Jason Kolfenbach, MD

Website

Medical School

MD, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine (2004)

Undergraduate School

BS, University of Iowa (IA) (2000)

Internship

University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program (2005)

Residency

University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program, Internal Medicine (2007)

Fellowships

University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program, Rheumatology (2010)

Languages

English

Department

Medicine-Rheumatology

Recognitions

Nominee, Excellence in Direct Teaching Award, Academy of Medical Educators, University of Colorado (2012)
Recognition for Outstanding Service or Education, Housestaff Association Annual Survey (2012)
Faculty member, Championship Team in Knowledge Bowl, 2012 American College of Rheumatology Scientific Meeting, Washington, D.C. (2012)
Recognition for Outstanding Service or Education, Housestaff Association Annual Survey (2011)
Distinguished Fellow Award, American College of Rheumatology (2010)
Annual award given to the top graduating fellows in the field of rheumatology, based on clinical and research accomplishments during their training. Dr. Kolfenbach was one of ten recipients who received the award in 2010.

Publications

Shawver J, Reddy AK, Palestine AG, Kolfenbach JR. Patient Characteristics, Diagnoses, and Management in a Combined Uveitis-Rheumatology Clinic. Ophthalmol Ther. 2025 Feb;14(2):461-469. PubMed PMID: 39751769
Georges GE, Khanna D, Wener MH, Mei MG, Mayes MD, Simms RW, Sanchorawala V, Hosing C, Kafaja S, Pawarode A, Holmberg LA, Kolfenbach J, Furst DE, Sullivan KM, Huang S, Gooley T, Nash RA. Autologous Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: Identifying Disease Risk Factors for Toxicity and Long-Term Outcomes in a Prospective, Single-Arm Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 Dec 3. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39624016
Goglin S, Kolfenbach J. The Impact of COVID-19 on Education and Training in Rheumatology: A Narrative Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024 Jan;76(1):32-39. PubMed PMID: 37849427
Swartz Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. Telehealth: Adapting Clinical Assessment.
Goglin S, Kolfenbach J. The Impact of COVID-19 on Education and Training in Rheumatology: A Narrative Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024 Jan;76(1):32-39. PubMed PMID: 37849427
Conran C, Kolfenbach J, Kuhn K, Striebich C, Moreland L. A Review of Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis: Definition, Clinical Presentation, and Management. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2023 Dec;25(12):285-294. PubMed PMID: 37776482
Scott RA, Nau SA, Patnaik JL, Le CB, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG, Reddy AK. Cataract Surgery Outcomes in Patients with Non-ocular Autoimmune Disease. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023 Dec;12(6):3383-3393. PubMed PMID: 37603160
Bolster MB, Kolfenbach J, Poeschla A, Criscione-Schreiber L, Hant F, Ishizawar R, Jonas B, Leverenz D, O'Rourke KS, Wolfe RM, Zickuhr L. Incorporating Telemedicine in Rheumatology Fellowship Training Programs: Needs Assessment, Curricular Intervention, and Evaluation. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Dec;75(12):2428-2434. PubMed PMID: 37232060
Zickuhr L, Albert DA, Herndon C, Imundo LF, Lopker MJ Jr, Marston B, Mian N, O'Rourke K, Torralba KD, Westrich-Robertson T, Venuturupalli RS, Kolfenbach J, Bolster MB. Addressing Competency in Rheumatology Telehealth Care Delivery. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Jun;75(6):1213-1219. PubMed PMID: 36121041
Dua AB, Bolster MB, Gensler LS, Kolfenbach J, Mamut MH, Seo P, Jonas BL. Virtually Speaking: The Impact of a Nationwide Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Forum. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Jul;75(7):1563-1570. PubMed PMID: 35724301
UpToDate: Diabetic Muscle Infarction
UpToDate: Limited Joint Mobility in Diabetes Mellitus
UpToDate: Rheumatologic Manifestations of Acromegaly
Bowers E, Griffith M, Kolfenbach J, Pearson D, Hammes A, Weinstein E. Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce Thirty-Day Hospital Readmission Rates Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Jan;74(1):126-130. PubMed PMID: 32860731
Reddy AK, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG. Ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov 1;33(6):551-556. PubMed PMID: 36165413
Reddy AK, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG. Ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov 1;33(6):551-556. PubMed PMID: 36165413
Zickuhr L, Albert DA, Herndon C, Imundo LF, Lopker MJ Jr, Marston B, Mian N, O'Rourke K, Torralba KD, Westrich-Robertson T, Venuturupalli RS, Kolfenbach J, Bolster MB. Addressing Competency in Rheumatology Telehealth Care Delivery. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Sep 19. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 36121041
Dua AB, Bolster MB, Gensler LS, Kolfenbach J, Mamut MH, Seo P, Jonas BL. Virtually Speaking: The Impact of a Nationwide Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Forum. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 35724301
Liebowitz JE, Torralba KD, Kolfenbach J, Marston B, Dua AB, O'Rourke KS, McKown K, Battistone MJ, Valeriano-Marcet J, Edgar L, McLean S, Gouze KR, Bolster MB. Rheumatology Milestones 2.0: A Roadmap for Competency-Based Medical Training of Rheumatology Fellows in the 21st Century. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Apr;74(4):675-685. PubMed PMID: 33181000
Bowers E, Griffith M, Kolfenbach J, Pearson D, Hammes A, Weinstein E. Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce Thirty-Day Hospital Readmission Rates Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2022 Jan;74(1):126-130. PubMed PMID: 32860731
Hupy ML, Pecen PE, Kolfenbach JR, Lau M, Palestine AG. PURTSCHER'S?LIKE RETINOPATHY SECONDARY TO GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS FOLLOWING AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2022 Jul 1;16(4):444-447. PubMed PMID: 32332428
Ingram E, Claus L, Kolfenbach J, Wright G, Borgelt LM. Contraceptive Use in Women of Childbearing Ability With Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Apr 1;27(3):97-101. PubMed PMID: 31789996
Zickuhr L, Kolfenbach J, Bolster MB. Applying Educational Theory to Optimize Trainee Education in the Ambulatory Virtual Care Environment. Med Sci Educ. 2021 Oct;31(5):1715-1722. PubMed PMID: 34422453
Liebowitz JE, Torralba KD, Kolfenbach JR, Marston B, Dua AB, O’Rourke KS, McKown K, Battistone MJ, Valeriano-Marcet J, Edgar L, McLean S, Gouze KR, Bolster MB. Rheumatology Milestones 2.0: A Roadmap for Competency-Based Medical Training of Rheumatology Fellows in the 21st Century. Arthritis Care Res. 2020. Nov 12.
Liebowitz JE, Torralba KD, Kolfenbach J, Marston B, Dua AB, O'Rourke KS, McKown K, Battistone MJ, Valeriano-Marcet J, Edgar L, McLean S, Gouze KR, Bolster MB. Rheumatology Milestones 2.0: A Roadmap for Competency-Based Medical Training of Rheumatology Fellows in the 21(st) Century. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33181000
Bowers E, Griffith M, Kolfenbach J, Pearson D, Hammes A, Weinstein E. A Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce 30-Day Hospital Readmission Rates among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020 Aug 29. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32860731
Hupy ML, Pecen PE, Kolfenbach JR, Lau M, Palestine AG. PURTSCHER'S[FIGURE DASH]LIKE RETINOPATHY SECONDARY TO GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS FOLLOWING AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2020 Apr 23. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32332428
Reddy AK, Lau MK, Sieck EG, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG. Retinal artery occlusion followed by contralateral amaurosis fugax in association with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome). Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Jun;18:100683. PubMed PMID: 32309675
Dimou A, Barron G, Merrick DT, Kolfenbach J, Doebele RC. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a patient treated with dabrafenib and trametinib for BRAF V600E positive lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer. 2020 Mar 4;20(1):177. PubMed PMID: 32131760
Weinstein E, Kolfenbach JR. Chapter 10: How Can Members of My Health Care Team Help Me Manage my RA? Facing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families. Bolster MB & Stern TA. The Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy. 2020.
Marston B, Kolfenbach JR. How to Succeed in Fellowship & Beyond. The Rheumatologist. September 2020. https://www.the-rheumatologist.org.
Fredrickson JS, Kolfenbach JR, Holmes JL, Cathcart JN, Lynch AM, Palestine AG. Therapeutic challenges in the treatment of systemic inflammatory disease in pregnancy. Obstet Med. 2019 Dec;12(4):180-185. PubMed PMID: 31853258
Ingram E, Claus L, Kolfenbach J, Wright G, Borgelt LM. Contraceptive Use in Women of Childbearing Ability With Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2019 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31789996
West SG, Pearson DW, Striebich CC, Goecker R, Kolfenbach JR. The Effect of Pre-Appointment Consultation Triage on Patient Selection and Revenue Generation in a University Rheumatology Practice. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2019 May;71(5):689-693. PubMed PMID: 29999252
Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. West, Kolfenbach. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 2: Top 100 Rheumatology Secrets. West, Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 5: History & Physical Examination. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 6: Laboratory Evaluation. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 11: Approach for Patients with Monoarticular Arthritis Symptoms. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 12: Approach for Patients with Polyarticular Arthritis Symptoms. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 19: Scleroderma Mimics. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 33: Relapsing Polychondritis. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 48: Endocrine-Associated Arthropathies. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 60: Approach for the Patients with Neck and Low Back Pain. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 61: Fibromyalgia. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 74: Raynaud's Phenomenon. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 75: Autoimmune Eye and Ear Disorders. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 81: Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs. Kolfenbach. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition. Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA.
Li MY, Kolfenbach J, Schocket A. Not All Rashes Are Allergic: Keratoderma Blennorrhagicum-Like Rash Masquerading as Contact Dermatitis. Allergy Rhinol (Providence). 2018 Jan-Dec;9:2152656718811566. PubMed PMID: 30546925
West SG, Pearson DW, Striebich CC, Goecker R, Kolfenbach JR. The Effect of Pre-appointment Consult Triage on Patient Selection and Revenue Generation in a University Rheumatology Practice. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Jul 12. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29999252
Fredrickson JS, Holmes J, Cathcart JN, Lynch AM, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG. Specialty management differences of syphilis and toxoplasmosis surrounding pregnancy: a prospective cross-sectional study. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect. 2018 Jul 3;8(1):10. PubMed PMID: 29971681
Ozzello DJ, Kolfenbach JR, Palestine AG. Uveitis Specialists and Rheumatologists Select Different Therapies for Idiopathic Non-necrotizing Anterior Scleritis. Ophthalmol Ther. 2016 Dec;5(2):245-252. PubMed PMID: 27744531
Palestine AG, Kolfenbach JR, Ozzello DJ. Rheumatologists and Ophthalmologists Differ in Treatment Decisions for Ocular Behçet Disease. J Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Sep;22(6):316-9. PubMed PMID: 27556239
Palestine AG, Singh JK, Kolfenbach JR, Ozzello DJ. Specialty Practice and Cost Considerations in the Management of Uveitis Associated With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016 Jul 1;53(4):246-51. PubMed PMID: 27182746
Deane KD, Kolfenbach JR. Don’t Miss Rheumatology Conditions. Medscape. August 2016. http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/rheumatologic-findings
Gan RW, Trouw LA, Shi J, Toes RE, Huizinga TW, Demoruelle MK, Kolfenbach JR, Zerbe GO, Deane KD, Edison JD, Gilliland WR, Norris JM, Holers VM. Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies are present prior to rheumatoid arthritis and are associated with its future diagnosis. J Rheumatol. 2015 Apr;42(4):572-9. PubMed PMID: 25593232
Shoulder Pain: The Latest in Diagnosis and Care, Part I. Medscape. February 2015.
Shoulder Pain: The Latest in Diagnosis and Care, Part II. Medscape. March 2015.
Regional and Widespread Soft Tissue Musculoskeletal Disorders. Content developed for the American College of Rheumatology’s Rheum 2 Learn series, for student and resident education. Can be found at: http://www.rheumatology.org/Learning-Center/Educational-Activities/Online-Courses/Rheum2Learn/Regional-Musculoskeletal-Disorders
Diagnosing Disorders of the Hand (that aren’t arthritis). Medscape. October 2015
Diagnosing and Treating Rheumatic Skin Disorders. Medscape. December 2015
Gan RW, Trouw LA, Shi J, Toes RE, Huizinga TW, Demoruelle MK, Kolfenbach JR, Zerbe GO, Deane KD, Edison JD, Gilliland WR, Norris JM, Holers VM. Anti-carbamylated Protein Antibodies Are Present Prior to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Are Associated with Its Future Diagnosis. J Rheumatol. 2015 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 25593232
Rheumatology Secrets. 3rd edition. West. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2014. Chapter 81: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Evaluating Knee Pain: The Latest in Diagnosis and Management. Bret S. Stetka, MD; Kevin Deane, MD, PhD; Jason R. Kolfenbach, MD March 13, 2014. Medscape. http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/evaluating-knee-pain
Back Pain: The Latest in Diagnosis and Management Bret S. Stetka, MD; Kevin Deane, MD, PhD; Jason R. Kolfenbach, MD. September 2014
Demoruelle MK, Weisman MH, Simonian PL, Lynch DA, Sachs PB, Pedraza IF, Harrington AR, Kolfenbach JR, Striebich CC, Pham QN, Strickland CD, Petersen BD, Parish MC, Derber LA, Norris JM, Holers VM, Deane KD. “Airways abnormalities and rheumatoid arthritis-related autoantibodies in subjects without arthritis: Early injury or initiating site of autoimmunity?” Arthritis Rheum. 2011 Dec 19 (available by Epub ahead of publication)
Demoruelle MK, Weisman MH, Derber LA, Kolfenbach JR, et. al. “Lung Abnormalities in Subjects with Elevations of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Autoantibodies without Arthritis by Examination and Imaging Suggest the Lung Is An Early and Perhaps Initiating Site of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis”. Abstract. 2011 ACR Scientific Meeting.
Willis V, Parish M, Derber LA, Demoruelle MK, Kolfenbach JR, et. al. “Total Protein, Citrullination and Autoantibodies Are Elevated in Lungs of Patients with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared to Controls: Pilot Study Results”. Abstract. 2011 ACR Scientific Meeting.
Kolfenbach JR, Horner BJ, Ferucci ED, West SG. “Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in Patients with Connective Tissue Disease and Myelitis”. Arthritis Care Res. 2011 Aug 63 (8):1203-8.
Kolfenbach JR, Deane KD, Derber LA, O'Donnell CI, Gilliland WR, Edison JD, Rosen A, Darrah E, Norris JM, Holers VM. “Autoimmunity to Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase Type 4 Precedes Clinical Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis”. Arthritis Rheum. 2010 Sept 15; 61(9):2633-2639.
Kolfenbach JR, Derber LA, Deane KD. "Application of the New ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis to At-Risk Populations May Identify RA Prior to Clinical Presentation”. Abstract. 2010 ACR Scientific Meeting. Chosen for presentation in an Oral Concurrent Session.
Kolfenbach JR, Horner BJ, West SG. "Clinical implications of the NMO-IgG Antibody and overlapping Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in patients with Connective Tissue Disease and myelitis". Abstract. 2010 ACR Scientific Meeting. Chosen for presentation in an Oral Concurrent Session.
Hughes-Austin, JM, Deane KD, Derber LA, Kolfenbach JR, Holers VM, Norris J. “Multiple Serum Cytokines/Chemokines Are Associated with RA-Related Autoantibodies in First-Degree Relatives without Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Studies of the Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (SERA)”. Abstract. 2010 ACR Scientific Meeting.
Deane KD, Demoruelle K, Parish M, Hilton W, Harrington L, Derber LA, Kolfenbach JR, et. al. “Variability of Anti-CCP Kit Testing in Cohorts with and without RA.”. Abstract. 2010 ACR Scientific Meeting.
Kolfenbach JR, Deane KD, Derber LA, O'Donnell C, Weisman MH, Buckner JH, Gersuk VH, Wei S, Mikuls TR, O'Dell J, Gregersen PK, Keating RM, Norris JM, Holers VM. “A Prospective Approach to Investigating the Natural History of Pre-Clinical Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Using First-Degree Relatives of Probands with RA”. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Dec 15;61(12):1735-42.
Kolfenbach JR. “Chapter 84: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)”. Rheumatology Secrets, 3rd Edition (submitted).

View All (76 Total) View Less

Professional Memberships

Colorado Medical Society (CMS), Member
American College of Rheumatology, Member
Scleroderma Foundation (Rocky Mountain chapter), Medical Advisory Board
American College of Rheumatology Student and Resident Education Subcommittee, Member

Practice Locations

UCHealth Rheumatology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct
4th Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-7700

Hospital Affiliation

University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties

Internal Medicine, Board Certification (2007)
Rheumatology, Board Certification (2009)

Conditions & Treatments

Bones, Joints and Muscles - Arthritis
Immune System - Autoimmune Disorders
Immune System - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Bones, Joints and Muscles
Immune System

Clinical Interests
My primary work is as a clinician-educator currently involved in patient care and clinical education of students, residents, and fellow-level trainees at the University of Colorado Hospital. I held the position of Assistant Program Director of the Rheumatology Fellowship from 2012-2015, and was officially named the Program Director in July of 2015. I see patients across the spectrum of rheumatic disease, but also sub-specialize in the fields of systemic sclerosis and autoimmune ocular disease. These subspecialty interests allow for inter-disciplinary collaboration between the division of rheumatology and other specialists in pulmonology, hand surgery, vascular medicine, gastroenterology, and ophthalmology. These collaborations provide educational opportunities for faculty and trainees, academic and research opportunities, and most importantly, improved patient care.

Volunteer Activities
I work closely with the Scleroderma Foundation, providing educational presentations to patients and serving on the local Scientific Advisory Board. In addition, I serve as a volunteer on several committees through the American College of Rheumatology, primarily in the areas of education and the rheumatology workforce.

Professor, Medicine-Rheumatology