Before stepping into a new year, we’re reflecting on the achievements, moments, and milestones that made 2025 unforgettable for the Department of Family Medicine. Although this year had its challenges and moments of uncertainty, we still witnessed acts of inspirational bravery, celebrated recognition for clinical community engagement, and marked a major Departmental milestone. Explore below for a “Year in Review,” featuring our top five stories of 2025. While these highlights stand out, they are just a fraction of the remarkable work and achievements shown by our faculty and staff throughout the year.
(December 8, 2025) - This year, the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Family Medicine (DFM) proudly celebrates 50 years as an official department, established formally in 1975. Yet our roots reach even deeper—back to 1947, when the foundation was laid for the legacy we celebrate today. Over the decades, our name has evolved, from “General Practice” to “Family Practice” to “Family Medicine,” but our mission has remained constant: delivering comprehensive, compassionate care for patients and their families across every stage of life.
(August 7, 2025) - The University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Family Medicine (DFM) is proud to share that more than 30 of our clinicians and faculty have been named part of 5280 Magazine’s list of Denver’s Top Doctors of 2025. In collaboration with Castle Connolly, 5280 highlights over 1,200 physicians across 75 medical specialties in the Denver Metro Area. Impressively, 610 of those recognized are faculty members from the University of Colorado School of Medicine—more than half of the total list.
(March 7, 2025) - On February 2, 2025, Lakshmi Karra, MD, MS, Assistant Professor in the CU Anschutz Department of Family Medicine, with training from CU Family Medicine Residency (CUFMR) and Mark Malham, MS, the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, medical student, ran to the aid of Ben Varga, a 23-year-old recent CU Boulder graduate student who was hit in the neck by a bullet during a Denver Washington (Wash) Park shooting.
(April 10, 2025) - On April 5, the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) held their 2025 CAFP Foundation Annual Summit, during which the A. F. Williams Family Medicine Clinic was honored with the Practice Award for Health Equity and Community Engagement. The clinic will also be featured in the Summer 2025 Colorado FP magazine! The Practice Award for Health Equity and Community Engagement recognizes Family Medicine practices that are making significant strides in reducing racial and other health disparities, ensuring all patients have access to high-quality, equitable care.
(March 27, 2025) – The University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Family Medicine is no stranger to inspirational women. From one of the first female employees in the Department, to the first female Endowed Chair, and now a predominately women-led working staff, the DFM celebrates the growth and richness that has evolved with the presence of powerful women, who have made waves through their work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
As we close out 2025, the Department of Family Medicine extends heartfelt gratitude to our faculty, clinicians, researchers, staff, and learners, who make our mission possible every day. Your dedication to advancing health outcomes, delivering compassionate care, and shaping the future of Family Medicine inspires us all. We look forward to celebrating more of your achievements and stories in 2026. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead!
We encourage you to browse our Newsroom and read all the other wonderful stories of the year—and more!