Corey Lyon, DO, FAAFP, Professor in the Department of Family Medicine (DFM) and Program Director of the University of Colorado Family Medicine Residency Program has been described as “a shining example of the best in Family Medicine” as the recipient of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) 2025 Exemplary Teaching Award for Medical Education.
This prestigious award was established in 1997 by the AAFP to acknowledge exemplary teaching skills, outstanding educational program implementation, and innovative teaching models. In the recognition process, the AAFP Board of Directors highlighted Dr. Lyon’s development and implementation of innovative curricula—including a longitudinal evidence-based medicine curriculum, procedural workshops and quality improvement programs—that have transformed the learning experience at the University of Colorado Family Medicine Residency and beyond.
Dr. Lyon’s unwavering dedication to medical education, clinical practice, and mentorship has made a lasting impact and gained the admiration of medical students, residents, and peers—who refer to him as a “quintessential family physician and educator.”
Being the recipient of this award marks a major moment in Dr. Lyon’s distinguished career as he shared, “This is a huge honor, and I am extremely grateful and humbled to be recognized by our national academy. There are amazing Family Medicine educators on our campus and around the nation and to be included in this group is amazing.”
The passion in his work is fueled by his motivation for teaching Family Medicine. “Being a part of Family Medicine residency education is what fills my cup. I feel it is a privilege to get to work in this setting and in this department. I have had the opportunities to work in different settings—taking on different roles—but it is working with and growing with our amazing Family Medicine residents that gives me my energy.”
Dr. Lyon is known for creating supportive, inclusive learning environments, and modeling compassionate, evidence-based care. Although he sets a powerful example for others, Dr. Lyon made it clear that the support of his colleagues helped him reach this moment, “I was nominated by departmental leaders, a peer, and a former resident. I am so grateful for their efforts and energy to nominate me. It means so much to recognized by a group of people that I so admire.”
Congratulations, Dr. Lyon, for this well-deserved honor.