Voices of U of U Health
Monthly Momentos: May 2026
This ongoing blog series celebrates people, milestones, and achievements from across our health system. Content is adapted from monthly updates shared with the University of Utah Board of Trustees.
Researchers receive $12 million to expand cancer care in rural Utah, graduate programs achieve top national rankings, West Valley elementary students receive an introduction to health sciences, and more May highlights.
Kudos
- Jindrich Kopecek, PhD, distinguished professor of biomedical engineering, and Jiyuan (Jane) Yang, PhD, research professor of molecular pharmaceutics, were awarded an R01 grant to advance drug-free macromolecular therapeutics for cancer treatment. Their work focuses on a novel platform that brings immune cells into close proximity with cancer cells to activate targeted immune responses, supporting more precise and personalized therapies for conditions such as multiple myeloma.
- Jessi Van Der Volgen, MLIS, faculty librarian at the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, was one of the recipients of the Medical Library Association’s 2026 Lucretia W. McClure Excellence in Education Award, a national award recognizing leadership in health sciences education and information services.
- Scott A. Summers, PhD, chair of the Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology in the University of Utah College of Health, received the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award for Health Sciences Graduate Students. The award, given by the Academy of Health Science Educators, recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to graduate education through innovation, mentorship, and sustained impact on trainee success.
- Kencee Graves, MD, chief medical quality officer for U of U Health Hospitals & Clinics, was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of Patient Safety Experts to Know. The list honors patient safety experts who work tirelessly to design and refine policies, procedures, and safeguards that protect patients.
- Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS, dean for the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, and Jessica Walsh, MD, associate professor of internal medicine, were honorees at the 2026 Commit to the Cure Gala for their contributions to advancing the mission of curing psoriatic disease and improving the lives of those affected. The gala is the National Psoriasis Foundation's largest fundraising initiative, bringing together the psoriatic disease community from across the nation.
Leadership Announcements
- W. Brett Graham, MBA, MPA, was named president of Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Having previously served as interim CEO for the institute, he oversees strategy and operations, working closely with clinical, academic, research, and community partners to transform mental health through exceptional care, comprehensive education, and translational research.
- Christopher M. Hull, MD, was named interim chair of the Department of Dermatology following Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS, who served as chair since 2020. A nationally recognized clinician, educator, and researcher, Hull brings extensive leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role as the department continues advancing excellence in patient care, education, and research.
- Aaron Prussin, MD, was named chief medical director of ambulatory services after serving as interim since August 2024. He provides physician leadership for ambulatory operations, value initiatives, and care delivery and supports the University of Utah Eccles Health Campus & Eccles Hospital in West Valley City.
- Torri D. Metz, MD, MS, was named co-chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, serving alongside Robert M. Silver, MD. A nationally recognized maternal-fetal medicine physician-scientist, Metz has held several leadership roles within the department since 2018, advancing maternal health research, faculty development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical care, education, and research.
Achievements in Clinical Care
- The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) awarded an $11.9 million to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah to expand access to specialized cancer care in rural and frontier Utah. Led by Kathi Mooney, PhD, RN, FAAN, distinguished professor in the University of Utah College of Nursing, a cross-institutional team of research scientists has developed a prototype mobile clinic equipped with advanced medical devices to deliver hospital-level care to communities located hours from the nearest cancer center. The initiative targets underserved regions in southeastern Utah and represents a scalable model for improving rural access nationwide.
- U of U Health hosted its 2026 Poster Fair, showcasing 48 quality improvement and evidence-based practice projects focused on clinical care, workforce well-being, and patient experience. Award-winning initiatives included efforts to improve hypertension screening in urgent care, strengthen peer support for mental health nurses, and enhance workplace recognition and well-being across clinical teams.
Achievements in Education
- U of U Health education programs continue receiving national recognition, as reflected in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School rankings. Highlights include:
- College of Nursing: #7 Midwifery Program (only ranked Midwifery program in Utah); #21 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (only ranked DNP program in Utah)
- School of Medicine: #3 Best Physician Assistant Program (best ranking in the school’s history)
- College of Health: #16 Physical Therapy Program (up from #17)
- College of Pharmacy: #25 Pharmacy School (top 25 ranking sustained 5+ years)
- The University of Utah School of Dentistry welcomed the 2026 cohort of its General Practice Residency (GPR) program, selecting 10 residents from a highly competitive national pool. Residents train across hospital, ambulatory, and community settings, including rotations in the operating room, emergency department, and rural outreach through the Utah Navajo Health System.
- The Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus (SURMC) hosted its first prospective student tours, marking a key milestone in the campus launch as the SURMC team guided students through clinical and academic training sites. Attendees were offered scholarships to support enrollment and strengthen regional workforce development.
Achievements in Research & Innovation
- Yang Liu, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry, and graduate researcher Jared Thompson helped develop a new CRISPR-based technology capable of selectively destroying virus-infected or cancerous cells by shredding their DNA while leaving healthy cells untouched. The findings, published in Nature, could advance future treatments for cancer and infectious disease.
- A study led by Rebecca Delaney, PhD, assistant professor of population health sciences, found that many older adults start using cannabis in search of more effective options to manage common health conditions like chronic pain, often basing medical decisions on word of mouth. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, provide a foundation to develop better informational tools and clinical support to help people make health decisions.
- In coordination with Utah’s Hogle Zoo, experts at U of U Health used advanced CT imaging to scan a 400-pound Nile crocodile, helping veterinarians diagnose and treat a potentially life-threatening condition. The collaboration highlights how clinical imaging expertise and technology can support animal health and advance cross-disciplinary innovation in diagnostic care.
Community Collaboration
- U of U Health and campus partners hosted the fifth annual Imagine U Day, welcoming students from Westside elementary schools to campus for hands-on experiences in health care, law, engineering, education, and other career pathways. The initiative aims to expand access to higher education and inspire future professionals from communities that will be served by the Eccles Health Campus & Eccles Hospital in West Valley City.