b'Dr. Neel Butala, M.D., M.B.A.My thought was, can we replace some of this with real-world data and advanced analytics? NEEL BUTALA, M.D., M.B.A.Assistant Professor of Cardiology CU Anschutz Similar to Hill, Butala understands that rec- In addition, Butala acknowledges the role thathow inclusive, kind, and supportive everyone ognizing a challenge such as bias presentsLarry Allen, M.D., Interim Chief of Cardiologywas. Additionally, the opportunity to interact an opportunity to create a stronger, moreat CU Anschutz, has played in his researchwith other scientists influences her work. efficient technology that can overcome thisprocess. Butala knew about Allen as a leaderOne thing Im really excited about in winning hurdle. He and his team are looking at how toin cardiology research long before even con- this award is the connections to so many train the model and create an algorithm thatsidering the job in Colorado.medical professionals and people that focus would mitigate these issues.He [Dr. Allen] runs this group of people whoa lot on biotechnology. I hope that I can meet CONNECTING TO THE HEALTHconduct outcomes research across universi- some people that are looking at specific con-INNOVATION COMMUNITYties to bounce research ideas off each other,ditions that we might be able to target with said Butala. Thats been a great resource tothese hydrogels, said Hill.While these modern techniques and technolo- learn about what other people are doing. IPropelling healthcare into the future requires gies are integral pieces of biomedical advances,actually presented a version of this work toefforts and contributions from multiple angles, traditional principles of human-centered workthat group, and I got some valuable feedbackwhich creates this collaboration Hill references and community collaboration remain as prev- and so, this grouphelps a lot.to be integral in the process.alent as ever. Researchers understand theNow that Butala has been named a BoettcherThe combination of cutting-edge technology support around them is key, especially whenInvestigator, he and Allen share another com- and tapping into the bright scientific minds engaging in interdisciplinary topics.monality in addition to cardiology researchwill yield an overall better standard for Butalas everyday environment inspiresand practice. Allen himself has been associ- patient care. him to keep his patients at the center ofated with the Boettcher Foundation for over his research.30 years, first as a Boettcher Scholar, and laterWhether its enacting small changes on a serving as a foundation trustee.molecular level or tweaking an AI algorithm, Working at the VA is amazing. Its great thateach subtle discovery contributes towards everyone is unified around patient careTheresCommunity was a huge factor for Hill in deter- creating significant, life-altering solutions that no turf war between groups, everyone worksmining where she wanted to work, research,will one day systemically revolutionize the together and so its mission-driven, patients areand build a career. During the interviewhealthcare system as we know it. very grateful for the care they receive, and itsprocess, she noticed CSU stood out in terms of very gratifying to take care of them. 34 BIOSCIENCE COLORADO 2023-2024'