Steve Abman

Dr. Steve Abman is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics-Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine. He serves in multiple leadership roles including Co-Director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Director of the Pediatric Heart Lung Center, Founder and Director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network, and Co-Head of the Pediatric Task Force at the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute.

Dr. Abman completed his medical degree at Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine in 1979, following undergraduate studies at Carleton College (MN) where he earned a BA in 1975. His clinical training includes an internship at the University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program (1980), residency in Pediatrics at the University of Colorado (1983), and dual fellowships in Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at the University of Colorado (1986).

Dr. Abman's research focuses on pulmonary hypertension in neonates and children, particularly in the context of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other developmental lung diseases. His work spans basic science investigations into lung development and vascular biology, translational studies examining novel therapeutic approaches, and clinical research establishing evidence-based guidelines for management. He has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary approaches to pediatric pulmonary hypertension and establishing multicenter research networks to advance the field.

Analysis of Dr. Abman's recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong emphasis on pulmonary hypertension in developmental lung disease, with particular focus on bronchopulmonary dysplasia. His work spans clinical guidelines development, translational research on novel therapeutics like nintedanib, and investigations into genetic factors such as SOX17 and TBX4 mutations that contribute to pediatric pulmonary hypertension. A significant portion of his recent work addresses practical clinical challenges in managing severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, including home ventilation strategies and the impact of environmental factors.

• International Arvo Yllpo Medal Award, Finland (2017) - awarded once every 5 years for outstanding research of newborn and premature infants
• Mary Ellen Avery Award, Society for Pediatric Research (2016) - recognizing lifetime achievement in pediatric investigation
• Maureen Andrew Mentorship Award, Society for Pediatric Research (2015) - national award for outstanding mentorship
• Distinguished Achievement Award, American Thoracic Society (2015) - for outstanding contributions to fighting respiratory disease

Dr. Abman has been actively involved in mentoring numerous trainees and junior faculty throughout his career, as evidenced by the Maureen Andrew Mentorship Award he received in 2015. He has led multiple multicenter research initiatives including the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) and the Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Collaborative, securing substantial grant funding to support these networks. His leadership extends to the American Pediatric Society where he served as President and has been instrumental in establishing initiatives addressing racism and social injustice as determinants of child health.

Dr. Abman founded and directs the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network, a multicenter research consortium that has established one of the largest pediatric pulmonary hypertension registries. He also founded and previously directed the Ventilator Care Program and currently co-directs the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program. Through the BPD Collaborative, which he founded and serves as Executive Board Member, he has helped establish standardized approaches to care for infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia across multiple institutions.