Ann D. Thor, MD, Chair

     The Department of Pathology at the University of Colorado Denver is entering a particularly exciting time in its history, with new leadership, a new graduate (Ph.D.) program focused on cancer biology and the construction of new laboratories at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. We are most fortunate to enjoy the full support of the School of Medicine and the various affiliated hospitals as we strive to achieve excellence in all mission areas of the University -- education, clinical care and biomedical research. Our faculty is nationally and internationally known for their contributions in biomedical science. Residents and faculty serve patients at the University of Colorado Hospital, The Children’s Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center, the Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, and other smaller clinical centers.

     The Department of Pathology is unique, in that it is a “hybrid” basic science and clinical department. This fits well with the definition of our profession – Pathology - which is defined as the study of disease. As this is a remarkably broad field with far reaching implications for students in many health professions, the faculty plays a pivotal role in teaching medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied health profession students. We also play an active role in teaching the next generation of scientists and physician researchers.

     Our goal is to focus their interests in research relevant to the prevention, diagnosis or cure of human diseases. Just this past year the faculty chose limit the focus of our departmental graduate program to cancer biology. In addition to providing a unique niche for our departmental efforts, we have opened up this program to include cancer biologists from many departments on campus.

 This new multidisciplinary cancer biology graduate program will also be highly interactive with our NCI designated, comprehensive cancer center. We look forward to its exciting evolution and the recruitment of our first graduate students with a cancer biology focus for the upcoming academic year.

     In summary, it is a pleasure to assume the leadership of this accomplished and historic Department of Pathology. I invite you to explore our web site and even visit our department to gather further information regarding our clinical services, educational programs or research efforts.

     Sincerely yours,

     Ann D. Thor, MD, Chair