VCOM 2024 Annual Report

Via Research Recognition Day VCOM-Auburn February 2, 2024 V COM-Auburn held its seventh annual Via Research Recognition Day, celebrating

health. Yarrow, director of the Eastern Colorado GRECC at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, highlighted how enhancing testosterone efficiency could significantly improve clinical outcomes, especially for populations affected by aging, injury, and spinal cord injuries. His research aims to refine testosterone therapy, maximizing its benefits while minimizing side effects. After the keynote addresses, the poster session offered a diverse range of cutting-edge research from students and faculty, providing valuable opportunities for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Topics ranged from metabolic health to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, showcasing the depth and breadth of research underway at the institution. As the day drew to a close, Jos Edison, DO, associate professor for Family Medicine, OMM, and Sports Medicine, was honored with the Researcher of the Year award, underscoring his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare practices through research.

innovation, collaboration, and excellence in medical research. The day kicked off with an overview of VCOM’s ongoing research initiatives by P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, VCOM vice president for research, who set the stage for the exceptional lineup of speakers that would follow. Leading off the keynote presentations, Wendy Kohrt, PhD, a distinguished professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, delivered the first lecture of the day. In her talk, Dr. Kohrt explored the profound role of estrogen in regulating metabolism and body composition, particularly during the menopausal transition in women. Her groundbreaking research offers new insights into the metabolic effects of estrogen, challenging existing paradigms and paving the way for improved interventions in women’s health. Joshua Yarrow, PhD continued the day’s momentum with his compelling research on endocrinology, aging, and musculoskeletal

Keynote Speaker Wendy Kohrt, PhD

Keynote Speaker Josh Yarrow, PhD

Plenary Speaker P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP, FACOFP Vice President for Research at VCOM

Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Director of the Eastern Colorado Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Manipulating Androgen Metabolism: Preclinical and Clinical Endeavors to Improve Testosterone Efficacy and Limit Side Effects

The State of Research at VCOM

To E or Not To E: Metabolic Actions of Estrogens

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RESEARCH