Spotlight

Dr. Lia Gore

Dr. Lia Gore

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Dr. Lia Gore, MD, Section Head of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Colorado and Professor at University of Colorado School of Medicine

What makes her an “Audrey” Dr. Lia Gore, MD, pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, is a remarkable leader who exudes the values of Children’s Hospital Colorado, including humble expertise and boundless creativity. Through her groundbreaking research, Dr. Gore has expanded access to promising new therapies for children with cancer, reshaping the landscape of pediatric oncology. Dr. Gore’s work has transformed pediatric cancer research and treatment, leading to groundbreaking advancements that have saved countless lives. Her impact extends far beyond the patients she directly treats, creating a ripple effect that continues to inspire and benefit children, families, and researchers worldwide.

Dr. Gore has done more than 350 invited talks and lectures and has been a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on more than 220 clinical trials.

When Dr. Gore began her work, access to cutting-edge treatments was limited—only children with solid tumors were eligible for the newest clinical trials, while those with leukemia’s and brain tumors were actively excluded. These children often waited years for access, by which time it was too late. Driven by her unwavering dedication, Dr. Gore collaborated with fellow investigators to change this paradigm, ensuring that more pediatric patients could participate in trials without compromising safety.

Her advocacy also led to lowering the age restrictions for investigational treatments, allowing younger children and adolescents to benefit from clinical trials previously reserved for those over 18.

Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the development and approval of blinatumomab, which has a 96% cure rate in pediatric patients with leukemia. Under her leadership, Children’s Hospital Colorado became one of the few sites within the Children's Oncology Group to pioneer clinical trials for this life-saving drug in children.

Notable achievements:

  • Best Doctors in America (2005-Present)

  • Physician of the Year, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Rocky Mountain Chapter (2007)

  • America’s Top Oncologists (2007-Present)

  • New Inventor of the Year, University of Colorado (2007)

  • Distinguished Achievement Award, Carleton College Alumni Association (2012)

  • American Society of Hematology International Scholars Mentor (2012)

  • Outstanding Volunteer Teacher, International Baccalaureate Program, George Washington High School (2012-14)

  • Disruptive Innovators in Research Excellence, University of Colorado School of Medicine (2013)

  • Superhero Award, Roundup River Ranch and the SeriousFun Network (2017)

  • Provider of the Month, Children’s Hospital Colorado (2018)

  • Colorado Parent, Top Pediatrician, Denver CO (2019, 2020)

  • Top Docs Award, 5280 Magazine, Denver CO (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

  • Exceptional Women in Medicine (2022)

  • Becker’s Top 100 Cancer Programs (2023)

Dr. Audrey Evans inspires me because she was never willing to settle for the status quo.  She always found joy in her work and always pursued better answers for her patients and for patients overall.  

I want my legacy to be that the work we do together today brings the children of tomorrow a rich and happy life — because people they never knew were willing to take a chance to find them better therapies.