Leadership Transition in Pediatric Hospital Medicine

It is with mixed emotions that the Department of Pediatrics announces a significant transition within our Hospital Medicine leadership team. Jenny Reese, MD, a professor and a long-standing, integral member of our institution, will be stepping down from her position as head of the Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine. Effective September 1, 2025, David Scudamore, MD, associate professor of clinical practice, will assume the role of interim section head for pediatric hospital medicine.

Since the program's inception in 2006–07, Reese has been a foundational pillar in its development and growth. Under her visionary leadership as section head since 2018, the program has expanded significantly, currently featuring 152 faculty members with plans to increase this number to 164 by FY26. Her unwavering dedication and commitment have been crucial in shaping the program into its current esteemed status as one of the largest academic pediatric hospitalist programs in the country. 

As she transitions from this role, Reese will concentrate more on her essential work within the School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, which includes:

• Associate Dean for Faculty Experience and Director for Work and Culture Optimization: In this role, she will work closely with the senior associate dean for faculty and the chief well-being officer to design, implement and oversee initiatives aimed at enhancing the work and culture experience for faculty at all career stages. Additionally, she will manage peer support initiatives and collaborate with the Director for Leadership Development to foster leadership growth and an expanded coaching program throughout the CU School of Medicine.
• Vice Chair for Work and Culture Optimization, Department of Pediatrics: In alignment with her responsibilities in the dean’s office, her title within the department will be renamed to vice chair for work and culture optimization. She will persist in her efforts to enhance practice optimization and excellence and faculty satisfaction experiences within the department.
• Medical Director of Well-being at Children's Hospital Colorado: Reese will maintain her focus on provider well-being, ensuring that our clinical teams receive the support they need to thrive.
• Clinical Hospitalist: She will also continue her clinical practice, delivering exceptional care as a hospitalist.

Interim Leadership

Scudamore brings extensive experience and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the excellence and growth of our program. He joined the University of Colorado in 2004 as a senior instructor after completing his residency, where he served as chief resident at the Children’s Hospital of Oakland. In 2006, he was appointed medical director of pediatric hospital medicine for the Children’s Hospital Colorado Network of Care. Since 2018, he has held the position of director of clinical operations for the Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine. Moreover, in 2020, he attained the rank of associate professor of clinical practice.

Scudamore has received several prestigious accolades, including being named the Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine’s Hospitalist of the Year in 2020 and the Children's Hospital Colorado Medical Staff – Outstanding Service Award – Hospital Based in 2023. 

A national search for a new section head of pediatric hospital medicine will commence soon.

We look forward to the exciting changes and continued excellence that these leadership transitions will bring to our institution. Reese’s roles underscore her dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving work environment, which will undoubtedly enhance our faculty's experience and well-being. Meanwhile, Scudamore's interim leadership will ensure that the Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine remains on its path of success and innovation.

Please join us in expressing our gratitude to Jenny Reese for her remarkable contributions and in welcoming David Scudamore to his new interim position.