Ten University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty were honored June 5 at the school’s Distinguished Clinician and Distinguished Faculty Professionalism Awards ceremony.
For their excellence, passion, and experience, colleagues said these honorees were the clinicians they would want taking care of their family members if the occasion arose.
“Those of us in health care are often reminded of what's important (in practicing medicine), but when you or somebody who's close to you is in need of care, all you're hoping for is that there's an amazing team of nurses, practitioners, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, and more who are taking care of your loved one,” said CU School of Medicine Executive Vice Dean Shanta Zimmer, MD, in her opening remarks at the ceremony.
“It feels really, really good to work in a place where I feel totally confident about the care my loved ones are going to receive,” she continued, lauding the impacts the 10 clinicians and faculty members have on their patients, their colleagues, and their students and trainees.
The School of Medicine’s Distinguished Clinician Award – now in its third year – recognizes exceptional physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) who promote a patient-centered culture and are frequently eager to share their clinical knowledge and skills with others.
The honorees were:
- Zachary Asher, MHS, PA-C
- Katherine Dickerman, RN, MSN, ANP-BC
- Stephen Duntley, MD
- Saketh Guntupalli, MD, FACS
- Michael Hanley, MD
- Emily Hemendinger, MPH, LCSW
- Sarah Nagle-Yang, MD
- Tom Walker, MD
During the ceremony, Nanette Santoro, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, said Guntupalli is the type of physician who is sought out by patients and clinicians alike because of his bedside manner and dedication to high-quality care.
“Dr. Guntupalli was appointed division director of gynecologic oncology in 2019 and since then, he has developed an unsurpassed clinical practice,” she said. “He gets referrals from Arkansas, Canada, Central America, you name it. Patients will travel for his approach to gynecologic cancer and his tailored approach to each individual patient.”
The awardees all received high praise for their professionalism and personal integrity.
The Distinguished Faculty Professionalism Award was established in 2007 to honor faculty members who demonstrate exemplary professional behaviors, demonstrate a dedication to lifelong learning, and contribute to the teaching, service, and administrative activities of their department and the CU School of Medicine. The two honorees were:
- Bryan Haugen, MD
- Janine Higgins, PhD
“(Dr. Haugen) has taught countless students, residents, endocrine fellows, and junior faculty in the field of endocrinology and more specifically, thyroid cancer. As a testament to his reputation and excellence in teaching and mentorship, we frequently have learners all from all levels, requesting to do rotations at the University of Colorado to be able to rotate with him and learn from him. I know because I get those emails now,” said nominator Whitney Goldner, MD, professor of medicine.
Nominator Sunita Sharma, MD, associate professor of medicine, said Higgins “exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism through her unwavering integrity, deep commitment to others, and her remarkable leadership in her roles within the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute and the Department of Medicine.”
“Janine navigates complex challenges with vision, diplomacy, and grace, while never losing sight of the people involved, her unique ability to balance excellence with empathy makes her a trusted leader and an inspiring role model for MDs and PhDs alike,” Sharma continued.
Distinguished Clinician Awards
Zachary Asher, MHS, PA-C | Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Department of Surgery
A leader with experience in academic surgical and medical critical care, Asher is focused on well-being, addressing burnout, and building peer support. He remains committed to the broader critical care community and is an active participant in the Society for Critical Care Medicine, for which he founded the Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Nominator: Caitlin Blaine, MSHS, PA-C, assistant professor of surgery. Remarks: “Zach Asher is a pioneer who has shaped our collective growth as clinicians. He exemplifies the highest ideals of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and compassionate care. His work improves lives, elevates colleagues, and advances the mission of academic medicine.”
Katherine Dickerman, RN, MSN, ANP-BC | Assistant Professor of Medicine
For nearly a decade, Dickerman has been a cornerstone of the advanced practice providers in the gastroenterology practice at CU School of Medicine. She plays a critical role in the professional development of colleagues and trainees through her role as associate director for education and professional development in the Office of Advanced Practice.
Nominator: Swati Patel, MD, associate professor of medicine. Remarks: “Katherine Dickerman leads with humility and integrity. She fosters professional community, and she leads with purpose, mentorship, and heart. She shows up with kindness and excellence every time.”
Stephen Duntley, MD | Professor of Clinical Practice, Department of Neurology
Duntley’s career began as a sleep technologist in the 1970s to support his medical training, during which time he built an unparalleled expertise in the field. By the time he joined University of Colorado School of Medicine in August 2018, he had already established himself as a prominent sleep clinician, educator, and researcher. His exceptional knowledge and insight have made him a sought-after authority in complex sleep disorders.
Nominator: Neale Lange, MBBCh, FAASM, associate professor of medicine. Remarks: “Stephen Duntley is the quintessential unsung hero — one whose dedication, humility, and tireless commitment to his patients and colleagues make him an extraordinary asset to the medical community. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
Saketh Guntupalli, MD, FACS | Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Guntupalli has been on faculty in the department for the last 14 years, and has risen through the ranks to his current position as professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. During his tenure at CU, Guntupalli has distinguished himself as a leader in the field of women’s cancer, OB/GYN and women’s health, and has committed himself to excelling in the clinical mission of the CU School of Medicine.
Nominator: Nanette Santoro, MD, professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology. Remarks: “Saketh Guntupalli’s practice is exceptionally patient-centered, as evidenced by him routinely receiving the highest ratings from patients with regards to his compassionate and outstanding bedside manner and high-quality care. He is routinely sought after by faculty on campus and community leaders for cancer care of their loved ones.”
Michael Hanley, MD | Professor of Medicine
Hanley began his career in 1985 at CU as a fellow in pulmonary sciences and critical care medicine, and has been a cornerstone of the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and the outpatient pulmonary clinic at Denver Health since 1988, where he continues to serve as an attending physician.
Nominator: Sunita Sharma, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine. Remarks: “Michael Hanley has become one of the most beloved and respected faculty members in our division. His clinical expertise, compassionate care, and unwavering dedication to education and leadership have had a profound and lasting impact on our institution.”
Emily Hemendinger, MPH, LCSW | Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Hemendinger joined the department in 2019 and was the first therapist in the OCD Program. Over the past five years, she has transformed the program into one of the most respected specialty programs in the region. She created and now leads the OCD and Anxiety Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Under her leadership, the IOP has earned an outstanding reputation in the community.
Nominator: Rachel Davis, MD, DFAPA, associate professor of psychiatry. Remarks: “Emily Hemendinger distinguishes herself as a clinician of the highest caliber — a professional who brings compassion, integrity, and skill to everything she does. She is a gifted therapist, an outstanding leader, and an irreplaceable asset to our institution and our patients.”
Sarah Nagle-Yang, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Nagel-Yang completed residency in general adult psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and then completed two fellowships, one in psychosomatic medicine and the other in public and community psychiatry. Nagle-Yang is a nationally recognized leader in reproductive psychiatry. She is the inaugural vice chair for quality, and serves as the executive director of Colorado Women’s Behavioral Health and Wellness.
Nominator: Lindsay Lebin, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry. Remarks: “Sarah Nagle-Yang is a generous colleague who elevates everyone around her. She is quick to lend a hand, provide a thoughtful second opinion, or share her time and expertise without hesitation. She models integrity, humility, and warmth in every interaction.”
Tom Walker, MD | Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Department of Pediatrics
Walker has served for more than 10 years in clinical practice since his fellowship training. He is an accomplished pediatric gastroenterologist who has a deep body of experience in all areas of general pediatric GI, and a specialty expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). As part of the clinical leadership in his section, Walker serves as the “Network of Care,” owing to his ability to successfully engage with providers.
Nominator: Glenn Furuta, MD, professor of pediatrics. Remarks: “In all ways, Tom Walker lets the light of our school shine in his clinical actions and deeds. He is a physician with impeccable integrity, deep and broad clinical knowledge, excellent clinical judgment, and a profound commitment to humanism.”
Distinguished Faculty Professionalism Awards
Bryan Haugen, MD | Professor, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine
Haugen earned his medical degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in 1987 before he completed his residency in medicine and endocrine fellowship at CU. He has been an extremely valuable member who rose through the ranks of leadership in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes over the years, and served as the division’s head for 17 years.
Nominator: Whitney Goldner, MD, professor of medicine. Remarks: “Dr. Haugen is a model of professionalism. He is compassionate and approachable in all his interactions, known for his ability to listen, support, advocate, and lead. He embodies the qualities of humanism, and his opinions and actions are highly respected because of his integrity and strong character. He is what others aspire to become.”
Janine Higgins, PhD | Professor of Medicine
Over the course of her career, Higgins has built an extraordinary portfolio as a scientist, educator, and leader. Her work spans the full spectrum of translational nutrition and metabolism, integrating insights from foundational animal research to population-level community studies. She serves as vice chair for research in the Department of Medicine, and as the director of operations and the MPI of the CCTSI. Higgins was nominated and accepted into the national Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program.
Nominator: Sunita Sharma, MD, associate professor of medicine. Remarks: “It is rare to find a leader who so seamlessly integrates personal integrity, professional achievement, and the ability to inspire and elevate those around them. Janine Higgins not only meets but exceeds the criteria for this award. She is a model of professionalism.”
