Since joining the UNC Department of Medicine in 2005, Cristin Colford, MD, FACP, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with learners at every stage while also advancing innovative educational programs that can strengthen the future of academic medicine. Now, she will be taking these special talents into a new chapter as the vice dean for education at the UNC School of Medicine.
Dr. Cristin Colford’s career within the Department of Medicine has been defined by her staunch commitment to learners, educators, and patients. Always willing to help out, it’s common to find her offering guidance to residents and chief residents, while also listening thoughtfully to their unique perspectives. Under her leadership, residents experienced increased continuity in caring for their own patients and successfully adapted to growing clinical responsibilities.
Dr. Colford’s education accomplishments are also extensive, directing multiple medical school courses and playing a key role in the development and implementation of the initial TEC1.0 patient-
centered clinical curriculum. She has received the Fleming H. Fuller Award, several Carolina Care Excellence Awards, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Academy of Educators. As the clerkship director for ambulatory medicine, she oversaw curriculum design, implementation, assessment and faculty development across the UNC School of Medicine campuses.
Her leadership is distinguished. Having most recently served as the Department of Medicine’s executive vice chair of clinical operations, Dr. Colford provided strategic leadership across 12 divisions while supporting the continued growth of Eastowne as a destination for patients across North Carolina and beyond.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Colford on this well-deserved appointment. We are looking forward to seeing her continued impact on the UNC community!