Moon Survives AOFAS-EFAS Travelling Fellowship
Dan Moon survived a month of extreme hardship in Europe as a travelling fellow selected for the AOFAS-EFAS Exchange Fellowship in Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium It was difficult to endure the constant flow of thoughtprovoking cases, overwhelming hospitality of orthopaedic foot & ankle colleagues, comparative health system insights, and sumptuous foods He has been scarred for life by this amazing experience and deserves tremendous pity
Pictured above, Dr. Moon next to his fellow awardees and the Swiss team. Explore a fun photo diary of Dr. Moon’s experience inside this issue of Connection.
Dr. Moon and AOFAS/EFAS Fellows with Belgian Team
Connecting Foot & Ankle Specialists Worldwide: The AOFAS/EFAS Exchange Program
AOFAS has partnered with the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS) to develop the EFAS/AOFAS Exchange Program. Through the program, three EFAS members each year attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and travel to prominent orthopaedic foot and ankle institutions in the US and Canada.
In turn, three AOFAS members attend the EFAS Congress or Advance Symposium and visit foot and ankle sites in Europe At each site, Exchange Fellows meet leaders in foot and ankle surgery, observe procedures in operating rooms, and share research and ideas
Dr. Moon enjoying beers with his fellow 2024 EFAS/AOFAS Exchange Award Recipients: John E. Femino, MD, Iowa | Meghan Kelly, MD, PhD, New York
Glowing behind them: The Grand-Place | Brussels
A Korean Tourist Couple
Shot This Picture Of Course
What Happens In Substerile Stays In Substerile
Italian Hospital Cafeteria = Coffee and Paninis Are You Not
INTERMISSION
Dan Feeds German Chickens
Can you guess what this is?
Look Ma! No Hardware Bunion MIS Before It Was Cool Revision Total Ankle With Osteotomy
In Fair Verona Where We Lay Our Scene
Where Wonka Started
A Tool for Better Communication & Improved Efficiency
The CU Orthopedics SharePoint intranet site was developed to improve internal communications, increase work efficiency, and provide a virtual hub of resources for faculty, staff, residents and fellows.
Throughout this issue of the newsletter and in issues moving forward, you’ll see this gold icon indicating the intranet as a valuable resource for reference. Click the icons to take you directly to the associated resource.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
tara.bisel@cuanschutz.edu
CU Orthopedics Pediatric Team: Transforming Lives in Guatemala
From October 19–26, 2024, members of our pediatric orthopedics team traveled to The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City. During their time there, they provided life-changing care to children in need, performed surgeries, and collaborated with local providers to enhance pediatric orthopedic care.
This team remains committed to global health and outreach and we are incredibly proud of their dedication to making a difference beyond our borders. Thank you to the team for representing CU Orthopedics with compassion and expertise!
The surgical team included:
Dr. Mariano Garay (Penn State Hershey, former CHCO fellow)
Dr. Michelle Mo (Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University)
Dr. James Mooney (Wake Forest University, formerly Shriners)
Dr. Juan Carlos Navas (POSNA COUR Award winner, Guatemala City)
Dr. Douglas Armstrong (Chicago, Penn State Hershey)
Dr. Brian Shaw (CHCO-Colorado Springs)
Medical volunteers from CHCO-Colorado Springs: Dr. Daniel Balch (anesthesiologist)
RN Roxane Bresciani
RN Eryn Vaughan
PA Robert Hamblin (now Alaska), accompanied by his wife Robin, a mural artist.
Additional volunteers included Cassandra Randolph (Penrose), Amy Hettesheimer, and Christa Fortenberry, scrub techs from South Carolina and Atlanta; Dr. Scott Richins (anesthesiologist, Colorado Springs) and his family; Dr. Matt Wagaman (anesthesiologist, Utah) and his family, and RN Lisa Shaw who managed credentialing, travel, and logistics.
120 children 36 surgeries 7 days
Over seven days, the team evaluated 120 children, performing 38 surgeries, including complex procedures like hip dysplasia corrections. These life-changing interventions incurred an average cost of $630 per surgery, but were performed at no cost to families.
Follow-up care is being led by Dr Navas, ensuring these young patients receive comprehensive, ongoing support
This mission is a testament to CU Orthopedics' dedication to global health and transformative care for underserved communities
Giving Opportunity
The program could use your support. They would love the following:
simple bone staples
smooth and threaded K-wires
casting supplies other non-medicinal & non-liquid items
If anyone wishes to donate “expired” items, which can be sterilized on site, please reach out to Dr. Shaw.
Only cash donations are tax deductible via our 501(3)c non-profit corporation.
They also work with Project Cure (Denver) to trade, donate/accept useful items.
Orthopedics Giving Site
The University of Colorado Advancement Team adopted a new platform for giving and set up an Orthopedics specific page.
Funds which have historically received on-line gifts are included in the drop down menu. If other funds receive three or more on-line gifts during a year period, they will revaluate.
CHCO giving is separate and goes through the CHCO Foundation.
Patient Review & Giving Cards
If you would like to encourage giving to Orthopedics, you can order cards to give to your patients.
The front side of the card provides patients an opportunity to review their experience and the back side gives grateful patients an easy method for giving.
Visit the Faculty Resources page of the intranet for more details. Adult and Pediatric cards are available.
More News from around the Department
Dr. Julie Wilson and Dr. David Howell represented CU Orthopedics and shared insights from their concussion research in a recent article in US News and World Report.
It’s really important to get children and teens back to their usual daily activities as soon as possible, and as soon as they can tolerate them
Julie Wilson, MD
What you bring to an injury is oftentimes exacerbated by the injury.
David Howell, PhD
Karter Duey, from Centennial, Colorado, sustained a concussion when she fell several feet during cheerleading practice in April Her mother, Jana, said she returned to school after recovering at home for a week and a half
Dr. Omer Mei-Dan authored the cover article of the most recent issue of Journal of the AAOS with his review article: The Principles of Hip Joint Preservation
The Orthopedics Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado consistently provides some of the best care in the nation and our rankings in U S News & World Report for 2024-2025 show it! We have moved up in our rankings to #11 in the nation, #1 in the state, and #1 in the region, and that is all because of you and the extraordinary work that you do! We are setting the standard for pediatric orthopedic care and look forward to another year of growth and providing world class care!
Teeing Off for a Great Cause: Grateful Family Supports CHCO
On October 21st , one of Dr. Georgopoulos's grateful club foot families made a generous gift to CHCO. The family of Lew McGrath sponsored "Fore! The Kids Golf Tournament." Participants had a fantastic time raising funds for a great cause!
Congratulations to Dr. Sumeet Garg on an extension of an award he received!
The award “Casting vs Bracing in the Treatment of Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis” is a study which examines the effectiveness of two non-surgical treatments—serial casting and full-time bracing—for children with idiopathic early onset scoliosis (IEOS), a rare spinal deformity. The goal is to avoid or delay surgery, which can lead to serious complications, including lung development issues. While serial casting has been the most common treatment for the past 15 years, it requires anesthesia, which introduces additional risks.
The study uses a multicenter, prospective design to compare outcomes of casting and bracing, providing valuable evidence to help guide treatment decisions. Participants will be followed for up to two years to assess curve resolution or progression. To support recruitment for the study, the University of Iowa awarded our site with a small grant, assisting with patient recruitment efforts.
Congratulations to Christine Block and Marcy Gilbert, November’s Staff Innovation Award Winners!
We had been working on a first ever textbook in adult scoliosis We had not been able to get the book to fruition as dealing with 84 different authors, their disclosures, and changing of a publisher was an unsurmountable task Due to the dedication, hours of work, and excellent communication with all the authors involved we were able to get the book published this year
Both Chris and Marcy went above and beyond working late nights and weekends with our publisher in a different time zone and multiple authors from all over the world Their leadership, knowledge, commitment, professionalism, and encouragement was the reason for this book being published.
We have no words and are beyond grateful for their tireless efforts when we had given up. Their knowledge and leadership as well as commitment is exemplary.
Evalina Buger, MD
CJ Kleck, MD
Recognizing Excellence
CU Celebrates!
CU Celebrates! is the School of Medicine’s new recognition program Built with Awardco, the easy-to-use platform is a great way to recognize the contributions of our faculty and staff
(Log in with SSO)
Department of Orthopedics Innovation Award
The Staff Innovation Award recognizes individuals within the department who have gone above and beyond in their role, demonstrating creativity and forward-thinking in solving challenges, improving processes, or enhancing the workplace environment
Recipient’s contributions must be tied to the goals of the department. Recipients and their accomplishments will be recognized monthly during Admin Team Meetings.
New Awards
FELLOWSHIPS | RESEARCH | TRAVEL | TRIALS
Kenneth Hunt, MD
Foot and Ankle
Foot and Ankle Fellowship Program 2024-2025
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Nicholas Alfonso, MD
PGY3 OTA 2024 Travel (fracture course Montreal)
Synthes
Trauma
DePuy
R e s e a r c h R e m i n d e r
The Department of Orthopedics has an internal seed grant program for investigators needing to collect preliminary data to support a future grant submission.
If you are interested in applying for a Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research Seed Grant, please submit a one-page statement of specific aims and summary of work and a onepage detailed budget ($20,000 maximum) to Kathy Dwyer-Clonts.
A faculty committee will review applications on a rolling basis.
Research Resources
Don’t forget that the Department of Orthopedics Biostatistics Core is here for all your biostatistical needs.
As your dedicated in-house lead biostatistician, I am here to provide expert statistical support for your research projects and we’re just a message away.
Whether you're in the early stages of designing your study, dealing with database intricacies, or diving into complex statistical analyses but aren’t quite sure how to get off the ground – I’ve got you covered, and I’m here to make your research stand out.
The best part? The Biostats Core and all its services is absolutely free, with or without project funding.
It's our ongoing commitment to foster a collaborative and thriving research environment within our department.
Contact me, or any one of the members of the Biostats Core, by clicking to the right to fill out the form to schedule a consultation.
Let's keep our research initiatives thriving! grant writing study design database help complex statistical analyses power analyses sample size calculations impactful data visualizations
Carson Keeter Lead Biostatistician
3 WEEKS BEFORE DUE DATE
Grants & Contracts Timeline Requesting Funding?
Submitting for Federal Funding:
12 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE
12 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE
FEDERAL NONFEDERAL
Notify Jess Allen 1. Email funding announcement 2. Submit Form Stack 3
Routing must reach OGC by end of day: Routing documents have been sent to Jess Allen 1. Confirm routing submitted for required approvals 2. Required approvals for routing are complete 3.
Submitting for Non-Federal
Notify Autumn Ortiz 1. Email funding announcement 2. Submit Form Stack 3.
Funding:
5 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE
Routing must reach OGC by end of day: Routing documents sent to Autumn Ortiz 1. Confirm routing submitted for required approvals 2. Required approvals for routing are complete 3.
PRIOR TO SPONSOR DUE DATE
For both Federal and Non-Federal Funding:
Confirm receipt of OGC review of proposal 1. Review and correct comments noted by OGC 2. Submit proposal to sponsor 3. Send confirmation to grants specialist (Jess or Autumn) 4
The timeline reflects minimum dues dates.
To ensure that the sponsor requirements are reviewed in a timely manner, please contact us with the funding opportunity and sponsor due date as early as possible.
To submit funding opportunity and grant proposal details:
Research Events
Upcoming Events
S T A Y C O N N E C T E D
Department Holiday Party
6:30-10pm at Ace Eat Serve - 501 E 17th Ave, Denver
All faculty, APPs, residents, fellows, administrative staff and research staff are invited to attend with one guest 21+
Pan-Asian dinner buffet and open bar provided Casual festive attire
Please RSVP by December 6th
Register
Events Page on the Intranet
Stay in the loop with the Events page on the SharePoint intranet site.
This centralized hub is your go-to source for everything happening in the department. From important meetings to fun social events, it’s all here.
You can also find past event materials such as photos, presentations, and recordings.
Grand Rounds Calendar
December 4
January
February 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
July
August 6
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 3
Dr. Michael Zuscik University of Colorado
Dr. Brian Cole Rush University
Dr. Heather Vallier Evellere Group
Rosie Wustrack, MD UCSF
Michelle Edelman, PhD University of Colorado
James Chang, MD Stanford Medical School
Deana Mercer, MD University of New Mexico
Dr. Michael Zuscik University of Colorado
Ben Night Horse Campbell Shore
Family Auditorium & Zoom
HR Updates
FACULTY
Adult Reconstruction
· Open Rank – Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon – North Region – Req# 34712
Peds
Open Rank Associate Professor to ProfessorDirector of Neuromuscular Research Program: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals/Helppie Family Chair –Req# 34776
Open Rank - Assistant or Associate Professor – Pediatric Orthopedic Spine Surgeon – Req# 35175 (offer pending)
· Open Rank Assistant to Associate Professor – Pediatric Hip Preservation Surgeon – Req# Floor
Adult Weekend Floor APP – Spine, Joints, Oncology, Sports – Req# 35525
Adult Weekend Floor APP – Trauma, Foot & Ankle, Hand – Req# 35553
Research
Post Doctoral Fellow with Dr Alexa Burger – Req# 35442
Spine
· Assistant Professor Spine Surgeon/MD (South – HRH) – Req# 32089
Assistant Professor Spine Surgeon/MD (AMC) – Req# 34069
New Hires/Transfers
Amanda Kelley – Pediatric APP in CO Springs with Dr Aaron Boyles – 12/1/2024
Benjamin Williamson – Trauma APP with Dr Jason Stoneback – 12/1/2024
Scott Hoffinger – Part-Time Clinical Assistant Professor – Peds MD in CO Springs – 12/1/2024
Patrick Parenzin - Part-Time Clinical Instructor – Peds APP in CO Springs – 12/1/2024
Gail Evans – Floor APP with Dr Craig Hogan – 12/16/2024
UNIVERSITY STAFF
Req. 35050: Operations Program Coordinator with Charesa Zahlen (2 openings) Req 35208: Pediatrics Program Manager with Ethan Liederman
Req 25471: Laboratory Science Professional (OPEN RANK, Intermediate-Senior) with Dr Dragoo Req. 35389: Laboratory Research Professional, Spinal Development and Disease (OPEN RANK IntermediatePrincipal) with Alexa Burger
New Hires
- Administrative Staff:
o Shon Miles: Post-Award Specialist (Research Services Senior Pro) with Tommy Hoong, 1/1/2025 [REMOTE]
- Research/Clinical Support Staff:
o Brantt Heble: DME Coordinator (Health Care Professional) with Tony Jimenez, 11/25/2024
Promotions
- Hannah Werner: Research Services Professional to Research Services Senior Professional, 11/1/2024
- Jennafer Hoyland: Academic Services Program Manager to Academic Services Manager, 11/1/2024
- Brinnlie Harward: Research Services Senior Professional to Business Services Principal Professional, 11/15/2024
- Christina Khat: Research Services Entry Professional to Research Services Professional, 11/15/2024
Departures
- Soha Khadem: Temporary Research Assistant, eff 11/2/2024
Our HR Team
Lindsey Renn
HR & Academic Affairs Manager
Contact LINDSEY for the following HR questions/actions:
Academic Affairs/Faculty Promotions
Salary Inquiries and Analysis (Faculty)
Annual Performance Evaluation processes for Faculty and Staff
Faculty Recruitment/Hiring/Onboarding
Family Medical Leave/Parental Leave/Short Term
Disability and other extended leave
VISA and/or International Scholar process
lindsey renn@cuanschutz edu 303.724.6695
Thomas Roller
HR Senior Coordinator
Contact THOMAS for the following HR questions/actions:
University Staff Recruitment (including research staff)
University Staff Promotions and Job Description Revisions
General Leave questions (sick, vacation, holiday) and Balance Inquiries
Payroll/Leave processing (ALL employees)
POI/Sponsored User Management (new, reactivate, etc)
Volunteer Paperwork and Onboarding
Student/Temporary Employee Hiring, Recruitment, Payroll, etc.
thomas.roller@cuanschutz.edu
Attention Ortho Administrative and Research Staff and Supervisors!
In the next couple weeks, you will all be receiving an email to kick off the 2024 Performance Review period with the following:
planning/evaluation form and the one-page rating form instructions on how to complete these forms spreadsheet of all University Staff in the department and to whom they report
Please contact Lindsey at lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu or Thomas at thomas.roller@cuanschutz.edu if you have any questions!
January 17
deadline for all staff to complete their own selfevaluation
February 14
final deadline to submit all completed planning and evaluation forms AND onepage rating forms to Ortho HR
BEST ADVICE
Residency is the best safety net you will ever have for making mistakes You want these to be the tough years, not your first years in practice when you are now totally on your own and completely responsible for your patients' outcomes Do not say no to any opportunities for additional clinical experience. The better your skills and stronger your knowledge base coming out of residency will make your fellowship training even more valuable and transition to attending life much easier Residency is not the time to seek work-life balance -- it's the time to learn Commit to the process, build a good team at work and strong support system outside of it, and residency will be so rewarding and some of the best years of your life
PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH
The stigma associated with mental health is all
If you feel you need assistance ~ even if it seems minor ~ please reach out:
Department of Orthopedics
Wellness Committee Members
Lindsey Renn
Jenna Hoyland
Charesa Zahlen
Sarah Sibbel, MD
Dan Adams, PA-C
Nolan Wessell, MD
Fernand Lubuguin, PhD
Denise Quattlebaum, PA-C
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
Our Department Wellness Coach
To support your mental health needs, we have partnered with Dr. Fernand Lubuguin as our official Department Wellness Consultant & Coach. Dr. Lubuguin is a great resource, offering support to prevent and treat workplace stress and burnout for anyone who needs assistance. He is available for an initial halfhour virtual consultation at no-cost, during which your concerns will be addressed and a plan will be mutually developed. A range of no-cost services are available, with the exception of ongoing individual counseling for which health insurance may be applied. The focus of these counseling sessions is not restricted to workplace related concerns and can include any personal challenges.
fernand lubuguin@cuanschutz edu (303) 724-0930
Fernand Lubuguin, PhD, MA
Associate Professor of Clinical Practice Faculty & Staff Mental Health Psychologist Department of Psychiatry
Visit the Wellness Page of the Intranet
State of Colorado, University, and Department resources are featured on the Wellness page of the SharePoint Intranet site.
Click on the Intranet icon above.
Havearestful holidaybreak, everyone!
Tara
Bisel
Marketing & Communications
tara bisel@cuanschutz edu
