At the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where I have served as a Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, I co-led federally-funded health services research programs, mentored junior faculty across disciplines, and co-led several group mentorship programs for faculty and trainees.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the scientific synthesis team that developed clinical guidance for Children’s Hospital Colorado, translating evidence into rapidly evolving clinical guidelines that were integrated into the health system’s electronic workflows as decision support.
As the founding director of the research scientist team at OCHIN, Inc., a health IT company, I founded and grew a 24-member team of PhD-trained investigators and oversaw a research portfolio spanning more than 40 federal and foundation grants. I developed sustainable infrastructure for health equity-focused research that included mixed methods research, pragmatic trials, population health, policy research, and health services research.
Leadership Approach
My approach to leadership is a coaching leadership style. I believe it is worth the investment of 1:1 time to learn the goals, strengths, and growth areas of my team members and direct reports. Knowing how to work with a range of experience, skills, and working styles plays a big role in the success of a team. My most recent hire was an experienced statistician who had many strengths as a methodologist and mentor, but who was reluctant to say “no” to any tasks. To effectively lead, I had to know when to let her make her own mistakes in over-committing and when to step in and course correct. Another researcher I hired had more advanced analytic skills than I. I recognized this and positioned myself as a support structure — I helped clear the path for him to achieve his goals. I believe that good leaders pay attention, listen actively, and play to the strengths of each partner and colleague.
Marion R. Sills, MD, MPH 