Ronald Falk, MD, chair of the department of medicine announced today that Cristin Colford, MD, has been named Vice Chair for Clinical Services.
鈥淲e are honored that Cristin has accepted this position. She is a natural born leader, mentor and patient advocate who brings a mindful awareness to every patient and teaching experience. She is the physician鈥檚 physician, with a true passion for the profession, always willing to go the extra mile for the well-being of others. She learns from our patients and considers their unique needs.鈥�
Colford will help integrate clinical activities across the department, focusing on ways to improve the efficiency of operations in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. This will include developing innovative, patient-centered, forward-thinking models of care that support the clinical, educational and research missions of the department.
The department of medicine has been Colford鈥檚 professional home for the past 17 years, a place she says motivates her every day, particularly because of all of the people–colleagues, students and residents–she feels privileged to care for.
鈥淚 have learned so much by caring for people who come from all types of backgrounds. The fact that patients trust me with their health and share intimate details of their lives is a huge driver for me to be the best listener and communicator as possible so that I can provide care that is in line with their values. I also have the best colleagues who constantly amaze me with their clinical knowledge, teaching skills, and academic success who make me better every day.鈥�
Dr. Colford is associate professor of medicine and section chief for clinical practice and education in the division of general medicine. She is also the associate program director for the internal medicine residency program. Colford has received numerous awards for outstanding teaching and clinical care, including the Academy of Educators Excellence in Teaching Award and the 黑料网 Health Care Carolina Care Excellence Award. Colford received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 2001, followed by residency and chief residency in 2005.
鈥淚 believe our primary purpose as physicians is to serve our patients, whether it be through direct patient care, research, or by educating the physicians of the future. The more we focus on our patients, the more we can learn from them to improve our clinical care.鈥�