Kathryn Wells, MD
Professor, Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect/Kempe

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Medical School:
  • MD, Creighton University School of Medicine (1993)
Undergraduate School:
  • BS, Carroll College (MT) (1989)
Residency:
  • Creighton University/University of Nebraska Program, Pediatrics (1996)
Fellowships:
  • University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program, Child Abuse Pediatrics (2003)
Languages: English
Department: Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect/Kempe

Recognition & Awards

  • 5280 “Top Doc” for “Child Abuse Pediatrics”, 5280 Magazine (2016)
    Named 5280 “Top Doc” in 2010 for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” – selected by Denver metro-area physicians.
  • 5280 “Top Doc” for “Child Abuse Pediatrics”, 5280 Magazine (2015)
    Named 5280 “Top Doc” in 2010 for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” – selected by Denver metro-area physicians.
  • Kempe Foundation Professional Award, Kempe Foundation (2014)
    Awarded at the Kempe Foundation Gala on April 26, 2014
  • 5280 “Top Doc” for “Child Abuse Pediatrics”, 5280 “Top Doc” for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” (2013)
    Named 5280 “Top Doc” in 2010 for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” – selected by Denver metro-area physicians.
  • Top Doctor in Denver, 5280 Magazine (2012)
    Voted a 5280 best doctor by my peers in response to the question, "Which physician would you trust to treat you and your family?"
  • 5280 "Top Doc" for "Child Abuse Pediatrics, 5280 Magazine (2011)
    Named 5280 “Top Doc” in 2010 for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” – selected by Denver metro-area physicians.
  • James E. Strain Community Service Award, Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011)
    Presented at the 2011 Colorado Chapter of the AAP Annual Meeting on March 11, 2011 in recognition of your outstanding contribution to children’s interests in the community outside your regular activities.
  • Best Doctors in America, Best Doctors in America (2011)
  • 5280 “Top Doc” for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” , 5280 Magazine (2010)
    Named 5280 “Top Doc” in 2010 for “Child Abuse Pediatrics” – selected by Denver metro-area physicians.
  • Colorado Advocate of the Year, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) (2009)
    Presented by Colorado CASA Board on October 16, 2009
  • Special Achievement Award, American Academy of Pediatrics (2008)
    Awarded for "distinguished service and dedication to the mission and goals of the academy for developing a Healthy Tomorrows project that creates a medical home for children in foster care in metro Denver".
  • National Collaborative Leadership Award, National Center on Substance and Child Welfare (2007)
    Presented by Sharon Amatetti, MPH, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on February 2, 2007.
  • 2007 Commissioner’s Award, Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Department of Health and Human Services (DDHS) (2007)
    Presented to an individual from each State and Territory who has made a significant contribution to the field of child maltreatment research or practice and has inspired others to join this crucial endeavor

Publications

  • Wells, K. Commentary on Kempe, the Next 50 Years. Int. Journal on Child Malt. 6, 347–351 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-023-00162-z
  • Wells KM and Bruns LA. Use trauma-informed approach to prevent child abuse when parent has substance use disorder. In AAP News. May 27, 2022, 14 (9).
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast Series - Episode 60: What Did Child Welfare Learn from 2020 - Child Welfare as Public Health (https://www.childwelfare.gov/more-tools-resources/podcast/episode-60/)
  • Tendler JA, Shanbhag PR, Wells KM. Child maltreatment and Cannabis: Intersection in Pediatric Emergency Department Visits. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine. 2020. 21(3).
  • Child Maltreatment and Cannabis: Intersection in Pediatric Emergency Department Visits

Professional Memberships

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Fellow
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Vice President
  • American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), Member
  • The Ray Helfer Society, Scholar Member
  • International Professional Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), Member
  • AAP Section on Child Abuse and Neglect, Member
  • AAP Section on Adoption and Foster Care, Member

Practice Locations

Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
13123 East 16th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
720-777-1234

Denver Health
777 Bannock St
Denver, CO 80204
303-436-6000

Hospital Affiliation
  • Children's Hospital Colorado
  • Denver Health Medical Center

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Child Abuse Pediatrics, Board Certification (2009)
  • Pediatrics, Board Certification (1996)

General Information

Medical Schools:
  • MD, Creighton University School of Medicine (1993)
Undergraduate Schools:
  • BS, Carroll College (MT) (1989)
Residency Programs:
  • Creighton University/University of Nebraska Program, Pediatrics (1996)
Fellowships:
  • University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program, Child Abuse Pediatrics (2003)
Languages: English
Department: Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect/Kempe
SOM Resources
CU Resources
Contact Us
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building
13001 East 17th Place
Campus Box C290
Aurora, CO 80045

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