.”
- Andrew Levy, PT ’77
Andrew’s son, Brent, followed his family to the CU School of Medicine to pursue a medical degree. After graduation in 2012, he completed his residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, and entered a private emergency medicine practice, primarily at Rose Medical Center in Denver. “Most of my family is in Colorado, so the goal was always to move back and be close to home after my residency,” he said. Brent chose CU for several reasons. “I always had an affinity to CU. My grandfather, uncle and dad all graduated from the CU School of Medicine,” he said. In addition, when Brent was looking at medical schools, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus was nearing completion, so he was one of the first classes to benefit from state-of-the-art training facilities. “During my third-year medical school rotations, I was exposed to a lot,” Brent said. “I learned that I wanted to be in a fast-paced environment with different cases. The variety in emergency medicine is amazing. You have to prepare for everything.”
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In 2017, Brent, along with his father, Andrew, aunt Stephanie, uncle Hal and other Levy family members, created the Herbert J. and Sandy Levy Endowed Memorial Fund to celebrate the legacy of the man who started it all and to create opportunities for future leaders in physical therapy. “My father took great pride in what he was able to accomplish as a result of the education he received at CU,” said Andrew. “This scholarship is our way of continuing my parents’ legacy and giving back to the school that has given us so much.” For Brent, the scholarship represents a way to honor family history. “My grandfather, Herbert, was the one who inspired me to go into health care, so it just made sense to give back in his name,” he said. “All of us recognize how fortunate we were to go to such an outstanding school and be part of the CU community. That path was set by my grandfather and it is our view that we should help create opportunities for others.” ◆ WEB EXCLUSIVES
2018-2019 GIVING*
Impact at CU Anschutz $324.3M
dollars raised
6,612
benefactors
5,723 individuals 889 organizations
1
1
1 1
3,172
first-time benefactors
146
new funds established
*generated from unaudited fiscal year 2019 financial statements
Momentum Volume 4 | Fall 2019 Momentum is an annual publication that celebrates the power and impact of philanthropy at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
supportcuanschutz.ucdenver.edu/momentum Vice Chancellor of Advancement: Scott Arthur Writing: Courtney Keener, Trisha Kendall, Devin Lynn Design: Candice Peters Photography: Josh Barrett | Ignite Images, Trevr Merchant | Torch, Candice Peters, UCHealth, Andrew Vessely Printing: CU Printing Services
13001 East 17th Place | Aurora, CO 80045 supportcuanschutz.ucdenver.edu advancement@cuanschutz.edu 303.724.8227
