.png)
Cleveland Piggott, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Vice Chair of Departmental Engagement and Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine CU Anschutz, is the recipient of the 2026 Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Diversity Award.
Nominators highlighted Dr. Piggott’s leadership in resident‑led social justice initiatives, race affinity caucusing, community engagement, and service to underserved populations. The STFM Board of Directors commended Dr. Piggott’s leadership and influence, stating he has reshaped how Family Medicine approaches health equity and inclusion with his lasting impact on learners, patients, and communities.
The award will be presented at the 2026 STFM Annual Spring Conference on May 3, in New Orleans. Although Dr. Piggott will not be able to attend, he selected Michael Bublé’s version of the Spider‑Man theme as his recognition song and recorded a video message expressing his gratitude.
Words of Gratitude and Reflection
Dr. Piggott said he was deeply moved by the recognition from the STFM, noting that he became emotional when he learned he had been selected.
“I actually cried when I found out—I was really taken aback by receiving the award and I’m thankful to my colleagues that took time to nominate me. Many of the previous award winners are giants and trail blazers in this work, and it feels surreal to be mentioned alongside them…and though I'm relatively good at that, I'm certainly not perfect,” said Dr. Piggott. “At the same time, I feel proud of everything we've done to help address health disparities and belonging for those here in the Department, at CU, and in Family Medicine as a specialty.”
Dr. Piggott also reflected on the emotional toll of this work, particularly amid the challenges over the last year, while emphasizing his optimism about continued progress through collective effort.
“It has taken a lot of personal growth to keep this work from feeling overwhelming. What gives me hope is working alongside others to do what is right for our patients and our DFM community so we can all thrive.”
Acknowledging that many colleagues are navigating similar challenges, Dr. Piggott encouraged faculty and staff to seek connection and support through the Departmental Engagement team. He noted that amid a difficult year, the birth of his daughter brought immense joy and renewed perspective.
Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou—whose work also inspired the name of his first child—Dr. Piggott referenced her poem “Still I Rise” as a call for perseverance.
“Take time to mourn and re‑energize…my hope is that you’ll rise with me—locked arms with each other, let's lean on each other's strength, be strategic, be focused, and be bold. Find your agency and come find me or a member of my team if you need help rising.”
When asked why this work is particularly vital to Family Medicine, Dr. Piggott emphasized the specialty’s broad reach and responsibility.
“Compared with peer nations, the United States ranks near the bottom in equitable health outcomes. Family Medicine cares for people across the lifespan, within families and communities, and we believe everyone deserves great health, regardless of system or individual barriers. As a large department, we are uniquely positioned to advance equity through research, education, clinical care, and advocacy by researching not only the inequities but the pragmatic solutions and sharing them across the world. Teaching the current and next generation of physicians on how to eliminate disparities, close the gaps in health outcomes in our clinical care and make steps to find policy solutions. I’m proud to be part of a department making equity a core pillar of who we are.
Congratulations Dr. Piggott and well-deserved!
.png)