Tristen Hall, PhD, MPH, Senior Instructor of Family Medicine at CU Anschutz and a qualitative and mixed methods researcher in the Department of Family Medicine (DFM), is the current feature in the celebratory spotlight series, “DFM Profiles.”
Before joining the DFM, Dr. Hall worked as a program evaluator at a public health institute in Michigan for five years. When she and her family moved to Colorado, she searched for a role that would allow her to continue improving community health through her work. That is when she began working in Family Medicine.
“Primary care research was and is appealing to me because it improves care in the settings people turn to first when they need healthcare,” said Dr. Hall. “Our work allows us to have a direct impact on preventing and improving care for chronic diseases that affect millions of people and are among the leading causes of death in the country.”
Dr. Hall joined the DFM in May 2014, as a Research Assistant. Since then, she has advanced to the role of Senior Instructor working with the Colorado Ambulatory Partnership for Health Innovation and Research Excellence (CAMPHIRE) and in the Primary Care Diabetes Lab and serves as an Evaluation Designer as part of the DFM Inquiry program. Her work specializes in qualitative and mixed methods research and evaluation, applying evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes in opioid treatment and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Her work is driven by the goal of improving the lives and treatment for those with diabetes.
What is a topic or specialty that you are most passionate about within your work?
“I am particularly passionate about improving care for people with diabetes as part of the DFM's Primary Care Diabetes Lab. There is an incredible opportunity to support glycemic control and improve overall health in the primary care setting, where most people with diabetes receive care. Our implementation science work is especially significant, because it allows us to realize the benefits of evidence-based strategies that have not yet seen extensive uptake in primary care, but have great potential to improve the lives of people with diabetes.”
Can you share a time or experience within your career that you look back on most fondly?
“I'm most excited about my current point in my career! I'm learning to lead studies and improving at proposal development, which I hope will result in my first role as lead PI soon.”
What is one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
“I love concerts, especially going to see bands that I loved in my high school and college years.”
Dr. Hall has been recognized by many of her peers for her excellence in her craft and professionalism, with colleagues noting that she “sets her team up for success.” A nomination letter from the 2026 DFM Awards praised Dr. Hall as “an emerging investigator whose talent, drive, and accomplishments clearly signal a trajectory toward sustained research excellence… Dr. Hall has distinguished herself through a combination of intellectual rigor, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to producing research that has meaningful impact on patients, primary care teams, and the broader health system.” The DFM is proud to recognize Dr. Hall for her dedication to community health and looks forward to the continued impact she will make throughout her career!
Dr. Hall with husband Terrance and 5-year-old son, Oakley, exploring the outdoors.
The “DFM Profiles” newsroom series aims to celebrate the collective contributions of the Department of Family Medicine. This initiative shines a light on the faculty, researchers, staff, and affiliates, whose dedication and craft help realize our mission to heal, teach, discover and connect—together. By sharing their professional journeys, areas of expertise, and a few fun facts, we aim to strengthen connections to our community and promote a deeper appreciation for the individuals who are advancing the specialty of Family Medicine and improving patient outcomes.
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