CU Pediatric Residency Program Announces 2025–26 Chief Residents

On behalf of the University of Colorado School of Medicine Pediatric Residency Program, please join us in congratulating the 2025–26 Pediatric Chief Residents!

Alice Burgess, MD, PL-2
Categorical Pediatrics

Hometown: Barrington, RI
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Medical School: Rush Medical College
Career Interest: Primary Care, Advocacy

Residency Interests: Primary care curriculum, Global Health and Primary Care Pathways, Advocacy Committee

Scholarly Work: Currently working on a retrospective study analyzing national trends in pediatric ingestions of synthetic cannabinoids; a qualitative study analyzing nursing and family perspectives on the Safe Sleep teaching we provide in the Children's Hospital Colorado Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and a quality improvement project at Denver Health regarding anticipatory guidance and safe storage of firearms (with some of my incredible co-residents)!

Why I Chose Colorado: I was struck by how intelligent, kind, hard-working and fun the residents and faculty are! The chance to learn at both Children's Hospital Colorado and Denver Health – coupled with the ability to get into the mountains for hiking or skiing in a jiffy – made Colorado an outstanding choice for residency. As a bonus, we’re lucky to have wonderful family and friends here!

Favorite Colorado Activities: Skiing, hiking, backpacking, Cheesman Park naps/picnics and exploring the Denver brewery scene.

Ask me about: Partner not in medicine, Denver neighborhoods, rural/GH rotations and truly anything else!

Alex Lalisan, DO, PL-2
Categorical Pediatrics

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergrad: The University of Alabama (Roll Tide)
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interest: Palliative Care, Primary Care

Residency Interests: DIPC, Recruitment

Why I Chose Colorado: I had never been to Colorado, but really felt on my interview day that this program cared about my personal development and how that would influence my professional identity. The residency here at Colorado is full of intelligent and driven clinicians, but they are all outstanding human beings first. Even in the first few months of residency, I feel like I've found people I know I will call friends for a lifetime, and that was important for me in choosing a program. 

Favorite Colorado Activities: All the great volleyball, tennis and outdoor activities! Also can't beat a night out with my co-interns.

Ask me about: Moving across the country, long distance relationship.

Jordan Wiesler, MD, PL-2
Categorical Pediatrics

Hometown: Coconut Creek, FL
Undergrad: Providence College
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Career Interest: I'm open-minded but very interested in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Residency Interests: I haven't started anything just yet, but I am excited to start getting involved in research and quality improvement!

Why I Chose Colorado: I chose Colorado for the people and the place! I felt so welcomed on my virtual social/interview day and everyone I met was so kind and genuine. Since starting at Colorado, I have felt incredibly supported by the chiefs and program leadership, but especially by my co-residents. I'm inspired by the people I work with every day, and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else for residency! Colorado is an absolutely beautiful place to live and there is always something fun to do outdoors.

Favorite Colorado Activities: Spending time with my co-residents and anything outdoors – biking, hiking, paddle boarding and soon, skiing! 

Ask me about: Moving across country, anything really!