Celebrating the 2026 Honorees of the Annual DFM Awards!

Highlands Ranch Mansion, photo by Lisa Martinez.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Family Medicine (DFM) celebrated our annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 17. Faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered on the snowy grounds of the Highlands Ranch Mansion to await the announcement of this year’s honorees.

The awards process begins each year with nominations submitted by colleagues and peers, creating an opportunity to spotlight the dedication and meaningful contributions of those within the department. Nominations are reviewed by the deliberations committee, which identifies top candidates for final consideration by DFM leadership.

With a record-breaking 84 nominations, the DFM recognized 25 honorees—including one group nomination—across 13 award categories. These awards highlight the many facets of the Department’s work, including community engagement, staff excellence, clinical medicine, teaching, research, mentoring, and more. Together, the categories reflect the depth, breadth, and collective impact of the entire DFM community.

The DFM is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the following honorees and their award categories.(Names are listed in alphabetical order by last name.)

• Stephanie Augustine, MD – Excellence in Professionalism

• Taryn Bogdewiecz – Research Services Professional of the Year

• Elena Broaddus, PhD – Rising Star in Research

• Sarah Brewer, PhD, MPA – Researcher of the Year

• Jessica Bull, MD – Excellence in Mentoring

• Shawnecca Burke, MD – Rising Star in Clinical Medicine

• Natalie Buys, CRA – Special Recognition (SALT)

• James Chin, MS – Special Recognition (SALT)

• Allison Costello, MD, MBA – Rising Star in Clinical Medicine

• Kristin Crispe, MPH – Special Recognition

• Aimee English, MD, CLC – Excellence in Mentoring

• Susan Gershwin – Making People Healthier

• Ben Hill, PharmD, BCACP – Clinician of the Year

• Jodi Summers Holtrop, PhD, MCHES – Special Recognition

• Felicia Kinsey, MBA – Staff Member of the Year

• Liz Kvach, MD – Promoting Health Equity

• Miriam Lindrooth, MD – Clinician of the Year

• Venus Mann – Special Recognition (SALT)

• Cristi Rabaza, MD – Rising Star in Education

• Lauren Rhoades, MD – Teacher of the Year

• Kelet Robinson, MD – Promoting Health Equity

• Janet Spradley, MSW – Research Services Professional of the Year

• Paul Stein – Making People Healthier

• Kristen Waters, SHRM-CP – Staff Member of the Year

• John Weeks, MD – Clinician of the Year

Congratulations to all honorees and nominees who embody the excellence, collaboration, and community that define the DFM. Thank you for all that you do and enjoy this well-deserved honor!