2023 Year in Review
As we set our sights on 2024, it’s important to pause and look back on the remarkable year that’s coming to a close. As this 2023 year-end recap shows, our work at University of Utah Health really matters.
Clinical teams treat every patient with amazing expertise and compassion. Research teams advance scientific discoveries and knowledge that improve public health. Educators train new generations of health and science professionals. Learners expand their skills and knowledge and help us improve education. Community collaborators show us how to best serve a growing, ever-changing population.
The following is just a sampling of the impactful work taking place every day on our campus and throughout the community.
Strategy 2025
In 2023, U of U Health completed the fourth year of our comprehensive five-year strategic plan. Our roadmap to success is charted by revised annual directed steps. These steps are the result of careful consideration and collaboration by leaders across many levels of our organization.
The following are examples of directed steps we took this year:
- Embedding care innovations with One Utah Health Collaborative. Rita Aguilar, DNP, MBA/HCM, RN, and RyLee Curtis, MPP, serve on the board of this collaborative. And we are furthering the goals of the collaborative with three projects of our own: Intensive Outpatient Clinic, Huntsman at Home, and Huntsman Mental Health Institute HOME Program.
- Greater awareness of health sciences research mission. We capitalized on several online communication platforms to draw attention to research: 360 Connect, research newsletters, Vitae, Pioneering the Future, Good Notes blog, System Summary publication, and weekly communications across missions.
- Attracting historically marginalized groups to graduate programs. We are elevating and expanding already successful health sciences pathway programs: Native American Research Internship, Genomics Summer Research for Minorities, PA Program, LEAP Program, PathMaker Scholars Program.
- Expanding destination care services. We selected four new multidisciplinary programs to better serve patients who travel to U of U Health for specialized care. Those programs include neuroendocrine tumor, endoscopic spine, robotic cardiac program, and liver transplant.
Societal Impact Through Clinical Care
- For the 14th consecutive year, U of U Health was ranked among the nation’s top 10 academic medical centers, receiving Vizient’s prestigious Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award. Additionally, for the ninth consecutive year, U of U Health ranked in the nation’s top 10 for ambulatory care, ranking No. 2 in 2023.
- For the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked University of Utah Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Utah and the Salt Lake City metro area. Additionally, John A. Moran Eye Center ranked No. 10 in the nation for ophthalmology care and Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital ranked No. 47 for rehabilitation care.
- Forbes ranked U of U Health No. 102 out of the top 400 best employers for women.
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors recognized more than 60 U of U Health physicians among its annual Exceptional Women in Medicine awardees.
- University of Utah Hospital received a 2023 NRC Health Top 100 Consumer Loyalty Award, the only loyalty-based hospital rankings that recognize the top U.S. health care organizations for earning exceptional loyalty ratings from their patient populations.
- The American Medical Association recognized University of Utah Health with the 2023 Joy in Medicine Award for our commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members.
- Fortune/PINC AI recognized University of Utah Hospital on its list of 100 Top Hospitals in the U.S., with a No. 5 ranking among the 15 Top Major Teaching Hospitals.
- Newsweek recognized University of Utah Hospital on its 2023 list of World’s Best Smart Hospitals. University Hospital ranked No. 143 out of 250 hospitals worldwide leading in their use of AI, robotic surgery, digital imaging, telemedicine, smart buildings, information technology infrastructure, and EHRs.
New Leaders
- Peter Weir, MD, PhD, appointed inaugural Chief Population Health Officer for University of Utah Health.
- Angela Fagerlin, PhD, appointed Associate Vice President for Faculty at University of Utah Health
- Kelly A. Tappenden, PhD, RD, appointed dean of the College of Health.
- Randall Peterson, PhD, reappointed as dean for the College of Pharmacy.
- Sam Finlayson, MD, MPH, MBA, appointed interim dean for the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
- Erica Bisson, MD, MPH, was appointed vice dean for clinical affairs for the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
- Brenda Heaton, PhD, MPH, appointed associate dean for research for the School of Dentistry.
- Jennifer Clifton, DNP, appointed associate dean for practice and community collaboration for the College of Nursing
- William Couldwell, MD, PhD, reappointed as chair for the Department of Neurosurgery.
- Mark H. Paul, appointed Executive Director of the Center for Medical Innovation.
- Christian Sherwood, MA, appointed Chief Human Resources Officer for University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics.
- Sarah Wilson, SPHR, MA, appointed Senior Director of Human Resources for University of Utah Health Academics.
- Carolyn Buma, BS, appointed executive director of principal gifts for University of Utah Health.
Academic Excellence
Each U of U Health school or college is nationally recognized. This is reflected in the 2023-2024 rankings published by U.S. News & World Report and increasingly high levels of research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The following represents how U of U Health academic programs rank among their peers.
College of Health
- No. 13 Physical Therapy Program. No. 5 among public universities.
- No. 29 Audiology Program. No. 23 among public universities.
- No. 32 Speech-Language Pathology Program. No. 25 among public universities.
- No. 42 Occupational Therapy Program. No. 26 among public universities.
College of Pharmacy
- No. 14 PharmD Program. No. 13 among public universities.
- No. 15 in NIH Research Funding
College of Nursing
- No. 11 Nursing-Midwifery Program. No. 7 among public universities.
- No. 18 Doctor of Nursing Practice. No. 11 among public universities.
- No. 24 Online Master's in Nursing.
- No. 31 Undergraduate Nursing (BSN)
- No. 28 in NIH Research Funding
Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
- No. 8 Physician Assistant Program. No. 4 among public universities.
- No. 16 in Rural Medicine. No. 9 among public universities.
- No. 35 in Research. No. 13 among public universities.
- No. 40 in Primary Care. No. 32 among public universities.
- No. 55 Public Health Program. No. 34 among public universities.
- No. 36 in NIH Research Funding
School of Dentistry
- No. 43 in NIH Research Funding
New MD Program
The incoming class of 2023 at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine was the first to experience our new Mission-Driven MD program. Its people-first curriculum emphasizes community, relationships, collaboration, and students’ professional identity formation. Longitudinal integrated clerkships and a first-of-its-kind student-led clinic network provide extended opportunities for deep learning.
HPER East Research Center Opens
The College of Health celebrated research milestones with the completion of the HPER East Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility for biomechanics, rehabilitation, and kinesiology. It includes the first research-dedicated sleep lab at the U, a metabolic kitchen, and one of the most advanced balance and stability labs in the Mountain West. The college’s research trajectory continues to skyrocket with a record-setting $94 million research portfolio, an increase of more than $50 million since 2018.
Oral Health Care for Underresourced Populations
In 2023, the Utah Legislature passed Bill 18 – Medicaid Dental Waiver Amendments. This law lets the Utah Department of Health and Human Services request authorization from Medicaid to extend dental services to all Medicaid-eligible adults—with the School of Dentistry and its affiliated network as sole providers. This integrates oral care with primary medical and mental health services for optimal health outcomes. It also expands public oral health research efforts.
75th Anniversary and Family Caregiving
The College of Nursing celebrated its 75th anniversary with distinguished alumni, supporters, past and present faculty and staff, and students. This milestone marks a continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and dedication to health care education and practice. The college’s Family Caregiving Collaborative is part of a nationwide effort to support family caregivers. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices of these unsung heroes, Gov. Spencer Cox declared November 2023 as Family Caregiver Month in Utah.
First Year Free for Pharmacy Students
Students from the incoming class of 2023 were the first to be a part of the “First Year Free” initiative, which officially launched this year at the College of Pharmacy. First Year Free is ongoing and covers first-year tuition costs for all new PharmD students. This amazing program makes PharmD education more accessible and affordable. It also encourages students from underrepresented communities to pursue health careers.
Library Retrofit
The Eccles Health Sciences Library began a major seismic retrofit. At 50 years young, ensuring its future safety will prolong its ability to provide space for collaboration, research consultation, and learning. The retrofit includes some remodeling conveniences: centralizing restrooms, ADA-compliant elevators, improving wayfinding, and opening space on exterior walls. Most of the library—and all its capabilities—has remained open during construction. Phase 1 of construction is complete and Phase 2 has begun in earnest with estimated completion in Fall 2024.
Research Innovations and Insights
U of U Health researchers reached a new milestone, securing $521.5 million in research funding in fiscal year 2023, continuing 11 straight years of growth.
Examples of high-impact research from the past year include:
- Allison Payne, PhD, associate professor of radiology and imaging sciences, developed the MUSE Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound system. It uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate and target the breast tumor, then high-intensity focused ultrasound heats the tissue and kills the cancer. The technology is now being tested in a clinical trial at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
- Angie Fagerlin, PhD, chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences, led research providing insights as to why 1 in 4 parents lied about their child’s COVID-19 status. The findings raise the possibility that deception may have led to spread of the disease. The research was covered by more than 510 media outlets including Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, Washington Post, Fox News, and WebMD.
- A new system for fixing bone fractures, called the Bone Bolt System, was approved for market by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Bone Bolt System was developed by collaborators from U of U Orthopaedic Innovation Center, Department of Orthopedics, and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. This milestone marks the first time that a novel medical device received an FDA 510(k) clearance in University of Utah’s history.
- Funded in part by the Utah Legislature, the new Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) seeks to advance scientific understanding of medical cannabis and help patients and providers make informed health decisions about this increasingly common medication. While based at U of U Health, the CMCR is a statewide institution that aims to foster collaborations between institutes of research and higher learning across Utah.
- With $14 million in support over seven years from the National Institutes of Health, the University of Utah ELEVATE Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence, led by Torri Metz, MD, MS, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, aims to lower rates of pregnancy-related deaths. The center is committed to partnering with communities affected most—including rural and Native American populations—to change the story for pregnant people with substance use disorders in Utah and throughout the country.
- U of U Health researchers, led by Micah Drummond, PhD, professor of physical therapy and athletic training, discovered that Metformin—a common drug that has been used in diabetes treatment for more than half a century—can also prevent muscle atrophy and muscular fibrosis. The findings, published in Aging Cells, could help the elderly bounce back faster from injury or illness. The study was covered by more than 80 media outlets including the New York Post and U.S. News & World Report.
- With a $17.5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Matt Samore, MD, professor of internal medicine, is leading a collaborative research effort between scientists, health departments, and health systems in four states to provide data and tools that guide decisions to improve responses to emerging public health threats in the Mountain West.
- Anna Docherty, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, is corresponding author for a new study that identified 12 DNA variants—or variations in the human genetic code—associated with risk of attempting suicide. The research highlights genetic links between suicide and factors that influence physical and behavioral health—including impulsivity, smoking, chronic pain, ADHD, pulmonary conditions, and heart disease. The study was covered by more than 160 media outlets including U.S. News & World Report.
Major Awards and Recognition
- Monica Bertagnolli, MD, a 1985 graduate of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, was confirmed as the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health.
- Dana Carroll, PhD, distinguished professor in the Department of Biochemistry received the 2023 recipient of the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence in recognition of his pioneering work in genome editing.
- Bradley Cairns, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences, was elected to the Fellows of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest science academy.
- Alana Welm, PhD, professor of oncological sciences and senior director of Basic Science at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, was selected as a recipient of the University of Utah Distinguished Research Award for 2023.
- Nancy Allen, PhD, associate professor of nursing, was named a 2023-2024 University of Utah Presidential Scholar.
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Moriel Zelikowsky, PhD, assistant professor of neurobiology, is one of 10 neuroscientists nationwide to receive a 2023 McKnight Scholar Award for innovative research about brain diseases.
- Keren Hilgendorf, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry, was named a 2023 Pew Scholar for her research into how cells communicate and how communication networks break down in disease.
- Sara Bybee, PhD, received the 2023 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award from the Social Research, Policy, and Practice Section of the Gerontological Society of America.
- The American Pediatric Society and the Society for Pediatric Research honored Kurt Albertine, PhD, as the 2023 Mary Ellen Avery Neonatal Research Award.
- The Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco honored Kola Okuyemi, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, with the inaugural Pebbles Fagan Award for outstanding contributions to public health and minoritized communities through health equity research.
- David Young, PharmD, professor and vice chair of the Pharmacotherapy Department, received the 2023 American Pharmacists Association Bowl of Hygeia Award for Utah for civic leadership in the community.
- Mark Paul, executive director for the Center for Medical Innovation, received the 2023 BioUtah Life Sciences Award for Executive of the Year.
- William Smith, PhD, Chief Executive Administrator for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, received the 2023 Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award by the American Educational Research Association.
- Hamid Ghandehari, PhD, chair of the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award for more than 30 years of service and leadership in the Controlled Release Society.
- The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recognized Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, PhD, with Honors of the Association for her significant contributions to communication sciences and disorders.
- Tom Varghese, MD, MS, MBA, professor of surgery, was named President-Elect of the Society of University Surgeons. Varghese is only the second thoracic surgeon to be named to this position in the history of the organization.
- Brigitte Smith, MD, MHPE, associate professor of vascular surgery and vice chair of education for the Department of Surgery, was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education from 2023-2029.
- Dan Lundergan, MHA, CEO, University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics, is among C-Suite Spotlight’s Top 25 Hospital Executives for 2023.
- Becker's Healthcare recognized Charlton Park, MBA, CFO, University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics, in its "Academic medical center CFOs to know" list for 2023.
- Erica Bisson, MD, MPH, (neurosurgery) and Molly Conroy, MD, MPH, (internal medicine) completed fellowships with the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program. Erin Clark, MD, MSCI (obstetrics and gynecology), Amy Locke, MD (family & preventive medicine), Caroline Milne, MD (internal medicine), and Alana Welm, PhD, (oncological sciences) were selected as 2023-2024 ELAM fellows.
- Tim Brusseau, PhD, chair of the Department of Health & Kinesiology, was inducted as a fellow into the National Academy of Kinesiology.
- Michelle Debbink, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was selected as the 2023-2025 Norman F. Gant/American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine.
- Eric Schmidt, PhD, professor of medicinal chemistry, was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- Christopher Reilly, PhD, professor of pharmacology and toxicology and director of the Center for Human Toxicology, was elected as a fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.
- Kara Dassel, PhD, was selected as a 2023-2024 fellow in the Dementia Palliative Care Clinical Trials Training Program.
- Wendy Hobson-Rohrer, MD, MSPH, Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Education, received a 2023 Associate Editor of the Year Award from MedEdPORTAL, The Journal Teaching and Learning Resources.
- John Inadomi, MD, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, became associate editor for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Expanded Care
- In 2023, the University of Utah Health Population Health Center opened near the Rose Park community of Salt Lake City to provide integrated medical, oral, and mental health care for historically under-resourced communities. The center is powered by an innovative partnership between the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, and the Intensive Outpatient Clinic.
- The Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women’s Cancer opened to patients in 2023. This increases the Huntsman Cancer Hospital’s inpatient capacity by nearly 50% and adds exam rooms, surgical suites, screening facilities and other services.
- U of U Health received $4 million from the state legislature to continue operating its long COVID clinic. The clinic reduces the load on hospitals while offering dedicated space for continued treatment and improving patient outcomes. It also promotes public health by using new findings in long-term COVID-19 research and care.
Engaging and Serving the Community
- U of U Health provided $232 million in uncompensated care for patients in fiscal year 2023.
- U of U Health received $193 million in philanthropic support in fiscal year 2023.
- U of U Health published the 2023 Report to Our Community. We also released the 2023-2026 Community Health Needs Assessments Report, which outlines our strategies for addressing health needs identified by the communities.
- Gov. Spencer Cox launched the One Utah Health Collaborative, a community-owned nonprofit, that aims to transform health care in Utah. The collaborative announced the formation of Utah’s first health care Innovation Advisory Board. Peter Weir, MD, MPH, Chief Population Health Officer for University of Utah Health, serves on the board.
- The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation announced a $3.5 million grant to support the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. The gift will help fund construction of the new Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center. The new 24/7 facility will provide immediate care at no cost to individuals.
- In 2023, we continued to increase employee engagement through affinity groups, deepened connections with Spanish speakers in Utah, and we were designated an Age-Friendly Health System.
- U of U Health saw a surge in EDI-related scholarship, including four articles by our scholars published in Annals of Family Medicine.
- During the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, U of U Health premiered its third documentary short film, The Language of Care, directed by Academy Award winning director Ross Kauffman.
- The fourth documentary short film produced by U of U Health, Winding Path, was one of 53 films selected from 12,098 submissions for the Documentary Short Program of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
Campus Transformation
- The Healthcare, Educators, Leaders, & Innovators Complex (HELIX) opened. HELIX offers U of U Health faculty and staff a workspace where they can collaborate and do their best work.
- Construction continues on the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, scheduled to open in 2026.
- U of U Health is finalizing space programming and architectural designs for the James Levoy Sorenson Discovery & Innovation Center.
- The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and Huntsman Mental Health Foundation broke ground on the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building.
I’m humbled to work alongside the incredible people who are the heart of U of U Health. We will continue to collaborate and innovate in service of our communities. Together, we are shaping the future of health care.
