Dr. Sarah Winbourn is departing from Kids First Health Care after serving as the agency’s Medical Director for 12 years. Dr. Winbourn has served as a thoughtful and effective leader, knowledgeable and compassionate pediatrician, and dedicated champion of the children and families we serve. As Dr. Winbourn takes the next steps in her career, Kids First has contracted with Dr. Dena Ross to serve as the agency’s Interim Medical Director.
“It has been an honor to serve the patients and families of Adams County as a physician and advocate for the last twelve years as the Medical Director of Kids First Health Care,” said Dr. Winbourn. “It is hard to leave the amazing patients, families and staff but I know there are exciting days ahead for Kids First Health Care.”
Dr. Winbourn has been recognized for her exceptional work serving underserved children in the community. During her tenure at Kids First, she has been recognized as the Physician of the Year by the Colorado Coalition of the Medically Underserved and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She also received the 2010 Outstanding Individual Medical Provider award from the Colorado Association of School-Based Health Care (CASBHC).
Dr. Winbourn reflected further on her time at Kids First: “During my time at Kids First Health Care, the organization has evolved from a small grassroots organization to a network of school-based health centers throughout Adams County. With this transition, we have had the opportunity to expand our partnerships and explore innovative, integrated health care models. I have been lucky to work with the dedicated and talented staff at Kids First Health Care who have kept us focused on our mission to provide high quality, patient centered medical care.”
Dr. Dena Ross is serving as our Interim Medical Director while Kids First conducts a thoughtful, thorough search for a permanent medical director. A board-certified pediatrician and fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Ross brings extensive pediatric health care experiences and an innovative approach to Kids First.
Dr. Ross graduated from the University of Rochester with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a teaching certificate. After two years of teaching high school chemistry, she decided to return to the University of Rochester for medical school. She completed her residency at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA and spent several years working in a variety of settings as a general pediatrician. She served as the Medical Director for Pediatric Medical Homes at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, OR. She recently earned a Healthcare Master of Business Administration degree through a joint program at Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University.
“I am excited to meet everyone at Kids First,” said Dr. Ross. “It is a great organization. I want to hear what people need from me as the Interim Medical Director. I get excited about change, but I realize it has to be done carefully. I love helping people find creative solutions to solvable problems.”
Although we will miss Dr. Winbourn immensely, Kids First is excited to welcome Dr. Ross to the team and looks forward to strengthening our clinical programs, as we move forward with a new medical director.