Francis Hickey, MD (Professor, Department of Pediatrics) has announced his intention to retire from the university and step down from his role as director of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado, effective on April 30, 2024.
Francis Hickey has served as the medical director of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome since joining the Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Colorado in 2010. His vision and expertise at the Sie Center have created an international reputation as one of the largest and most successful comprehensive pediatric Down syndrome clinics providing expert medical and therapeutic interventions for children with Down syndrome. Hickey and the Sie Center team have evaluated nearly 2,500 unique individuals with Down syndrome from across the country and internationally over the past 13 years. Under Hickey’s leadership, the innovative multi-disciplinary care at the Sie Center directly improves not only the lives and clinical care of patients and families, but through the Sie Center’s clinical research, extends nationally and globally to set new standards for children and young adults with Down syndrome. During his time at the Sie Center, Hickey has published over 40 research articles and has presented at many conferences, medical groups and parent organizations. Hickey’s research has been used to create the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics Down Syndrome Guidelines, improve the identification and treatment of complex co-occurring diagnoses, develop best-practices for medical testing and procedures, establish standardized medical and developmental references, improve access to care for the high-risk, underserved Spanish-speaking population, identify biomarkers to improve diagnoses and reduce costs, and create evidenced-based support resources for children and families.
Hickey has been regularly recognized by Castle Connolly Top Doctors® as one of the Best Doctors in America for his expertise related to exploring developments in individuals with Down syndrome and autism. He has also received numerous awards including the Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award from Exceptional Parenting Magazine, Professional of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Ross Award for Excellence in Ambulatory Pediatrics, Senior Resident Teaching Award in Pediatrics, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation Award of Excellence in Medical Care.
These are just a small sampling of the accomplishments of the center under Fran’s leadership and we are extremely appreciative of his impact. The center is in an outstanding position as the search is ongoing for the next leader.
