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Colorado Mountain Medical physician honored as recipient of Vail Elevate Award
By Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
When the late David Scott received a kidney transplant, Dr. Monica Grafals was a provider at UCHealth in Denver who stood at his side, making sure he had a full understanding of the operation and felt comfortable in the process. After the successful transplant, Scott returned to his home of Eagle...
Key takeaway In late June, Grafals was named the recipient of the Vail Elevate Award, which was created by Vail Health in 2022 as a way for patients and their families to nominate and thank employees who have made an impact in their lives.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Dr. Monica Grafals' recognition with the Vail Elevate Award has significance for the Roaring Fork Valley, where many residents commute to nearby Eagle County for medical care. As a physician at Vail Health, Grafals' impact extends beyond her patients to the broader regional community that relies on the healthcare system. The award highlights the importance of compassionate and skilled medical professionals in rural mountain areas, where access to specialized care can be limited. Grafals' ability to build strong relationships with her patients, as evident in the Scott family's experience, is particularly valuable in a region where residents often face unique health challenges due to the high altitude and outdoor lifestyle. The Vail Elevate Award serves as a testament to the dedication of healthcare professionals like Grafals, who make a tangible difference in the lives of their patients and contribute to the well-being of the regional community.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When the late David Scott received a kidney transplant, Dr. Monica Grafals was a provider at UCHealth in Denver who stood at his side, making sure he had a full understanding of the operation and felt comfortable in the process. After the successful transplant, Scott returned to his home of Eagle...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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