Dale Colorado, DO, MPH, has been named assistant dean for Student Experience, a new position established in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine to support medical students from all backgrounds in the learning environment, and to partner with faculty and administration to enhance the current curriculum and to support LCME curriculum expectations designed to address structural competence, cultural competence, health inequities, as well as relevant societal problems. He will also assist with recruitment of prospective medical students.
“I am very excited for this new role,” Colorado said. “Education and mentorship are my passions. Helping my trainees and mentees thrive and achieve their goals is one of the best parts of my job. I enjoy building and developing programs and tackling new challenges.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Colorado to the Department of Medical Education,” said Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education. “His wealth of experience and passion for helping others will have a significant positive impact on our students. Through this role, he will be able to connect with our students and provide the type of support they need in the evolving landscape of medical education.”
Dr. Colorado is Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He also serves as PM&R Residency program director, medical director for Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine, and medical director for Performing Arts Medicine. He is also a team physician for UAB Athletics.
Dr. Colorado received his medical degree and master of public health degree from Des Moines University. He completed his PM&R Residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he served as Chief Resident. He then completed a Sports Medicine and Interventional Spine Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis.
Prior to joining UAB, Dr. Colorado was an associate professor in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurology at Washington University, serving in multiple roles including program director for the Sports Medicine Fellowship, associate program director for the Interventional Spine Fellowship, medical director for the Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Program, and EMG medical director. Dr. Colorado is board certified in PM&R, sports medicine, brain injury medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and neuromuscular ultrasound. He is also certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound.
“I look forward to collaborating with the students, faculty, staff, and administration to identify ways we can enhance the student experience throughout medical school,” Colorado said. “Providing support for success may be different for each student, so receiving input from multiple stakeholders and utilizing multiple approaches will play a key role in helping us achieve our goals.”