Denver Health has appointed Yael Schenker, MD, MAS, as its new Chief Academic Officer. In this position, Dr. Schenker will oversee research and education efforts within the health system. She is tasked with leading and expanding multidisciplinary academic programs that align with Denver Health’s mission as a learning health system.
Dr. Schenker brings significant experience to the role. She previously worked at the University of Pittsburgh from 2010 to 2025, where she served as Professor of Medicine, Director of the Palliative Research Center, and Associate Director for Education and Training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center. In addition to her leadership roles, she practices palliative medicine and is known for mentoring others in her field.
Her research has received support from federal agencies and foundations, focusing on improving care for patients with serious illnesses. Dr. Schenker has led several large-scale trials that test different models of palliative care.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Literature from Harvard University and completed medical school, residency in internal medicine, and a general internal medicine research fellowship at the University of California San Francisco. Her training included time at San Francisco General Hospital.
Dr. Schenker emphasized the importance of safety net health systems such as Denver Health in serving communities and highlighted her belief in research as essential for addressing patient needs.
“She values the role that safety net health systems like Denver Health have in serving the community and believes strongly in the importance of research for meeting the health needs of all patients.”
