DFM Profile: Corey Lyon, DO, FAAFP

Corey Lyon, DO, FAAFP, Professor of Family Medicine and Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz, is the next feature in our recurring celebratory segment, “DFM Profiles.”

Dr. Lyon has been with the Department of Family Medicine (DFM) since 2011. He began his DFM journey as Associate Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program in 2012 and also served as Medical Director of the A.F. Williams Family Medicine Clinic from 2012 to 2018. He then transitioned to the role of Associate Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs from 2018 to 2022, before becoming Program Director of the Residency Program in 2022. 

Throughout his years of service as a family physician—and across his evolving leadership roles—Dr. Lyon has consistently found the greatest joy and fulfillment in educating the next generation of family physicians. In his 18 years as part of residency education, he values most the opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of physicians who will go on to care for patients and communities, a mission that remains deeply meaningful to him. 

Dr. Lyon’s desire to become a family physician emerged well before he attended medical school, inspired by watching how his own family physician cared for his family while growing up. In many ways, becoming a family physician was in his blood, something he says he was destined to pursue. 

“The other potential reason [that brought me into this field] is that family physicians are born and not made. I suspect I was born a family physician.” 

He also credits the mentorship and guidance he received during his training at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, who inspired him to provide the same support to his own students. 

“Even though I have been in residency education for almost all of my physician career, I was actually a pretty awful intern. I was not prepared to take the big step from medical student to resident. Thank goodness for those amazing faculty, otherwise, I might have to rely on my stand-up comedy career...which would not be good for anyone.” 

Q & A with Dr. Lyon 

• What is a topic or specialty that you are most passionate about within your work?  

“I love everything about being a family physician. The broad scope of care we provide, our focus on continuity of care, and the privilege of caring for entire families are what truly fill my cup. Early in my career, I discovered a passion for teaching future family physicians. I have been part of residency education for more than 18 years and have held other leadership roles within Family Medicine, but I have always remained a Family Medicine educator—and that is where I find the most joy in my work. It is special to be part of our learners’ development as they grow into exceptional family physicians who will provide outstanding care to their future patients.” 

• Can you share a time or experience within your career that you look back on most fondly? 

“Since my career largely revolves around education, I often think back to my Family Medicine teachers and mentors who introduced me to the world of residency education and helped me see it as a potential path for my future. When I was a third-year resident at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, I saw firsthand the profound impact and support my faculty provided as I learned to become a Family Physician. Their attention, check-ins, guidance, and advocacy all contributed to my success. As I went through training, I was so grateful to have faculty support me as much as they did—I wanted someday to have that type of impact on future family physicians.” 

• Outside of work, what is a favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy? 

“Well, I am one of those Coloradans that does not ski, so that is not one of my hobbies. I enjoy going to CSU football games with my family, especially with my freshman daughter—it’s a great excuse to be a part of her college experience. I also enjoy golfing with a group of friends and will always be up for a visit to a microbrewery. And most recently, we’ve become empty nesters, so I’m enjoying being able to take vacations during the school year as we’ve previously been limited to travel during the summer—a little more freedom.” 

We are grateful to Dr. Lyon for sharing his journey in the Department of Family Medicine and as a family physician. His steadfast dedication to shaping the future of Family Medicine through education and mentorship carries forward with each new learner he leads, bringing both guidance and joy to the training experience.  

Dr. Lyon and Lydia Lyon, Human Resources Recruitment Specialist for the Department of Family Medicine, with their daughters at a CSU football game—one of their favorite hobbies as a family. 

The segment of “DFM Profiles” initiative is to celebrate the collective contributions of the Department of Family Medicine, this new newsroom series shines a light on the faculty, researchers, staff, and affiliates, whose dedication and craft drive our mission forward. By sharing their professional journeys, areas of expertise, and a few fun facts, we aim to strengthen connections and promote a deeper appreciation for the individuals who make our work possible.