Delivering exceptional patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, and improving the health care field requires excellence from everyone in the University of Colorado Department of Medicine — the clinicians, researchers and aids, and countless staff members who ensure operations go smoothly.
To recognize such dedication to excellence, the department hosted its 2025 Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on April 21 at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Out of more than 170 nominations for 84 people, representing 10 divisions across the department, 24 people were selected as awardees, ranging from seasoned leaders and early-career faculty to the staff members who help make the department’s work possible.
“I am personally thrilled to see so many people eager to recognize and celebrate the achievements and efforts of their colleagues, and I could not be happier that honoring excellence is a part of our culture in our department,” said Department Chair Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc. “Recognizing the hard work and contribution of others truly makes a difference.”
“Each of you makes this a special place. From the classrooms to the labs, from the offices to the clinical areas, and from the late nights to the early mornings, our faculty and staff show up. They give it their all,” he added. “They do it with passion, they do it with purpose, and they do it with heart.”
Zachary Clayton, PhD, an assistant professor of geriatric medicine, accepts a Rising Star Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Rising stars
Four doctors received the department’s 2025 Rising Star Awards, which honor early-career faculty who exemplify the department’s core values of excellence in patient care, research, education, and/or community outreach, explained Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Mentorship Sunita Sharma, MD. The awardees were:
Zachary Clayton, PhD, an assistant professor of geriatric medicine who studies how cancer and chemotherapy influence cardiovascular health, with the goal of looking for better treatments. Sharma said Clayton is a committed mentor who has “distinguished himself as a leading translational researcher, effectively bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications.”
Lindsay “Shelley” Forbes, MD, an instructor in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine who cares for patients in the intensive care unit and those with pulmonary hypertension. Sharma said Forbes is an incredible researcher and recognized leader in her field, conducting vital research on ways to improve care for patients with lung disease.
Anna Helena Jonsson, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of rheumatology and physician-scientist who is interested in the cellular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases. Sharma said Jonsson has an impressive record of published research and is a “highly sought-after mentor.”
Jarratt Pytell, MD, an assistant professor of general internal medicine and clinician-investigator who specializes in both internal medicine and addiction medicine. Since joining CU in 2022, he has solidified collaborations, established a local mentorship team, and continued to conduct research relevant to primary care treatment of opioid use disorder, Sharma said.
Advanced practice provider awards
Two clinicians were given an Advanced Practice Provider Award for Excellence, which recognizes those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to patient care and serve as a role model to others.
Kasey Bowden, FNP, NP, MSN, RN, is the associate head of the Division of Hospital Medicine, medical director in the UCHealth Clinical Assessment and Rapid Evaluation (CARE) Clinic, and director of value-based care. In a nomination letter, the nominator said Bowden’s leadership style is built on communication, collaboration, and empathy.
“Her ability to inspire and motivate her team through positive reinforcement and inclusivity creates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at the highest level,” the nominator wrote.
Kasey Bowden, FNP, NP, MSN, RN, smiles with Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, while accepting an Advanced Practice Provider Award for Excellence on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Julie Michalek, NP, MS, has been a nurse at CU for 28 years. She serves as a senior instructor and the APP student placement liaison in the Division of Cardiology. She also leads the cardiology team at the Dedicated to Aurora’s Wellness and Needs (DAWN) Clinic, a volunteer-driven initiative that provides health care services to underserved patients.
Michalek’s nominator said she “is not just an exceptional clinician — she is a leader, mentor, and advocate whose influence extends far beyond the walls of our institution. Her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to both patients and colleagues set a gold standard in our field.”
Volunteer faculty awards
Department Executive Vice Chair of Medicine Edward Stenehjem, MD, MSc, presented an Award for Excellence for Volunteer Faculty — which honors those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the department through teaching, service, and/or administrative involvement — to two doctors.
Jose Castillo-Mancilla, MD, researches clinical pharmacology and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. He has kept an active clinical outpatient practice serving patients with HIV and remains involved in the professional development of several faculty members within the CU Division of Infectious Diseases.
His nominator said he provides incredible insight as a clinician researcher and a member of the industry, and he “is often praised for his clinical care, mentorship of junior faculty, and compassion.”
Jose Castillo-Mancilla, MD, a volunteer faculty member in the CU Department of Medicine, smiles with his award alongside Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Justin Roesch, MD, FACP, a volunteer faculty member for the Division of General Internal Medicine, focuses on teaching diagnostic decision-making, assessment preparation, and humanism in medical practice. In a letter, his nominator said Roesch is critical to the educational mission at the Northern Colorado longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) branch, which is part of the CU School of Medicine’s curriculum.
“His shelf prep curriculum ... has been a huge success to help our students with standardized testing and every year these sessions are some of the highest rated content in our curriculum,” the nominator wrote. “He is a huge asset to our branch and LIC team.”
Excellence in mentorship
Two faculty members and one staff member were awarded the department’s Excellence in Mentorship Award, which honors those who exhibit exceptional dedication, guidance, and impact as mentors.
Jennifer Weber is the program administrator for the department’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. She has worked for the department for 30 years. Her nominator wrote: “In my time working with Jennifer, I have never had a supervisor who has been more committed to the wellbeing and success of those she works with … She continuously works to make sure we feel supported and that we understand the value we bring to the table, regardless of our title.”
Jennifer Weber receiving an Excellence in Mentorship Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Kristine Erlandson, MD, MS, is a professor of infectious diseases who has more than 15 years of experience in studying HIV and its effects on aging. Her nominator wrote: “Her commitment to creating a sense of belonging is reflected in her mentorship approach, which prioritizes open communication, active listening, and personalized guidance. She ensures that each mentee feels respected, supported, and challenged in their growth, both personally and professionally.”
Angela Keniston, PhD, MSPH, is an assistant professor of hospital medicine who has built a national reputation as a methodologist in the field of hospital medicine, and she serves as a mentor for hospitalists within CU and across the country. Her nominator wrote: “At any given time, she is mentoring 70 faculty in the division on their various projects — doesn't matter if they are more seasoned or novice researchers. She meets them where they are at and gets them excited about data and research.”
Research awards
Department Vice Chair for Research Janine Higgins, PhD, presented four Excellence in Research Awards — two to faculty and two to staff.
“It takes a village to do research,” Higgins said. “I’m really proud that I work in a department that actually honors not just faculty, but all of the members of our research teams.”
Matthew Barros is a principal laboratory science professional in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes who has worked at CU for more than 15 years in various research roles. His nominator described him as a “technical wizard” and a widely recognized expert in the laser absorption spectroscopy field.
Matthew Barros accepting an Excellence in Research Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Stephanie Dawrs is a research services principal professional in the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine. She is the laboratory manager for the CU Asthma Research and Education team. Her nominator said Dawrs’ ability to foster collaborations between the research team and several prestigious institutions has been “a key factor in the success of our research, leading to important new insights that have the potential to improve the understanding and treatment of asthma.”
Kika Sucharov, PhD, is a tenured professor and the associate section head of research in the Division of Cardiology. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of heart failure in children. Her nominator wrote: “Dr. Sucharov has a positive, professional attitude that inspires those around her. In the last two years, cardiology has been the greatest contributor of poster abstracts for Research Day largely due to her efforts to promote all those that she works with.”
Eszter Vladar, PhD, is an assistant professor of pulmonary sciences and critical care medicine. Her research focuses on the ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium, which mediate the mucociliary clearance of the airways as the body’s first line of defense against inhaled threats. Her nominator said Vladar drives innovative research on airway injury and repair, and her leadership and mentorship “is helping cultivate the next generation of scientists.”
Excellence in education
Department Associate Vice Chair for Mentorship Christine Jones, MD, presented the Excellence in Education Awards to three individuals who have improved education in the department.
Kelsey Keil, M.Ed, is an education program principal professional in the Division of Hospital Medicine. She applies the skills she developed as a former elementary school teacher to her current position, supporting faculty and learners. Her nominator wrote: “Her dedication to fostering an engaging and customized learning experience has been invaluable in strengthening the division’s educational environment.”
Natalie Held, MD, is an assistant professor of pulmonary sciences and critical care medicine and the critical care content director for the CU School of Medicine. Her nominator wrote: “Through her innovative contributions, her leadership in transformative learning initiatives, and her continued dedication to education, Natalie exemplifies the qualities of an educator deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
Natalie Held, MD, receiving an Excellence in Education Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Catherine Callister, MD, is an assistant professor of hospital medicine and the associate director of the Developing Our Clinical Skills (DOCS) Preceptorship where she oversees more than 175 preceptors who mentor first-year students. Her nominator wrote: “Dr. Callister exemplifies the highest standards of teaching, mentorship, and dedication to advancing medical education.
Excellence in quality, safety
Tara Ward, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, received the Excellence in Quality and Safety Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership in the pursuit of quality patient care and safety. Ward works as an APP hospitalist and on the addiction medicine consult service, and she is the assistant director of quality improvement for the Division of Hospital Medicine.
Her nominator wrote: “Tara is an incredible advocate for quality improvement (QI) initiatives and has been both at the forefront of QI projects, as well as behind the scenes of many others.”
Tara Ward, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, accepting the Excellence in Quality and Safety Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Excellence in culture, community engagement
Two doctors received the Excellence in Culture and Community Engagement Awards, which recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in advancing the department’s culture of wellness and compassion.
Carey Candrian, PhD, an associate professor of general internal medicine, is a fellow with the Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, Minority Staff with the U.S. House of Representatives. She is also the vice president for the Lesbian Health Fund and is on the board of directors for the GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing Health Equity.
Her nominator wrote: “Dr. Candrian has been a creative and consistent leader and an advocate for speaking up when things aren’t right, when things are unfair, when people are not given the opportunity to be who they are, talk about who they love, or share critical information about their care. Through her work, Dr. Candrian consistently advocates for a community that has been historically dismissed, invisible, and voiceless.”
Carey Candrian, PhD, an associate professor of general internal medicine, receiving an Excellence in Culture and Community Engagement Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Reem Hanna, MD, an assistant professor of hospital medicine, established the Global Health Pathway for the Internal Medicine Residency Program, and she directs the Hospital Medicine Global Health Scholars Program.
Her nominator wrote: “Dr. Reem Hanna has made significant contributions to the care of marginalized patients and populations … Dr. Hanna is committed to improving patient-centered and clinical outcomes for all patients, including those who are immigrants and refugees, and educating our future health care leaders.”
Staff excellence
The Staff Excellence Award was given to two staff members in recognition of outstanding performance in the department through consistently performing at the highest level and displaying exceptional teamwork and innovation.
Jennifer Bilsey, a business services principal professional for the department, has served in multiple roles over the past two years, including assistant to the executive vice chair and the vice chair of finance, global health, and awards recognition.
Her nominator wrote: “Since joining the DOM administrative team in 2023, Jennifer has managed various initiatives and executive personnel with a keen attention to detail, superior communication skills, proactive problem-solving skills, and, perhaps most critically, a joyful demeanor … Excellence is an ephemeral quality — difficult to describe but you know it when you see it. Jennifer has it.”
Jennifer Bilsey receiving a Staff Excellence Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
Lauren McBeth, a program manager of data and analytics in the Division of Hospital Medicine, is an experienced data analyst who specializes in research and quality improvement within hospital settings.
Her nominator wrote: “She is an expert on research compliance and ethical review, guiding faculty and staff through the complexities of human subjects research. Her knowledge ensures that research and quality improvement conducted within our division adheres to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.”
PEAK Award
Sean McCandless received the department’s PEAK Award, which recognizes a staff member who embodies outstanding performance in their job, defines excellence in their work, is attentive, and demonstrates kindness.
McCandless is a research services professional in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and he serves as a coordinator for the RECOVER long COVID study at CU. He is the point of contact for endothelial dysfunction tests, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and lumbar punctures. He has also created new workflows and documentations for each.
Sean McCandless receiving the CU Department of Medicine's PEAK Award from Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, on April 21, 2025. Image by Justin LeVett.
His nominator wrote: “Sean is a powerhouse of enthusiasm and diligence in his role. Not only does he consistently complete his own regular duties to a high standard, he also is always willing to take on new duties, learn new skills, and take leadership on operationalizing new study procedures, no matter how complex.
“He is unfailingly kind, attentive, and empathetic, and all his colleagues and participants enjoy working with him.”
