DFM Profile: Marisa Kostiuk, PhD

Marisa Kostiuk, PhD, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz, licensed clinical psychologist, and behavioral health provider at UCHealth Family Medicine - Westminster, is the next feature in our recurring celebratory segment, “DFM Profiles.”

Dr. Kostiuk has been with the department since November 2020; however, her journey with the Department of Family Medicine (DFM) began earlier, when she completed her psychology externship at A.F. Williams Family Medicine - Central Park. That experience solidified her career path in primary care, as she found the “interdisciplinary and fast-paced nature of integrated primary care exciting and novel.”

Following her externship, Dr. Kostiuk aspired to return to the DFM as faculty—an aspiration that came to fruition amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Like her colleagues, learners, and patients, she faced the stress and uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, adding another layer to the pressures of early career practice as a psychologist. Despite the difficulties of the time, her resolve remained strong as she pushed forward working alongside her team, remained transparent with clinic leaders, increased clinical consultation, and leaned into her social supports.

Today, Dr. Kostiuk continues to enjoy providing behavioral health and holistic care to a wide range of patients. “I believe attending to the whole person is a necessary component of health and that our patients are better served through our interdisciplinary teams.”

Chronic disease management is another key focus of her work, particularly diabetes care, which she supports through her involvement in the department’s Primary Care Diabetes Lab.

Her professional path has continued to evolve as she transitioned into research within the department, most notably earning the 2025 Rising Star in Research Award as she begins this next phase of her work. Dr. Kostiuk expressed gratitude for the many individuals who have supported her along the way.

“I have had a tremendous amount of support, mentorship, and encouragement within the department to make this pivot [into research], which I am truly grateful for. I am getting the opportunity to integrate research and clinical practice into my career path—this is incredibly exhilarating for me!”

 Q & A with Dr. Kostiuk

• What brought you to work in Family Medicine?

“Early in my doctoral training I completed an externship at A.F. Williams and found the interdisciplinary and fast-paced nature of integrated primary care to be exciting and novel. Since that time, I continued my training in primary care and hoped to return to DFM as a faculty member once I was licensed.”

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

“I am passionate about providing access to behavioral health services to a wide range of patients within primary care. I am also passionate about chronic disease management, specifically the medical and psychological aspects of diabetes. I also really enjoy working with older adults. I believe attending to the whole person is a necessary component of health and that our patients are better served through our interdisciplinary teams.”

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

“I have shifted into conducting more research within DFM and recently received a career development research award. I have had a tremendous amount of support, mentorship, and encouragement within the department to make this pivot, which I am truly grateful for. I am getting the opportunity to integrate research and clinical practice into my career path—this is incredibly exhilarating for me!”

• Can you share a time or experience within your career that was most challenging for you and how did you overcome it?

“I became licensed as a psychologist during the COVID-19 pandemic, which felt incredibly stressful because I was navigating the demands of being an early career psychologist while also going through the unknowns and uncertainties of the pandemic alongside my colleagues, learners, and patients. To overcome the stress, I tried to remain transparent with my leadership, obtained a lot of clinical consultation, and leaned into my social supports. This was certainly a time I relied heavily on a lot of other people!”

• What is one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

“One thing my colleagues might be surprised to learn is that I am a certified scuba diver and lived in Australia for a year after completing my undergraduate degree.”

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

“Outside of work, my favorite hobby is fly fishing and there are countless opportunities for fly fishing both in Colorado and the surrounding states!”

The Department of Family Medicine extends its gratitude to Dr. Kostiuk for her dedication to the department and the patients she serves. We also recognize and thank all our behavioral health professionals for their ongoing commitment to improving the health and well‑being of our community.

Dr. Kostiuk enjoying one of her favorite hobbies, fly fishing!

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.